Minimum wage in Howard County, Maryland in 2026
The minimum wage in Howard County is $16.00 an hour, $1.00 more than the Maryland minimum wage of $15.00. It rises to $16.45 on January 1, 2027, as announced by the local government.
Checked against official sources.
Howard County minimum wage at a glance
- An hour
- $16.00
- A week, 40 hours
- $640.00
- A year, 2,080 hours
- $33,280
That is $40.00 more a week and $2,080 more a year than the Maryland minimum wage of $15.00, for someone working full time.
Who it covers
Any employer doing business in Howard County with at least one employee besides the owners. Since July 1, 2026, smaller employers pay the same $16.00 as larger ones.
- Workers under 18. At least 85% of the county rate
Tipped workers
Employers in Maryland can pay tipped workers as little as $3.63 an hour in cash and count up to $11.37 an hour in tips toward the $15.00 minimum wage. If tips do not make up the difference, the employer must. A tipped worker gets more than $30 a month in tips.
Howard County minimum wage over time
| Starting | Rate |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2025 | $16.00now |
| January 1, 2027 | $16.45announced |
From January 2027, Howard County adjusts the rate with inflation (CPI-U).
Other local minimum wages in Maryland
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the official pages below. Checked .
- Minimum Wage Increase, Howard County Department of Finance
- Maryland Minimum Wage and Overtime Law, Maryland Department of Labor
Laws change. If your pay is below these rates, contact your state labor department or the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division at 1-866-487-9243.