Columbia Minimum Wage 2026 (MD)
Last updated: · Part of Maryland
Columbia, MD · Minimum Wage 2026
Effective 2026-07-01
Columbia Minimum Wage vs. Maryland
| Jurisdiction | Minimum Wage | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $16.00/hr | — |
| Maryland (state rate) | $15.00/hr | City is +$1.00/hr higher |
Does Columbia Have Its Own Minimum Wage?
A city or county minimum wage ordinance sets a higher local wage floor than the state minimum, and employers within that jurisdiction must pay the higher local rate.
Yes. Columbia has enacted its own local minimum wage ordinance, currently set at $16.00/hr, effective 2026-07-01. This rate is higher than the Maryland state minimum wage of $15.00/hr, and covered employers in Columbia must pay the local rate. Located in Howard County, which set a uniform county minimum wage of $16.00/hr for all employers, regardless of size, effective July 1, 2026.
Columbia Wage Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum wage in Columbia is $16.00 per hour, set by the city's own local ordinance, effective 2026-07-01.
Yes. Columbia has enacted a local minimum wage ordinance set at $16.00/hr, higher than the Maryland state minimum of $15.00/hr.
Columbia's minimum wage of $16.00/hr is $1.00/hr higher than the Maryland state minimum of $15.00/hr.