Local Wage Laws

Here you can download laws pertaining to the work done by the Wage Commission.

Minimum Wage Law:  Minimum Wage Law.pdf

Living Wage Law:   Art 5 Sub 26- Living Wages.pdf

Prevailing Wage Law:  Art 5 Sub 25- Prevailing Wages.pdf

Displaced Workers Bill:  Art 11 Sub 18 Displaced Workers.pdf

TIFF Policy:  Baltimore-Tax-Increment-Policy-FINAL.pdf

COVID-19 Employee Retention & Recall:  Art 11 Subtitle 19 COVID19 Employee Retention & Recall.pdf

The Baltimore City Wage Commission safeguards workers and protects the integrity of City contracting by enforcing Baltimore City’s living wage and prevailing wage laws. The Commission ensures that workers performing on covered City contracts are paid the wages and overtime required by law, monitors contractor compliance, investigates violations, pursues restitution and penalties when workers are underpaid, and works with agencies, contractors, and the public to promote accountability, fairness, and lawful labor standards in the expenditure of public funds.

Minimum Wage 

The minimum wage is the smallest amount of money that a worker who doesn't get tips can be paid for their job. In Maryland, the current minimum wage is $15.00 per hour. All businesses in Baltimore with two or more employees have to pay their workers at least this much money for each hour they work. If you think you're not getting paid the right amount, you can call the Maryland Employment Standards Office at 410-767-2357.

Displaced Service Workers

The Baltimore City Displaced Service Workers Protection law requires certain successor employers taking over covered service contracts to retain eligible employees from the prior contractor for a transition period, subject to the law’s terms and conditions. The purpose of the law is to reduce job displacement, promote workforce stability, and protect workers during changes in service contractors. The law is enforced by the Wage Commission and includes protections against retaliation for workers who report violations or participate in enforcement proceedings.

Overtime Pay 

For most employees, overtime pay is awarded for any hours worked over 40 hours a week. The overtime pay that must be paid for these hours worked over 40 hours is equal to (normal hourly rate) x (1.5). Do you think your job owes you overtime pay? Not sure how much you should get? Ask the Wage Commission by visiting the Contact Us page.

Exemptions 

Some people don't have to follow the minimum wage and overtime pay rules. If you're not sure whether you or someone you know should follow these rules, you can ask the wage commission for help. Here are some examples of people who might not have to follow the Minimum Wage and Overtime Pay Laws:

  • Certain farm workers.
  • People who have important jobs like managers, office workers, and experts.
  • People who do volunteer work for schools, charities, churches, and non-profit groups.
  • Kids under 16 who work less than 20 hours a week.
  • People who sell things outside of a store.
  • People who earn money through commissions.
  • People who are learning in a special education program at a public school.
  • Regular workers at camps.
  • Some places that sell food and drinks.
  • Drive-in movie theaters.
  • Places that prepare fruits, vegetables, poultry, or seafood for the first time by canning, packing, or freezing them.

These kinds of workers are exempt only from Overtime, not from earning Minimum Wage:

  • Taxicab drivers
  • People who sell or fix cars and trucks, farm equipment or trailers.
  • Non-profit concert promoter, theater, music festival, music pavilion, or theatrical show
  • Employers who must follow certain rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Motor Carrier Act, and the Interstate Commerce Commission.

Living Wage 

The Baltimore City Living Wage Law requires certain employers performing work under covered City service contracts to pay eligible employees no less than the City’s established living wage rate. The law is intended to ensure that workers performing services funded by public dollars receive a wage higher than the standard minimum wage. The current Baltimore City Living Wage rate is $15.45 per hour, and that rate changes annually on July 1.

Previous Year(s) Living Wage Rate Posters

Prevailing Wage 

The Baltimore City Prevailing Wage Law, codified in Article 5, Subtitle 25 of the Baltimore City Code, requires contractors and subcontractors on covered City public works contracts to pay workers the prevailing wage rates established for the work performed. These rates, as set by the Board of Estimates and incorporated into the contract, are intended to ensure that workers on City-funded construction and public improvement projects receive wages and fringe benefits consistent with the law. The Wage Commission administers and enforces these requirements to promote fair pay, contractor accountability, and compliance in the use of public funds.

Previous Year(s) Prevailing Wage Rate Posters

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a complaint?

 If you would like to file a complaint you can do so by contacting the Wage Commission directly. You can also start the process of filing a complaint on the File a Complaint Online page here.

What if I'm not sure about the wage I should be making?

If you are unsure about what wage you should be making or if you are owed a different wage, you can receive guidance and information from a Compliance Officer of the Wage Commission. 

What will happen if I file a complaint?

If you would like to know more about the procedure followed when you file a complaint, you can read about it on the Complaint Procedure page.

Brochures and Printables

Wage Commission BrochureWage Brochure.pdf

Important Contacts

NameLink
MD Department of LaborMaryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations
Federal Wage and Hour Division of the Department of LaborFederal Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor