Maine employers had two big changes land in 2026. Employees started taking paid family and medical leave in May, and a pay transparency law took effect at the end of July. If you run a business in Portland, Lewiston or anywhere in Southern Maine, here is where things stand.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the details for your situation.
Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Is Live
Contributions began January 1, 2025. Employees could begin taking leave on May 1, 2026.
- 15 or more employees: the contribution is 1% of wages, split evenly between employer and employee.
- Fewer than 15: the rate is 0.5%, and all of it can be withheld from employees. You still file and remit.
Now that benefits are being paid, the real work is operational: how employees request leave, how you document it, how it coordinates with FMLA and your own PTO policy, and how you handle job protection and return to work. Most of the questions we get from Maine employers right now are about exactly that.
Pay Transparency, New as of July 29, 2026
Employers with 10 or more employees must now include pay ranges in internal and external job postings, provide ranges on request and keep pay history records for three years. Fines run $100 to $500 per violation.
Other new laws that took effect the same day cover electronic monitoring notices, drug testing changes and stronger wage enforcement.
Earned Paid Leave
Employers with more than 10 employees must provide one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year. Employees can use it after 120 days, for any reason.
Minimum Wage
- $15.10 an hour statewide in 2026, rising to $15.70 in 2027
- $7.55 tip credit wage
- Portland sets its own, higher minimum wage
Final Pay and Vacation Payout
Final wages are due by the next regular payday, or within two weeks of a demand, whichever comes first. Employers with more than 10 employees must pay out unused vacation.
Seasonal Employers
Many Southern Maine businesses staff up every spring and slow down every winter. Seasonal workers still accrue earned paid leave and may be covered by PFML. A repeatable hiring and onboarding process saves a lot of scrambling.
Where King & Co. Helps
Hourly billing is a natural fit for seasonal Maine employers. Support ramps up for spring hiring and drops off in the off season, along with your bill.
Book a free 15-minute call and we will help you put a leave process in place.
Josh runs HR, payroll and PBJ support for employers across New England and New York, from five-person offices to multi-building nursing home groups. He works in every major payroll system and answers the phone personally.
Book 15 minutes with Josh