The effective indices for salt tolerant classification of maize genotypes were investigated. Six maize cultivars were treated with either 0 (control) or 200 mM NaCl (salt stress). Chlorophyll a (Chla), chlorophyll b (Chlb), total chlorophyll (TC) and total carotenoid (Cx+c) concentrations in the salt-stressed leaves dropped significantly. Chla degradation in maize genotypes was correlated with maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm). TC content was positively related to photon yield of PSII (ΦPSII). Fv/Fm, ΦPSII and photochemical quenching (qP) in the salt-stressed leaves decreased dramatically, related to the reduced net photosynthetic rate (Pn), leading to growth reduction. The chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, Fv/Fm, ΦPSII and qP, in the leaf tissues decreased, while non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) increased. Data relating to pigment degradation, chlorophyll a fluorescence diminution, photosynthesis reduction and growth inhibition in salt-stressed maize cultivars were subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis using SPSS software. Two classes of genotypes were identified: salt-tolerant (Waxy 1, Waxy 2 and Waxy 3) and salt-sensitive (Honey, Sweet 1 and Sweet 2).