Maryland's minimum wage rate will increase by 50 cents to $8.75 an hour beginning July 1.
This is the third minimum wage bump since Jan. 1, 2015 when the hourly wage rose from the national rate of $7.25 to $8.00.
In 2014, lawmakers approved a series of wage increases scheduled to take place over three years, and the latest increase won't be the last.
Another 50 cent increase will go into effect on July 1, 2017, bringing the statewide minimum wage to $9.25 an hour. A final increase is set for July 1, 2018, brining wages to $10.10.
Montgomery and Prince George's Counties are an exception in Maryland. Their minimum wage rate has been $9.55 since Oct. 1, 2015.
RELATED: Baltimore City Council to discuss raising minimum wage to $15
Many Marylanders are unsatisfied with the rate increase, however, calling instead for a minimum wage of $15. Earlier this month, the Baltimore City Council Labor Committee discussed a bill proposing such an increase should be implemented by 2020.
The bill, put forth by Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, was criticized by business owners who said they would have to fire employees and reduce overtime in response.
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