Intro to Maine Labor Laws

The minimum wage in Maine is $15.10 per hour. 

Some Maine cities have their own wage requirements that exceed Maine’s state-wide minimum wage. Employers with potentially impacted employees should review both state and local requirements. Please check the references for additional minimum wage requirements across localities.

References:

• Maine Minimum Wage(opens in a new tab)

• Minimum Wage Tracker(opens in a new tab)

The minimum pay requirement in Maine for employees exempt under the administrative, executive, or professional exemptions is $845.21 per week or $43,951 per year. 

References: Maine Exempt Minimum Pay Requirements(opens in a new tab)

In Maine, employees who work at least six hours are entitled to a 30-minute rest break. Employees may also use their rest period to take an unpaid meal break as long as they’re completely relieved of duties. Rest break requirements don’t apply for the following: 

• Small businesses with less than three employees scheduled at any time

• The nature of the work allows the employee to take frequent shorter paid breaks during the workday

References: Employment Practices(opens in a new tab)

Maine law requires employers to provide employees with scheduled breaks and a clean and private place, not a bathroom, to pump breast milk. This requirement applies up to three years after childbirth. 

References: Breastfeeding and Work(opens in a new tab)