Maine Minimum Wage 2026
Maine's minimum wage of $15.10 in 2026 is among the highest in the United States, and it is significantly higher than than the base federal minimum wage of $7.25 still used in 20 states.
Federal 
Maine Assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the weekly minimum wage in Maine is $604. For full-time employees working 52 weeks per year, the annual minimum wage in Maine is $31.4K.
Based on $15.10/hr minimum
Based on $15.10/hr minimum
The minimum wage rate of Maine and its neighboring states ranges from $7.25 to $17, with an average of $13.75. Maine, at $15.10, has an above average hourly minimum wage within this group of states. New York ($17) has higher hourly rates than Maine. Massachusetts ($15), Vermont ($14.42), and New Hampshire ($7.25) have lower hourly rates than Maine.
Maine While the general minimum wage is $15.10 per hour in Maine, there is one exception where workers may legally receive less than this amount:
Maine allows employers to pay “service employees” a lower direct service wage (cash wage) that can count toward the state minimum when combined with tips; if the employee’s direct wage plus actual tips do not average at least the state minimum wage by week’s end, the employer must pay the difference. Direct service wage cannot be less than 50% of the Maine minimum wage (e.g., at least $7.33/hr in 2025)
Maine's cost of living index for 2025 is 113, which places it as the 11th most expensive state to live in the United States.
National 100
Maine 113
Assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the real wage in Maine, adjusted for the state’s cost of living index of 113, is approximately $13.36 per hour. This means that while the nominal minimum wage is $15.10 per hour, the purchasing power of those earnings is lower due to Maine's higher cost of living expenses. For full-time employees, the real weekly earnings amount to roughly $534.51, translating to an annual purchasing power of $27,794.69 when working 52 weeks per year.
Adjusted
Adjusted
Adjusted
105K
110K
115K
120K
125K
130K
135K
According to the most recent data, the median household income in the United States has seen a significant increase in 2023.
Maine’s minimum wage is set under state law and is adjusted annually based on changes in the cost of living, following a voter-approved 2016 referendum. Each year, the rate is updated using the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast region, ensuring wages keep pace with inflation.
