Maine Salary Threshold 2026: ,300.32, .10 Minimum Wage, and Farm Workers
Quick answer: Maine’s 2026 salary threshold is $871.16 per week or $45,300.32 per year. The state minimum wage is $15.10, and the direct service wage is $7.55.
Maine’s 2026 wage increase
The Maine Department of Labor announced that the statewide minimum wage increased from $14.65 to $15.10 per hour effective January 1, 2026.
The adjustment reflected a 3.1% increase in the Northeast Region CPI-W. Local ordinances can require higher rates.
The exempt salary threshold
Maine requires compensation exceeding 3,000 times the state minimum wage or the annualized federal threshold, whichever is higher, for the relevant state exemption.
- Weekly salary threshold: $871.16
- Annual salary threshold: $45,300.32
Duties still matter
The salary amount is only one part of the executive, administrative, or professional exemption analysis.
An employee earning more than $45,300.32 can still be overtime eligible when actual duties do not qualify.
Tipped employees
Maine’s 2026 direct service wage is $7.55 per hour. The employer must ensure direct wages plus tips equal at least $15.10 at the end of the workweek.
The monthly tip amount used to qualify as a service employee increased to $191.
Agricultural workers
A 2025 Maine law established a state minimum hourly wage for agricultural workers beginning in 2026. The Department’s announcement confirmed that the $15.10 minimum wage applies under the new framework.
Coverage, exemptions, overtime, housing, and federal agricultural rules require separate review.
Salaried nonexempt workers
An employee can be salaried and nonexempt. When a salaried nonexempt worker exceeds 40 hours, the salary must be converted under the applicable agreement and overtime must be paid.
Employers must record all hours even when pay is fixed.
Example
A Maine office employee earns $44,000 annually and performs qualifying administrative duties. The salary is below the 2026 threshold.
The employee generally cannot be treated as exempt under the state salary test.
Employer checklist
- Raise hourly wages to at least $15.10.
- Raise qualifying salaries to at least $45,300.32.
- Review actual duties.
- Update the $7.55 service wage.
- Identify covered agricultural workers.
- Check municipal ordinances.
- Post the current notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maine’s 2026 minimum wage?
$15.10 per hour.
What is the salary threshold?
$871.16 per week or $45,300.32 per year.
What is the direct service wage?
$7.55 per hour.
Are agricultural workers covered?
Maine’s 2026 announcement states that the state minimum now applies under the new agricultural law.
Does salary automatically eliminate overtime?
No. Duties and other requirements must also be satisfied.
Official Sources
- Maine DOL — January 2026 Announcement
- Maine DOL — September 2025 Announcement
- Maine DOL — Minimum Wage Increases
- Maine Revised Statutes — Salary Exemption
This article is for general educational purposes and is not legal, tax, accounting, payroll, or employment advice. Rules can change and may differ by location, occupation, employer size, and employee duties.
This calculator is for educational purposes only. Consult your employer or a labor attorney for advice specific to your situation.