Maine Minimum Wage Law Allows Higher Local Rates

Title 26 MRS section 664 establishes Maine's state minimum wage with annual cost-of-living adjustments. Unlike many states, Maine does not preempt local minimum wage ordinances; municipalities such as Portland and Rockland have enacted higher city-specific minimum wages. State law sets a tipped service-employee floor at 50 percent of the standard minimum, and local ordinances may exceed but not undercut state rates. Employers must pay the higher of the federal, state, or applicable local minimum wage and post required notices.

Wage violations carry liability for unpaid wages, liquidated damages, attorney fees, and civil penalties under 26 MRS section 670 enforced by the Maine Department of Labor.