Maryland Employment Laws

Maryland's statewide minimum wage is $15.00/hr (reached January 1, 2024). Youth under 18: $12.75/hr (85% of standard). Tipped employees: $3.63/hr (employer must ensure total with tips meets $15/hr). Montgomery County: $17.65/hr for 51+ employees (July 2025). Howard County: $16.00/hr by January 2026.

Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, and disability. Applies to employers with 15+ employees for general claims, expanded to 1+ employee for harassment claims effective October 2024.

Employers with 15+ employees must provide paid sick and safe leave. Smaller employers provide unpaid leave. Accrual: 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 64 hours per year. Leave can be used for employee's own illness, family member care, or safety-related issues (domestic violence, stalking).

Provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected paid family and medical leave. Benefits replace up to 90% of weekly wages (capped at $1,000/week). Funded through payroll contributions starting January 2027, with benefits expected to begin January 2028. Eligibility: 680+ hours worked in Maryland in the prior 12 months.

Maryland is an at-will employment state. Either party can terminate the relationship at any time for any lawful reason. Exceptions exist for discrimination, retaliation, violation of public policy, and contractual agreements.