Maine Minimum Wage (2026)
Maine’s minimum wage is $15.10 — $7.85 above the federal $7.25, effective January 1, 2026. Tipped: tipped minimum $7.55. Next change: CPI-indexed adjustment scheduled for January 1, 2027.
The minimum wage in Maine is $15.10/hour in 2026 (effective January 1, 2026).
- Minimum wage$15.10
- Tipped minimum$7.55
- Next scheduled changeCPI-indexed adjustment on January 1, 2027
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$31,408
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
| Effective date | New rate |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | CPI-indexed adjustment |
These are enacted in statute or triggered by indexing law — not proposals.
Local minimum wages above the state rate
| Locality | 2026 minimum |
|---|---|
| Portland | $16.75 |
| Rockland | $16.02 |
Local ordinances control for work performed within their boundaries, even for out-of-town employers.
Maine vs. neighboring states
| State | Minimum wage | vs. Maine |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $7.25 | −$7.85 |
Maine minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $15.10 |
| 2025 | $14.65 |
| 2024 | $14.15 |
| 2023 | $13.80 |
| 2022 | $12.75 |
| 2021 | $12.15 |
| 2020 | $12.00 |
| 2019 | $12.00 |
| 2018 | $10.00 |
| 2017 | $9.00 |
| 2016 | $7.50 |
| 2015 | $7.50 |
| 2014 | $7.50 |
| 2013 | $7.50 |
| 2012 | $7.50 |
| 2011 | $7.50 |
| 2010 | $7.50 |
| 2009 | $7.25 |
| 2008 | $7.00 |
| 2007 | $6.75 |
| 2006 | $6.50 |
| 2005 | $6.35 |
| 2004 | $6.25 |
| 2003 | $6.25 |
| 2002 | $5.75 |
| 2001 | $5.15 |
| 2000 | $5.15 |
Historical rates from the U.S. DOL year-by-year tables (January snapshots; mid-year changes appear in the following year’s row).
Carve-outs & details
Tipped = 50% of minimum. Portland (2025 ballot measure) scheduled: $17.75 on 1-1-2027, $19.00 on 1-1-2028, then indexed. Only one bordering state.
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in Maine in 2026?
$15.10 per hour, effective January 1, 2026, which is $7.85 above the federal $7.25.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Maine?
The base cash wage for tipped workers is $7.55; tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum, or the employer makes up the difference.
When does Maine's minimum wage go up next?
CPI-indexed adjustment takes effect January 1, 2027.
How much is full-time minimum wage in Maine per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $15.10/hour is $31,408 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: Maine labor department · U.S. DOL consolidated table · U.S. DOL historical tables.
Verified against the state labor agency and U.S. DOL, July 2026. Wage law has industry- and size-specific exceptions; confirm your situation with the state agency.