Minimum Wage in Maine (ME)
The minimum wage in Maine is $14.65 per hour , effective January 1, 2026. This is $7.40 (102.07%) above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The tipped minimum wage is $7.33 per hour. Employers may pay tipped employees $7.33/hr in cash wages if tips bring total compensation to at least the minimum wage. Some cities in Maine have higher local minimum wages, with Portland at $15.00/hr. Maine adjusts minimum wage annually based on CPI. Tipped wage is 50% of minimum wage.
Minimum Wage by City in Maine
Some cities in Maine have enacted local minimum wage ordinances above the state rate. The table below shows minimum wages for 3 cities, sorted by rate. Workers should check whether their city has a local rate, as the highest applicable rate always applies.
| City | Minimum Wage | Annual (Full-Time) | vs. State Rate | vs. Federal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland Local Rate | $15.00/hr | $31,200 | +$0.35 | +$7.75 |
| Bangor | $14.65/hr | $30,472 | Same | +$7.40 |
| Lewiston | $14.65/hr | $30,472 | Same | +$7.40 |
How Maine Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Maine with five states that have similar minimum wage rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Maine stands nationally.
| State | Minimum Wage | Tipped Wage | Annual Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine (ME) | $14.65/hr | $7.33/hr | $30,472 |
| Arizona (AZ) | $14.70/hr | $11.70/hr | $30,576 |
| Oregon (OR) | $14.70/hr | $14.70/hr | $30,576 |
| Colorado (CO) | $14.81/hr | $11.79/hr | $30,805 |
| Delaware (DE) | $15.00/hr | $2.23/hr | $31,200 |
| Illinois (IL) | $15.00/hr | $9.00/hr | $31,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Minimum Wage
What is the minimum wage in Maine in 2026?
The minimum wage in Maine is $14.65 per hour as of January 1, 2026. This is $7.40 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. A full-time worker at this rate earns approximately $30,472 per year before taxes.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Maine?
The tipped minimum wage in Maine is $7.33 per hour. Employers can use a tip credit of $7.32/hr, paying tipped employees a cash wage of $7.33/hr, as long as tips bring total compensation to at least $14.65/hr.
Do any cities in Maine have a higher minimum wage?
Yes. 1 city has a local minimum wage above the state rate. The highest is Portland at $15.00/hr. When a city has a higher rate, employers must pay whichever rate is highest.
How much does a minimum wage worker earn per year in Maine?
A full-time minimum wage worker in Maine (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) earns approximately $30,472 per year before taxes. In Portland, that figure rises to $31,200 per year. The federal minimum wage yields $15,080/year.
Find Your Exact Minimum Wage
Use our minimum wage lookup tool to find the exact rate for your specific city in Maine, or browse all 50 states to compare minimum wages across the country. Remember: the highest applicable rate (federal, state, or local) always applies.