# Labor and Employment (GLE)

## Title 3. Employment Standards and Conditions

### Subtitle 4. Wages and Hours

#### Section 3-413

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Employer" includes a governmental unit.

  (3) "Small employer" means an employer that employs 14 or fewer employees.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section and Sec. 3-414 of this subtitle, each employer shall pay:

  (1) to each employee who is subject to both the federal Act and this subtitle, at least the greater of:

    (i) the minimum wage for that employee under the federal Act; or

    (ii) the State minimum wage set under subsection (c) of this section; and

  (2) to each other employee who is subject to this subtitle, at least the greater of:

    (i) the highest minimum wage under the federal Act; or

    (ii) the State minimum wage set under subsection (c) of this section.

(c)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State minimum wage rate is:

    (i) for the 12-month period beginning January 1, 2023, $13.25 per hour; and

    (ii) beginning January 1, 2024, $15.00 per hour.

  (2) The State minimum wage rate for a small employer is:

    (i) for the 12-month period beginning January 1, 2023, $12.80 per hour; and

    (ii) beginning January 1, 2024, $15.00 per hour.

(d) An employer may pay an employee a wage that equals a rate of 85% of the State minimum wage established under this section if the employee is under the age of 18 years.

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Md. Code Ann., Lab. & Empl. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)