Maryland Overtime Laws
Maryland has its own overtime laws in addition to federal FLSA requirements.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
None
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$15.00
Overtime Rules
| Weekly Overtime | Hours over 40 in a workweek paid at 1.5x |
| Daily Overtime | Not required by state law |
| Double Time | Not required by state law |
| 7th Consecutive Day | No special rule |
Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from overtime requirements:
Executive, administrative, and professional employees
Important Notes
Maryland follows federal weekly overtime rules.
State Labor Department
Maryland Economy and Workforce
Maryland's economy benefits significantly from its proximity to Washington, D.C., with the federal government and defense sector driving substantial employment. The state is also a national leader in biotechnology and life sciences, with the industry contributing $20 billion annually and ranking third among the nation's top biopharma clusters.
Industries with Common Overtime
These Maryland industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
Federal Government and Defense Contracting
With Fort Meade employing 63,000 workers and numerous federal agencies headquartered in the state, government contractors and support staff frequently work overtime during project deadlines and fiscal year-end periods.
Biotechnology and Life Sciences
Laboratory technicians, research staff, and pharmaceutical manufacturing workers often work overtime during clinical trials, research projects, and production deadlines.
Healthcare
With Johns Hopkins accounting for nearly 94,000 jobs, nurses, technicians, and hospital support staff commonly work overtime due to patient care demands.
Cybersecurity and Technology
Home to NSA, U.S. Cyber Command, and numerous tech companies, IT professionals and security analysts often work extended hours during security incidents and project implementations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maryland requires overtime pay at 1.5 times your regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. With the minimum wage at $15.00 per hour as of 2024, the minimum overtime rate is $22.50 per hour.
Under the Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law, you have up to three years to file a claim for unpaid wages. For overtime claims under federal law, the deadline is two years, extended to three years for willful violations.
You can file a civil lawsuit to recover up to three times the amount of unpaid wages, plus penalties and legal costs. You may also recover liquidated damages equal to the unpaid wages under certain circumstances.
How to File a Wage Claim in Maryland
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
Contact the Employment Standards Service at the Maryland Department of Labor at 410-767-2357 or email [email protected].
File a written complaint with the Commissioner of Labor and Industry, providing documentation of hours worked and wages owed.
You may also file with the federal Wage and Hour Division if your employer is covered by FLSA.
For significant violations, consider filing a civil lawsuit to recover up to three times unpaid wages plus attorney's fees.
Important Maryland Consideration
Maryland has a large concentration of federal employees and government contractors who may be subject to different overtime rules. Federal employees are typically covered by the Federal Employees Pay Act rather than FLSA, while contractor employees generally follow FLSA rules. Workers should verify which regulations apply to their specific employment situation.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Overtime laws can change and may have exceptions not listed here. For specific situations, consult with your employer's HR department, the state labor department, or an employment attorney.