Dealing With Unpaid Wages in Maryland
My employer hasn't paid me — here's what Maryland law says and what to do next.
Statute: Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. § 3-505
Deadline: 14 days
Penalty: Employer may be liable for up to treble (3x) the amount of unpaid wages, plus reasonable counsel fees and court costs
What is dealing with unpaid wages?
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Your employer must pay you at least this amount for every hour you work. Many states and cities have higher minimum wages — you're entitled to whichever is higher.
Tipped employees have a lower federal minimum ($2.13/hr), but your tips plus wages must equal at least $7.25/hr. If they don't, your employer must make up the difference.
What to Do If Your Employer Pays Below Minimum Wage
Step 1: Know your rate. Check your state and city minimum wage — it's often higher than the $7.25 federal rate.
Step 2: Calculate your actual hourly pay. Divide your total weekly pay by total hours worked. If it's below the minimum, you have a claim.
Step 3: Document everything. Save pay stubs, schedules, and any records of hours worked.
Step 4: File a complaint. Contact the DOL Wage and Hour Division or your state's labor department. Many employment attorneys handle wage cases on contingency.
How Maryland differs from federal law
Maryland has a high minimum wage that applies to most employers:
- Standard minimum wage: $15.00/hr (for all employers)
- Tipped employees: $3.63/hr cash wage (must reach $15.00/hr with tips)
- Youth wage: 85% of the state minimum wage ($12.75/hr) for employees under 18
- Some Maryland counties have higher minimum wages — Montgomery County is at $17.15/hr and Howard County follows the state rate
- Maryland's minimum wage is adjusted for inflation in future years
- Applies to employers with 1 or more employees
Additional steps in Maryland
File minimum wage complaints with the MD Division of Labor and Industry at (410) 767-2357 or online at dllr.state.md.us. Workers can also file with the federal DOL or bring a private lawsuit under MD law.
What you should NOT do
Don't accept illegal deductions. Your employer cannot deduct for cash register shortages, breakage, or uniforms if it would bring your pay below minimum wage.
Don't ignore tip credit violations. If you're a tipped employee and your tips + base pay don't reach $7.25/hr, your employer must pay the difference.
Don't sign away your rights. Any agreement to work for less than minimum wage is unenforceable under federal law.
Don't wait — the clock is ticking.
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Generate your unpaid wages →This page is general legal information for Maryland, not legal advice for your specific situation. Laws change, and how a statute applies depends on facts we don't know. For advice on your matter, consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.