Maine Minimum Wage — As of January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in Maine is $15.10 per hour, adjusted annually for inflation under a 2016 voter referendum. The Maine Department of Labor has already announced the next increase: $15.70 per hour effective January 1, 2027. Workers in Portland and Rockland earn higher local minimums ($16.75 and $16.00 in 2026). Tipped employees must receive a cash wage of at least $7.55 per hour, and employers may only count tips toward the minimum if the combined pay averages at least $15.10 per hour for the week.
Rest Breaks
In the absence of a collective bargaining agreement or other written employer-employee agreement providing otherwise, an employee, may be employed or permitted to work for no more than 6 consecutive hours at one time unless he is given the opportunity to take at least 30 consecutive minutes of rest time, except in cases of emergency in which there is danger to property, life, public safety or public health. This rest time may be used by the employee as a mealtime.
The rest breaks law does not apply to any place of employment where: (1) Fewer than 3 employees are on duty at any one time; and (2) The nature of the work done by the employees allows them frequent breaks during their work day.
Maine overtime law requires time and a half (1.5x your regular rate) for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, and the salary threshold for being exempt from overtime — $871.16 per week in 2026 — rises with the minimum wage each year. Maine also lets workers file wage claims up to six years after a violation. If your employer isn’t paying you correctly, contact Frisch Law Firm for a free consultation.
