Maryland Overtime Calculator 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

• How is overtime calculated in Maryland in 2026?

  Most Maryland employees earn overtime at 1.5× their regular hourly rate for all hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. There is no daily overtime threshold — overtime is calculated on a weekly basis only. Two occupational groups have modified thresholds: agricultural workers (60 hrs/week) and care-facility/bowling-alley employees (48 hrs/week). Source: Maryland Department of Labor, as of 2026.

• Does Maryland have daily overtime like California?

  No. Maryland has no daily overtime requirement. Overtime is triggered only after the weekly threshold is exceeded (40, 48, or 60 hours depending on the worker category). Only California and a handful of other states mandate daily overtime (e.g., after 8 hours/day). Maryland employers using a weekly pay structure owe no overtime until the relevant weekly threshold is crossed.

• What is the minimum overtime rate in Maryland for 2026?

  Because Maryland's minimum wage is $15.00/hr in 2026, the minimum overtime rate for standard employees is $22.50/hr (1.5 × $15.00). In counties with higher minimum wages, the floor is higher: Montgomery County's minimum overtime rate ranges from $23.25 to $26.48/hr depending on employer size.

• Why do agricultural workers in Maryland have a 60-hour overtime threshold?

  Maryland extended overtime protection to agricultural workers — who are largely exempt under the federal FLSA — but set a higher 60-hour/week threshold to account for the seasonal, long-hours nature of farm work. This is still more protective than federal law, which exempts most agricultural workers from overtime entirely.

• What employees are exempt from Maryland overtime law?

  Exemptions include bona fide executive, administrative, and professional employees (the FLSA 'white collar' exemptions), outside sales employees, certain computer professionals, and some seasonal/recreational employees. Maryland largely follows federal FLSA exemption criteria. The employer bears the burden of proving an exemption applies.

• Can my employer substitute comp time for overtime pay in Maryland?

  Private-sector Maryland employers generally cannot substitute compensatory time off for overtime pay. Only state and local government employers may lawfully offer comp time under specific FLSA provisions. Private employees are entitled to receive cash at 1.5× their regular rate for all overtime hours.

• How do I calculate my regular rate if I work two jobs for the same employer at different rates?

  Under Maryland law (following FLSA), when you work at two different rates in the same workweek, the regular rate is the weighted average of all earnings divided by total hours worked. The overtime premium is 0.5× that weighted rate applied to all overtime hours (or 1.5× if using the rate-in-effect method, by mutual agreement).

• How long do I have to file an overtime claim in Maryland?

  Under the Maryland Wage and Hour Law, you have 3 years from the date wages were due to file a claim. Under the federal FLSA, the limitations period is 2 years (3 years for willful violations). Most Maryland employees file under both laws; the Maryland 3-year period is generally more favorable.

• What penalties can an employer face for not paying overtime in Maryland?

  Under Maryland's Wage Payment and Collection Law, an employer who withholds wages without a bona fide good-faith dispute may be ordered to pay up to 3× the unpaid wages plus the employee's attorney fees and court costs. The FLSA separately provides for liquidated damages equal to 100% of the back wages owed.

• Do county minimum wages affect overtime calculations in Maryland?

  Yes. In Montgomery County ($15.50–$17.65/hr), Howard County ($15.50–$16.00/hr), and Prince George's County ($15.30/hr), both the minimum wage floor and the minimum overtime rate are higher than the statewide figures. Your actual overtime rate is always 1.5× your regular rate, which must meet or exceed the applicable county minimum wage.