§3–413.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Employer” includes a governmental unit.

        (3)    “Small employer” means an employer that employs 14 or fewer employees.

    (b)    Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section and § 3–414 of this subtitle, each employer shall pay:

        (1)    to each employee who is subject to both the federal Act and this subtitle, at least the greater of:

            (i)    the minimum wage for that employee under the federal Act; or

            (ii)    the State minimum wage set under subsection (c) of this section; and

        (2)    to each other employee who is subject to this subtitle, at least the greater of:

            (i)    the highest minimum wage under the federal Act; or

            (ii)    the State minimum wage set under subsection (c) of this section.

    (c)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State minimum wage rate is:

            (i)    for the 12–month period beginning January 1, 2023, $13.25 per hour; and

            (ii)    beginning January 1, 2024, $15.00 per hour.

        (2)    The State minimum wage rate for a small employer is:

            (i)    for the 12–month period beginning January 1, 2023, $12.80 per hour; and

            (ii)    beginning January 1, 2024, $15.00 per hour.

    (d)    An employer may pay an employee a wage that equals a rate of 85% of the State minimum wage established under this section if the employee is under the age of 18 years.