Having a first job can be an exciting achievement for a teenager. At the same time, parents of a teenager may have many questions regarding his or her first job such as how much should be paid for that; are there any special requirements regarding wages for teens? How many hours should be worked and what should be done if one thinks that a teenager does not get paid appropriately.
According to latest information, Maryland state minimum wage is $15 per hour while employees younger than 18 years old can be paid not less than 85% of state minimum wage under Maryland law that equals to $12.75 per hour calculated according to $15 state minimum wage. The situation can become even more complicated due to the fact that many Maryland counties have minimum wage rates higher than state ones.
What Is the Minimum Wage in Maryland?
The U.S. Department of Labor states that the basic minimum wage in Maryland is $15 per hour. As per the Maryland law, the employees who are under the age of 18 years can be paid at least 85% of the state minimum wage based on certain rules and exemptions. Hence, at 85% of a $15 state minimum wage, it will be $12.75 per hour.
This information is crucial for parents since the age of a teenager determines the minimum wage that an employer is allowed to pay.
Do All Teens Get the Same Minimum Wage?
Not all. The applicable minimum wage depends on various conditions including but not limited to:
- The age of the employee.
- The location where the work is performed.
- The number of working hours.
- The exemption of the employer/job.
- Local minimum wage rates from counties.
Montgomery County has its own minimum wage system. For example, as per the minimum wage rates from the Maryland Department of Labor as of July 1, 2026, the applicable rates are $18 for employers with 51+ employees, $16.50 for employers with 11-50 employees, and $15.95 for employers with 10 or less employees.
The minimum wage in Howard County is also different and equals to $16 per hour as of July 1, 2026. The minimum wage in Prince George’s County as of January 1, 2026 is $15.30. This implies that parents need to learn about the rules regarding minimum wage applicable in a certain county and not only in Maryland as a whole.
Do Teens Need a Work Permit in Maryland?
In Maryland, there are special regulations concerning the employment of children. It is important for parents to familiarize themselves with the state’s current policies as well as with the employer’s needs prior to allowing their teenage son/daughter to take up a part-time job. This is especially important for younger teenagers due to possible restrictions imposed by the child-labor law.
What Jobs Are Good for Teenagers in Maryland?
Depending on the age, interests, access to transportation, and availability, suitable jobs for teenagers may vary greatly.
The most common examples include:
- Grocery stores.
- Restaurants.
- Retail stores.
- Summer camps.
- Recreational activities.
- Lifeguarding (for those who are qualified).
- Babysitting.
- Tutoring.
- Care for pets.
- Lawn/garden work.
Some positions may have age/training restrictions.
Help your Teen Understand Their Paycheck
While examining your child’s first paycheck, you might find it useful to analyze its components.
Illustrate the difference between:
Gross Pay: The salary before deductions.
Net Pay: The salary after the deductions.
For instance, if a teen gets paid $12.75 for working for 10 hours, his or her gross income will be:
10 × $12.75 = $127.50
The net income might be less depending on what deductions apply. This easy-to-do calculation could serve as a good starting point for teaching budgeting.
Teach Your Teen to Save Money
Your child’s first paycheck can vanish unexpectedly fast. Instead of instructing your teenager how to spend the money, help him or her develop a simple spending plan.
For instance, one could put his or her salary into:
- Spending money.
- Money for short-term savings.
- Money for long-term savings.
- Money towards a particular goal, such as laptop or car.
What If the Employer Pays Less Than Expected?
When your teenager thinks he is not being compensated properly, do not immediately conclude that it is due to any wage violation by the employer.
Consider first the following factors:
- The established hourly pay rate.
- The number of hours worked.
- The pay period.
- The location of the employment.
- Any applicable regulations within the county.
- The existence of an exemption.
Document work schedules, timesheets, pay stubs, and other employment papers. In the event that there may be a wage violation, parents and teenagers may seek advice from the Maryland Department of Labor’s Employment Standards Service on wage-related legislation and complaints.
Conclusion
If you have been looking for minimum wage Maryland, then the Maryland minimum wage for 2026 is $15 an hour, while Maryland law allows workers who are less than 18 years old to be paid at least 85% of the state minimum wage, which is currently $12.75 per hour.
