Maryland offer letter for employers
An offer letter confirms the job, pay, start date and employment terms in writing. Here is what changes when the employee works in Maryland.
Maryland rules that affect this form
| Minimum wage | $15.00 per hour Verify |
|---|---|
| Overtime | No daily overtime; 1.5x after 40 hours per week (some industries, such as bowling alleys and certain residential care institutions, after 48; agricultural workers after 60). |
| Paid sick leave | Yes (Healthy Working Families Act): 1 hour per 30 hours worked; employers with 15+ employees must provide paid leave, smaller employers unpaid. Employers may cap accrual at 40 hours/year, use at 64 hours/year, and balance at 64 hours. |
| Other rules to know | Pay transparency: job postings must include the pay range, a general description of benefits and other compensation (since Oct 1, 2024). FAMLI paid family and medical leave program: payroll contributions begin Jan 1, 2027; benefits begin Jan 1, 2028. |
What to include
- Job title, manager, start date and work location (or remote status)
- Pay rate and pay frequency, and whether the role is exempt or non-exempt from overtime
- At-will employment statement (where at-will applies) so the letter is not read as a contract
- Contingencies such as a background check or Form I-9 verification
- Benefits summary and when eligibility starts, including any paid sick leave the state requires
- A clear accept-by date and signature line
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Frequently asked questions
Is there an official Maryland offer letter form?
Maryland does not publish one required offer letter for private employers. Use a clear template and make sure it reflects the Maryland rules on this page.
What is the minimum wage in Maryland in 2026?
$15.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2024. $15.00/hour statewide (in effect since Jan 1, 2024); no scheduled 2027 state increase announced. Employees under 18 may be paid 85% of the state rate. Montgomery County ($15.95-$18.00 by employer size), Howard County ($16.00) and Prince George's County ($15.30) have higher local rates as of July 1, 2026.
Is paid sick leave required in Maryland?
Yes (Healthy Working Families Act): 1 hour per 30 hours worked; employers with 15+ employees must provide paid leave, smaller employers unpaid. Employers may cap accrual at 40 hours/year, use at 64 hours/year, and balance at 64 hours.
Other Maryland forms
Offer Letter by state
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.