Maryland · updated 2026-10
Maryland Overtime & Break Laws
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Overtime
40h / week
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
1.5x after 40 hours/week; bowling alleys and non-hospital residential care institutions after 48; agricultural workers after 60.
Meal break
Not required
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in Maryland; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Rest breaks
Not required
Maryland law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
Minimum wage
$15.00
$15.00 an hour (since 2024-01-01). Tipped cash wage $3.63; under-18 may be paid 85%. Montgomery County from 2026-07-01: $18.00 (51+ employees), $16.50 (11-50), $15.95 (10 or fewer). Howard County $16.00.
Maryland time card
| Day | Clock in | Break min | Clock out | Hours |
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Maryland pay and break questions
When does overtime start in Maryland?
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. 1.5x after 40 hours/week; bowling alleys and non-hospital residential care institutions after 48; agricultural workers after 60.
Are lunch breaks required in Maryland?
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in Maryland; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Are rest breaks required in Maryland?
Maryland law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
What is the minimum wage in Maryland?
$15.00 an hour (since 2024-01-01). Tipped cash wage $3.63; under-18 may be paid 85%. Montgomery County from 2026-07-01: $18.00 (51+ employees), $16.50 (11-50), $15.95 (10 or fewer). Howard County $16.00.
Workers under 18 in Maryland
Teens have extra limits on hours and times of day, and may need a work permit. See Maryland teen work rules and which employers hire at 14 and 15.
Questions or a complaint? Contact the Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Labor and Industry.