Maryland onboarding checklist for employers
An onboarding checklist makes sure every new hire gets the same paperwork, notices and training. Here is what changes when the employee works in Maryland.
Maryland rules that affect this form
| Minimum wage | $15.00 per hour Verify |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Meal breaks | No general state requirement for adult employees; the Healthy Retail Employee Act requires shift breaks only for certain large retail employers. Verify |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement for adult employees. |
| 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
- Form I-9 completed by the end of the employee's third day of work
- Federal W-4 and the state withholding form, if the state has one
- Report the new hire to the state new-hire registry
- Required state and federal workplace posters and written notices
- Paid sick leave, break and overtime rules explained in plain terms
- Handbook acknowledgment signed and filed
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Frequently asked questions
Is there an official Maryland onboarding checklist form?
Maryland does not publish one required onboarding checklist 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
Onboarding Checklist 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.