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Labor laws in Maryland are needed in order to ensure a just and safe workplace. Maryland labor laws establish the rights and duties of employers and employees, providing fair treatment, workplace safety, and protection of workers’ rights.
Maryland has its own set of worker and employment standards to supplement federal laws. The state laws cover aspects like wages, overtime, leave policies, workplace safety, and anti-discrimination protection. For employers, having an understanding of Maryland’s employment laws becomes important while hiring or managing employees in the state because it ensures compliance and a positive work environment.
Let’s check the State of Maryland labor laws in this blog.
Standard Working Hours
There are several state and federal laws regarding standard working hours and minimum wages as well. In this section, we will understand how many hours employees need to work and what the minimum wages are.
Minimum Wages
Under the Fair Wage Act, all Maryland employers are required to pay an underlying wage of $15.00/hr, with no size distinction.
- Employers with 51 or more workers: $17.65/hr
- Employers with 11 to 50 workers: $16.00/hr
- Employers with 10 or fewer workers: $15.50/hr
Tipped Minimum Wages
Maryland employers can pay their tipped employees a lower cash wage of $3.63 an hour, provided their total earnings equal at least the state minimum wage of $15.00 per hour.
Overtime Laws
As per the labor laws in Maryland for salary employees, overtime pay is intended to reward employees who go beyond their regular workweek hours and contribute extra hours beyond 40. Maryland employees are entitled to 1.5x their regular hourly rate when exceeding 40 workweek hours each work week.
Meal And Rest Breaks
It is not imposed; Maryland labor laws breaks for adult employees; however, certain industries and situations have specific policies regarding break time for workers aged 18 or under.
A 30-minute break must be provided after every five consecutive hours worked by minors under 18.
According to this statute:
Employees working 4-6 hours can take a 15-minute non-working break every six hours; for those working more than 6 consecutive hours, this should increase to 30-minute non-working breaks that may even be unpaid in some circumstances.
Maryland follows federal standards and employer policies when it comes to breaks for employees working under federal labor law (FLSA):
Short breaks lasting 5-20 minutes must be compensated, while bona fide meal breaks of 30 minutes or longer may be taken without payment as long as employees are fully relieved from duties at work.
Knowledge of these provisions helps employees understand their rights and comply with Maryland labor laws on breaks.
Leave Laws
Workers in Maryland might require time away from work due to illness, medical treatment, emergencies, or family obligations.
Employers in the state must offer a range of leaves, based on the size of the company:
| Type of Leave | Details |
| Mandatory for All Employers |
|
| Employers with 15+ Workers Must Also Offer |
|
| Employers with 50+ Employees Must Also Offer |
|
Federal FMLA
Provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, covered leave for childbirth, adoption, foster care placement, caring for an ill family member with a serious health condition, or attending to their own medical needs.
Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
Beginning in 2026, Maryland’s PFML program will entitle eligible employees to take paid leave and wage replacement for serious health issues, child bonding during the first year of birth/adoption/fostering, and caring for family members with serious health issues.
Additional leave benefits, including vacation time, may be provided by many employers to recruit and retain employees, although they are not statutorily required.
Child Labor Laws
In Maryland, the working age of 14 is required for most non-agricultural employment.
Under the age of 14 is usually not allowed to work, except very limited types of employment like newspaper delivery, babysitting, family businesses that don’t involve dangerous labor, or the entertainment world with special permits.
All minors younger than 18 years old are required to get a work permit prior to beginning work. The permit is signed by the minor, the employer, and a parent or guardian, and sent in via the Maryland Department of Labor’s Youth Employment website. Employers must have a copy of the permit on hand while the child is working.
Work Hours and Age Restrictions:
| Age Group | School Year | Summer Break | Rest Period |
| 14–15-Year-Olds | Up to 3 school hours a day and 18 school hours a week; work between 7 am and 7 pm; minimum of 8 hours non-work/non-school time; up to 12 combined work and school hours a day. | Up to 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week; can work until 9 pm. | All minors are entitled to a 30-minute rest period after 5 continuous hours of work, whether or not attending school. |
| 16–17-Year-Olds | More freedom, but hours and conditions still depend on whether or not school is in session. | More freedom, but hours and conditions still depend on whether or not school is in session. | All minors are entitled to a 30-minute rest period after 5 continuous hours of work, whether or not attending school. |
Occupations Forbidden:
Minors under 18 years of age are barred from occupations with:
- Heavy machinery or automobiles
- Explosives or dangerous substances
- Roofing, demolition work, logging, or excavation work
- Serving liquor in those establishments where it is the main business
Employers are required to post notices describing Maryland labor laws minors and keep accurate records of all working hours to comply with state laws.
Workplace And Safety
Maryland manages its own Occupational Safety and Health program under an OSHA-approved state plan, called Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH). This program covers most private-sector workplaces as well as all state and local government employees. Certain industries, such as maritime operations, federal employment, and military bases, remain under federal OSHA jurisdiction.
Employers must comply with applicable safety standards and ensure employees are trained on hazards, safe work practices, and emergency procedures.
Employee Rights Under MOSH:
- Work in a safe and healthy environment.
- Receive training in a language they understand.
- Report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation and file confidential complaints.
- Request a MOSH inspection if serious hazards exist.
Key Employer Obligations Include:
- Post the official MOSH workplace safety notice visibly.
- Providing personal protective equipment at no cost.
- Maintaining written safety programs and hazard communication plans where required.
- Reporting workplace fatalities within 8 hours, and serious injuries like inpatient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye within 24 hours.
If violations are found, MOSH may issue citations, fines, or require corrective actions. Employers have the right to contest citations and participate in conferences or hearings.
Taxes In Maryland
Maryland’s tax system encompasses state, local, and federal taxes, which affect individuals and businesses alike. Maryland imposes an individual income tax with rates ranging from 2.00% to 5.75% depending on income level; additionally, certain local jurisdictions levy income taxes which vary by county or city.
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Curious Minds Also Ask
What are the labor laws in the state of Maryland?
State of Maryland labor laws include minimum wage, overtime, meal/rest breaks, child labor, sick pay, payment of wages, workplace safety, anti-discrimination, and unemployment compensation.
How many breaks are in an 8 hour shift by law in Maryland?
There are no requirements by Maryland labor laws on breaks or lunchtime for workers who are 18 and older.
How many hours can you work straight in Maryland?
Maryland does not put restrictions on the number of hours worked per day by an adult; overtime (more than 40 hours/week) has to be paid 1.5 times the regular rate for non-exempt staff.
What are my rights as an employee in Maryland?
Employees are entitled to minimum wage, overtime, safe working conditions, paid sick time, anti-discrimination protection, payment of wages, and unemployment compensation.
Does Maryland require PTO payout?
Maryland labor law does not mandate payment for accrued PTO or vacation unless a written policy otherwise requires.
What is required on a wage notice in Maryland?
Wage notice at time of hiring, with employer name and address, rate of pay, schedule of payment, and regular work schedule.
Can I choose not to take a lunch break in Maryland?
Yes, workers may opt out of having a lunch break if the employer permits.
What is the tip law in Maryland?
Tips belong to the employee; employers do not have the right to make managers or supervisors accept them, and tip pooling must be limited to eligible employees.
Can you get fired without a written warning in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland is an at-will state; workers may be fired with or without cause or notice, except where under contract or union agreement.
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Can an employer change your schedule without notice in Maryland?
Yes, employers do have the ability to change schedules without notice unless there is a contract or collective bargaining agreement that says otherwise.
How many breaks are in an 8 hour shift in Maryland?
Neither Maryland law nor any local ordinances mandate any breaks or lunchtime periods for people 18 and over.
What is wrongful termination in Maryland?
Wrongful termination happens when an employee is discharged contrary to federal or state law, including discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract.
What is the mini warn law in Maryland?
The Maryland Mini-WARN Act mandates 50+ employers to provide 60 days’ notice for mass layoffs or plant closings impacting 25+ employees.
FAQ's
What is the minimum wage in Maryland for 2025?
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As of January 1, 2025, Maryland’s minimum wage is $15.00 per hour for all employers, following the state’s schedule to reach a uniform rate for both large and small businesses.
Are Maryland employees entitled to paid sick leave?
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Yes. Under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act, employers with 15 or more workers must provide paid sick and safe leave, while smaller employers must provide unpaid leave. Employees can earn up to 40 hours per year.
How does overtime pay work in Maryland?
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Non-exempt employees are entitled to 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek, consistent with federal FLSA regulations.
Can an employer terminate an employee without cause in Maryland?
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Maryland is an at-will employment state, meaning employers may terminate workers for any lawful reason. However, terminations based on discrimination, retaliation, or violation of public policy are illegal.
