If you work more than 40 hours in any week, you are entitled to time and a half of your hourly rate.  So if you earn $20 per hour, and you work an hour of overtime, then you must be paid $30 for the hour of overtime.  Overtime compensation must also be paid to waiters and other “tipped” types of employment.   

For waiters and waitresses, it’s a little different. The hourly wage that a restaurant owner pays to a waiter is usually less than the minimum wage rate.  Minimum wage in Maryland is $15/hour.  Tips are added to the hourly base rate. If the rate is less than $15/hour, then the employer must pay the difference.  When working an overtime hour, you must earn$22.50/hour. It is important to make certain that you get paid what you earn, especially these days.  Holding your employer accountable protects our community. 

If you are working overtime and not being compensated, you may be able to collect triple damages and attorney fees.  An employer may be found liable for up to three times your unpaid wages, as well as your attorneys’ fees and court costs, especially if the withholding is found intentional and not the result of a misunderstanding or dispute.

Overtime pay is the law.  You should know your rights and demand them.  We are here to help.