The Maryland Minimum Wage and Overtime Laws specifically set how much and when a worker must be paid.
The laws are set forth by state statute and non-exempt employers must comply with these laws. There are numerous exceptions to these laws based upon the type of employment, the classification of the job, the type and manner of compensation, and the size of the employer. There are also federal wage laws pursuant to the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that also set forth pay requirements from employers.
Maryland Overtime Pay Laws
Overtime is payment to an employee of one and one-half (1.5) times the regular hourly wage for work performed in excess of 40 hours in a 7-day week.
For some occupations in Maryland, overtime is calculated based on a different period of time. Certain farm workers, for example, receive overtime for hours worked over 60 in a week.
However, under state and federal laws, some employers are exempt from the requirement to pay overtime, and some employees are exempt from the right to receive it.
Salaried employees, who fit the description of “Executive,” “Administrative,” or “Professional” are generally exempt under the law from receiving overtime, regardless of the number of hours they are required to work in a week.
Some employers, in attempting to avoid paying overtime, make the decision to pay a salary to workers who do not fit the definition of Executive, Administrative or Professional. This practice does not eliminate the obligation of an employer to pay overtime based on a mathematical calculation of the employee’s average hourly wage to employees who are otherwise eligible.
Leave hours, including vacation, sick time, holiday, etc., are not counted toward the accumulated hours in a week for overtime purposes. Overtime is calculated on hours actually worked.
Maryland Minimum Wage Laws
Maryland has adopted a minimum wage of $8.25 per hour. This law applies to employers who do not meet the coverage requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and who have four or more employees excluding spouse, children, and parents of the employer.
Employers must establish regular pay rates and pay dates, and pay employees all wages, salaries, and commissions on or before the established pay day.
Fringe benefits such as vacation, sick, holiday, and severance pay are not required to be given under the law, and employers may establish any or no policy regarding these fringe benefits.
Payment must be made in cash, by check, or direct deposit if the employee chooses, and, in limited circumstances, by payroll debit cards.
The law prohibits employers from making deductions, other than for taxes or other items required by law such as garnishments, without first securing the employee’s written authorization to do so.
Even with written permission, employees cannot be required to forfeit their wages for shortages, errors, damages, etc. Employers can be assessed a $1,000 penalty per violation or face criminal charges for intentionally and willfully violating this law.
Click here for more information on Minimum Wage Laws.
Maryland Minimum Wage & Overtime Laws Resource
An excellent resource for information is the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation website.
Largest Cities in Maryland Providing Jobs
The ten largest cities in the State of Maryland provide jobs and income to both their own residents and those from outside communities. These include jobs in both public sector and private sector. The cities are listed below:
- Baltimore
- Columbia
- Silver Spring
- Dundalk
- Rockville
- Ellicott City
- Wheaton
- Gaithersburg
- Frederick
- Germantown
Commonly Asked Maryland Overtime Pay Questions
You probably have questions about the overtime pay laws in Maryland. Our legal team will answer all of your questions and concerns, including:
- How much is overtime pay?
- Am I entitled to overtime pay?
- Does Maryland have mandatory overtime laws?
- What is the Maryland wage and hour law?
- When is overtime owed?
- What is the overtime rate?
- How do I get my unpaid overtime pay?
Free Legal Advice For Maryland Unpaid Overtime Pay Claims
If you were not paid the required minimum wage pay or overtime pay, you have the legal right to pursue a wage claim against the past or present employer. There are strict time deadlines so you should contact our unpaid overtime lawyers today to determine whether you are owed unpaid wages. We will represent you on a No Win, No Fee basis so there are no legal fees or expenses unless we recover your unpaid lost wages for you.
To file a Maryland wage law claim, you should contact our highly qualified overtime lawyers today at (855) 754-2795 for a free, no obligation Case Review. You can also complete the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review box on this page and an experienced attorney will contact you shortly.