Montgomery County Minimum Wage 2026
The minimum wage in Montgomery County, MD is $17.15/hr ($2.15 above the $15.00 Maryland state minimum). Montgomery County's rate is higher than Maryland's state minimum and adjusts by employer size. Tipped workers must reach the standard rate through tips or employer make-up pay.
Montgomery County vs. Maryland vs. federal
Montgomery County sets a higher floor than Maryland law ($15.00/hr statewide) and well above the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. When city, state, and federal minimums differ, employers must pay the highest rate for hours worked inside Montgomery County city limits. Workers earning at the Montgomery County minimum make $9.90 more per hour than the federal floor.
What this means for hiring in Montgomery County
A higher local wage means every hour of a bad hire costs more. The cost of replacing an hourly worker typically runs 30% of first-year wages, and in Montgomery County that number sits well above what it would be elsewhere in Maryland. That's why employers here are moving away from resume-only screening toward seeing real proof of skill before they bring someone on.
On Vetano, every candidate in Montgomery County is ID-verified and shows their skills on video before you ever see their profile, so you spend your Montgomery County minimum-wage hours on people who can actually do the job.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Montgomery County?+
$17.15 per hour as of 2026-07-26. Montgomery County's rate is higher than Maryland's state minimum and adjusts by employer size. Tipped workers must reach the standard rate through tips or employer make-up pay.
Is Montgomery County's minimum wage higher than Maryland's state minimum?+
Yes. Montgomery County requires $17.15/hr, compared to $15.00/hr statewide. The higher rate applies to work performed within city limits.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Montgomery County?+
$4.00 per hour. Employers must make up any shortfall if tips don't bring earnings to $17.15.
Is Montgomery County's minimum wage going up?+
No scheduled increases at this time.
Hiring hourly workers in Montgomery County?
Post a job on Vetano and reach ID-verified candidates in Montgomery County who show their skills on video. First 30 days free.
Free for talent to get hired. Talent Pro ($79/mo) is optional for gig work, and Vetano never takes a cut of what workers earn.
Other city minimum wages
Cities where the local minimum exceeds the state rate. Also see the full state wage index.