The city of Portland would like the public to know that effective January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in Portland is $16.75 per hour according to a press release issued by the city spokeswoman earlier this month.

Section 33.8 (E) of the Portland City Code requires every Portland employer to post a notice informing employees of the current minimum wage rates in a conspicuous place.

A service employee is someone who regularly receives more than $191 a month in tips.  As of January 1, 2026 employers must pay service employees a direct wage of at least $8.38 per hour.  If the employee’s direct wage combined with earned tips does not average, on a weekly basis $16.75 per hour, the employer must pay the difference.

Employers shall maintain payroll records showing hours worked daily by and the wages paid to all employees.  These records shall be retained for at least three (3) years after an employee has left employment.  Every employer shall provide with the first paycheck issued to an employee a notice advising the employee of the current City of Portland minimum wage, as established by Section 33.7(b) of City Code.

The Office of the Portland City Manager is responsible for enforcement of the provisions of Portland’s Minimum Wage Ordinance.  For additional information or to file a complaint, contact: city manager@portlandmaine.gov.

In addition to Portland’s Minimum Wage Ordinance, Portland employers must comply with all labor laws of the State of Maine, as detailed in Title 26 of the Maine Revised Statutes.  This includes, but is not limited to, overtime pay eligibillity and notice to employees.