Maine Wage and Hour FAQs

Maine Minimum Wage, Paycheck Questions

Back to Maine Overtime Law

What is the minimum wage in Maine?

The Maine minimum wage is $7.50 per hour, effective Oct. 1, 2009. Maine does not have a training wage or lower minimum wage for students. Tipped workers can be paid at a rate of half the minimum wage. However, if their tips plus direct wages do not equal at least the Maine minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.

What is the minimum weekly amount for salaried employees?

Salaried workers must be paid at least $455 per week.

Can my employer change my hours, schedule or pay rate?

Maine wage and hour law allows employers to change an employee’s hours, schedule or rate of pay. However, the pay rate cannot fall beneath the minimum wage in Maine.

Am I entitled to paid vacation, sick leave, holidays or health insurance?

These fringe benefits are not required under Maine wage and hour law. Upon termination, the employer must follow its established vacation policy.

Am I entitled to breaks?

Employees who work more than six hours are entitled to a 30-minute unpaid rest break, as long as there are three or more workers on duty. Employees and employers can mutually agree on more or less breaks; this agreement should be put in writing. Coffee, bathroom or smoking breaks are not required.

Can an employer require their workers to take a rest break?

Yes.

When should an employee be paid following termination?

Employees who are fired should receive their final wages, including vacation time, by the next regularly scheduled payday. The worker must make a demand for payment in person at the place of business. Workers can contact the Maine Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division if they have been denied their last paycheck.

Can my employer deduct cash mistakes from my paycheck?

Employers are not allowed to deduct cash shortages, damages, credit card errors or customer walkouts from an employee’s wages.