Your Right to Know: Maryland’s New Wage Transparency and Pay Statement Requirements

By Nathan Quinn

3 min read

If you’ve ever started a job without knowing exactly how much it paid, or if you’ve ever looked at a paycheck and wondered how your earnings were calculated, Maryland has made some big changes you should know about. As of October 1, 2024, a new law is in place that gives workers across the state clearer information from the start - both before they apply for a job and once they’re on the payroll.

The goal of these updates is simple: to make sure workers understand what they’re being paid, how it’s being calculated, and what benefits are included. In the past, many job postings left out salary ranges entirely, leading people to spend hours in interviews only to find out the position paid far less than expected. Others started new jobs without any paperwork explaining their pay schedule or benefits, and then received pay stubs that were confusing, missing key details, or filled with unexplained deductions.

Maryland’s new transparency law is designed to change that. Employers are now required to include a good-faith pay range in every job posting - whether the role is remote, hybrid, or on-site. That means when you’re scrolling through job listings, you’ll see the expected minimum and maximum salary or hourly wage right up front. Employers also have to share a general summary of benefits, like health insurance or paid leave, with those listings. This helps job seekers better understand what’s being offered, and it makes it easier to compare different opportunities.

Official law text: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0649?ys=2024rs 

Bill summary: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2024RS/fnotes/bil_0009/hb0649.pdf

Once you’re hired, the transparency must continue. Your employer must give you written notice of your pay rate, your regular payday, and a basic summary of the leave you’re entitled to, like sick time or vacation. That way, you’re not left guessing about when your paycheck will arrive or how much you’re owed. Every time you get paid, your wage statement must clearly show your total hours worked (if you’re paid hourly), your rates of pay, how your earnings were calculated, your total gross and net pay, and any deductions - along with a simple explanation of what each deduction is for. Employers must also include their name, address, and phone number on each statement.

Existing Maryland law: https://labor.maryland.gov/labor/wagepay/wpgenl.shtml

Pay stub requirements: https://labor.maryland.gov/labor/wages/esspaystubfaq.shtml

These rules apply to all private employers in Maryland, no matter how large or small. Even household employers must follow them. And while most employers are trying to comply, some are still catching up. If you notice that your job posting didn’t include a pay range, if you never received written details about your pay when you were hired, or if your paycheck is missing important information, it could be a violation of the new law.

If something doesn’t seem right, you have options. Start by saving any job ads, emails, or pay stubs related to the issue. Sometimes a simple conversation with your employer can resolve things - especially if they’re unaware of the new law. But if the problem continues, you can file a complaint with Maryland’s Department of Labor. You can also contact an employment attorney if you’ve been underpaid, misled, or denied access to information you have a right to see.

How to file a complaint: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/wagepay/wpwageissues.shtml

At the end of the day, these new laws are about fairness. They give every worker the chance to see what they’re being offered, understand what they’re being paid, and raise concerns when something doesn’t add up. Transparency helps prevent wage discrimination and protects workers from being taken advantage of. And in Maryland, it’s now the law.

If you’re unsure whether your employer is following the rules - or if you think your rights have been violated - don’t stay quiet. We’re here to help you understand the law and take action if needed.

Call: (443) 247-5444

Book online: Schedule Here

At Quinn Patton, we help workers make sense of pay transparency laws and protect their earnings. This post is informational and does not constitute legal advice.