Introduction - The Maryland Guide to Wage Payment and Employment Standards

The Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law sets forth the rights by which employees receive wages. The law states when and how often employees must be paid, general guidelines for making wage deductions, which actions are prohibited and how employees may enforce their rights.

The Maryland Wage and Hour Law concerns minimum wage and overtime. The law specifies which categories of employers and employees are exempt, and provides enforcement powers and remedies. The Maryland Wage and Hour Law is similar to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), but contains some important differences. In every case, workers and employers are advised to contact the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, at 410-962-6211, to assure compliance under the federal law. Where either state or federal law is more stringent, the higher standard applies.

• In the case of both Maryland laws, the age of a minor or the immigration status of an alien have no bearing on a worker's rights to receive earned wages which each provide.
   
• Federal, state and local governments are exempt from the provisions of the Wage Payment and Collection Law but they must comply with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.