This is a reminder for all Maryland employers that effective January 1, 2022, Maryland’s minimum wage rates increased to $12.50 for employers with 15 or more employees, and to $12.20 for employers with 14 or fewer employees.
Rates will continue to increase gradually each year for both large and small businesses until a $15 an hour rate is reached in 2025 (for large businesses) and in 2026 (for small businesses).
Montgomery County
Minimum wage rates for Montgomery County are different and will not increase again until July 1, 2022.
Howard County
Howard County recently passed legislation to increase minimum wage rates on an expedited basis to $16 per hour over the next several years. The county legislation takes effect February 12, 2022. Rate increases are summarized below.
Howard Co. Large Employers (15 or more employees)
Effective Date Rate
April 1, 2022 $14 per hour
January 1, 2023 $15 per hour
January 1, 2025 $16 per hour
Howard Co. Small Employers (14 or fewer employees)
Effective Date Rate
April 1, 2022 $12.50 per hour
January 1, 2023 $13.25 per hour
January 1, 2024 $14 per hour
January 1, 2025 $14.75 per hour
January 1, 2026 $15.50 per hour
July 1, 2026 $16 per hour
Howard Co. Government Employees
July 1, 2022 $15 per hour
July 1, 2024 $16 per hour
Compliance
Penalties for failure to comply with minimum wage and overtime laws are steep. The beginning of the new year is always a good time to audit pay practices to ensure compliance with applicable laws.