Minimum Wage in Maine
The current Maine minimum wage, the tipped wage, scheduled increases and overtime rules, from the official source.
Short answer: $15.10 per hour since January 1, 2026. The rate is adjusted each January 1 for the cost of living. Portland and Rockland have their own local minimum wage ordinances. 26 M.R.S. §664(1); Maine Department of Labor minimum wage page
| Minimum wage | $15.10 per hour since January 1, 2026. The rate is adjusted each January 1 for the cost of living. Portland and Rockland have their own local minimum wage ordinances. Scheduled increase: $15.70 per hour on January 1, 2027. |
|---|---|
| Tipped minimum wage | Service employees who receive tips may be paid a direct wage of at least half the minimum wage: $7.55 per hour in 2026, with tips making up the rest. The employer must tell the employee in advance and make sure wages plus tips reach the full minimum wage. Tips belong to the employee, and credit-card tips must be paid by the next regular payday. Scheduled change: direct wage of $7.85 per hour on January 1, 2027. Statute: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec664.html |
| Overtime | Time and one-half the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. For tipped employees, overtime is figured on the full minimum wage, not the lower direct wage. Source: 26 M.R.S. §664(3) |
Where to get help in Maine
More Maine employment law
- Final Paycheck Laws in Maine
- Meal and Rest Break Laws in Maine
- Wrongful Termination in Maine
- Paid Sick Leave in Maine
- Non-Compete Agreements in Maine
- All Maine employment law rules
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Maine?
$15.10 per hour since January 1, 2026. The rate is adjusted each January 1 for the cost of living. Portland and Rockland have their own local minimum wage ordinances.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Maine?
Service employees who receive tips may be paid a direct wage of at least half the minimum wage: $7.55 per hour in 2026, with tips making up the rest. The employer must tell the employee in advance and make sure wages plus tips reach the full minimum wage. Tips belong to the employee, and credit-card tips must be paid by the next regular payday.
What are the overtime rules in Maine?
Time and one-half the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. For tipped employees, overtime is figured on the full minimum wage, not the lower direct wage.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.