The Maine Department of Labor recently expanded protections for both agriculture and non-agriculture workers, creating important labor updates for employers statewide. Below is a breakdown of new protections for agriculture workers, the increased 2026 minimum wage rates, the minimum salary requirement for exempt status, and compliance tips for employers.
2026 Maine Minimum Wage for Agriculture Workers
A major shift occurs on January 1, 2026, when agricultural workers, previously exempt from minimum wage requirements, must begin receiving the full minimum wage in Maine. This new law provides farmworkers wage protections equal to those in other industries and requires agriculture employers to follow the same recordkeeping and compliance standards as all Maine businesses.
Key Updates to the 2026 Maine Minimum Wage Rates
The new minimum wage law takes effect January 1, 2026 and includes:
- Minimum wage for Maine workers increases to $15.10 per hour
- Agriculture workers must now receive Maine’s minimum wage rate
- Service workers who receive more than $191 in tips per month must be paid a direct service wage of at least $7.55 per hour
- Minimum salary requirement for exempt employees will be $871.16 per week
Maine’s New Minimum Wage Poster
Every employer in Maine is required to display the new “2026 Minimum Wage” poster in the workplace where workers can easily see it. Agriculture businesses, especially, must display the latest notice to inform their workers of their rights under the new minimum wage law. Failure to display the poster can result in costly fines.
Action Steps for Maine Employers
- Prepare for the 2026 Wage Increases
Ensure Payroll is informed of the new minimum wage, especially if you employ agricultural workers, and all employees are paid in accordance with the new law, effective January 1, 2026.
- Display the New Maine Minimum Wage Poster Prominently
Post the 2026 Maine Minimum Wage Poster in a location where all employees can easily view it.
- Track Tips Properly
If you employ tipped workers, carefully monitor whether their wages (tips plus direct pay) meet the state minimum each week.
- Keep Accurate Records
For both agricultural and non-agricultural employees, maintain accurate time and payroll records. Maine law requires recordkeeping of hours and wages paid.
- Stay Informed
Subscribe to a trusted Labor Law Poster Replacement Service to ensure your compliance with all 2026 Maine and federal regulations.
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How 
Can Help You
Managing ongoing poster updates and labor law changes can be overwhelming. We provide trusted compliance solutions that include:
- Accurate and Up-to-Date Posters: Our 2026 Maine Labor Law Poster includes the new “Minimum Wage” notice as well as all state and federal-mandated labor law posters.
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Labor Law Center, an OutSolve Company, is committed to being your partner in workplace labor law compliance. Contact us today to discover why thousands of businesses, of all sizes, place their trust in our labor law compliance solutions.
