The minimum wage in Maine is $15.10 per hour as of January 1, 2026, which is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Tipped employees must be paid at least $7.55 per hour, but employers must ensure wages and tips combined equal at least the minimum wage.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage in Maine is $28.92. Wages vary by occupation, industry, and location.
The estimated living wage in Maine is $24.74 per hour. A living wage represents the estimated hourly rate needed to cover basic living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other essential costs.
A guide to hourly labor laws in Maine
- School sessions: Up to three hours per day and 18 hours per week.
- Non-school sessions: Up to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week.
- Not during required school hours. Only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extending to 9 p.m. during summer vacation. Some exceptions may apply (Me. Stat. tit. 26, § 774).
- School sessions: Up to six hours per school day, eight hours on the week's last school day, and 24 hours per school week.
- Non-school sessions: Up to 10 hours per day and 50 hours per week.
- Hours: Up to six consecutive days per week. No work before 7 a.m. on school days and 5 a.m. on non-school days. No work after 10:15 p.m. on days preceding school days or 12 a.m. before non-school days (Me. Stat. tit. 26, § 774).
What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
What is a good hourly wage?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
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