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Maine's minimum wage will increase to $14.65 per hour. This represents a regulatory change to the state's minimum wage rate, affecting all covered employers and employees in Maine.
Maine's minimum wage will increase to USD 14.65 per hour, up from the previous rate of USD 14.15. The increase represents a USD 0.50 adjustment to the state's minimum wage floor for covered employers and employees.
Who is affected
This change affects all employers operating in Maine who are subject to state minimum wage requirements, as well as their hourly employees. Maine's minimum wage law covers most private-sector employers, with limited exemptions for certain agricultural workers, employees under 20 years old during their first 90 days of employment (who may be paid a training wage), and some seasonal recreational establishments.
What's changing
| Category | Previous Rate | New Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard minimum wage | USD 14.15/hour | USD 14.65/hour | USD 0.50 |
Maine indexes its minimum wage to inflation under state law, which requires annual adjustments based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The USD 14.65 rate reflects this statutory indexing mechanism.
What NEO partners and clients should do
- Update payroll systems immediately to reflect the new USD 14.65/hour minimum wage rate for all Maine-based hourly employees.
- Review current employee wages to identify any workers earning between USD 14.15 and USD 14.65 per hour who will require wage adjustments.
- Communicate the change to affected employees and update any posted wage notices in Maine workplaces as required by state labor law.
- Verify tipped employee calculations to ensure that the tip credit, when combined with the cash wage paid, meets or exceeds the new USD 14.65 minimum wage threshold.
Sources
- Maine Department of Labor: http://www.state.me.us/labor/
Note: The official Maine Department of Labor source page was unavailable at the time of research. Employers should verify the effective date and any additional implementation guidance directly with the Maine Department of Labor or consult the state's published wage order.
