Maine Overtime Calculator — 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Maine's overtime law in 2026?

  Maine requires employers to pay non-exempt employees 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek (Maine Title 26 §664, mirroring 29 U.S.C. §207). There is no daily overtime threshold in Maine — only the 40-hour weekly trigger applies.

• Does Maine have daily overtime like California?

  No. Maine does not have a daily overtime threshold. Only hours worked beyond 40 in a single workweek trigger overtime pay at 1.5× the regular rate. States like California and Alaska have additional daily overtime rules, but Maine follows only the federal weekly model.

• What is Maine's salary-exemption threshold for overtime in 2026?

  As of January 1, 2026, Maine's salary-exemption threshold is $871.16 per week ($45,300.32 per year). Salaried employees earning at or below this amount cannot be classified as overtime-exempt, regardless of their job duties. This threshold was set by Maine rule after the federal update was blocked in court.

• Are salaried employees automatically exempt from overtime in Maine?

  No. Two conditions must both be met: (1) the employee must earn more than $871.16 per week (as of 2026), and (2) their duties must qualify under the executive, administrative, or professional exemption test. Meeting the salary threshold alone does not guarantee exempt status.

• What workers are exempt from Maine overtime requirements?

  Certain employees are exempt from Maine overtime rules, including: salaried executives, administrators, and professionals who meet both the salary and duties tests; automobile service technicians paid on commission; mariners; certain agricultural and food-processing workers; and some public employees covered by collective bargaining agreements. If in doubt, consult an employment attorney.

• How is overtime calculated in Maine?

  OT pay = (hours over 40) × (regular hourly rate) × 1.5. The regular rate includes all remuneration paid for employment, including bonuses and commissions based on actual work performed, divided by hours worked. For example: a worker earning $20/hr who works 46 hours receives: (40 × $20) + (6 × $20 × 1.5) = $800 + $180 = $980 total.

• What happens if my Maine employer doesn't pay overtime?

  Employees who are owed unpaid overtime can file a wage claim with the Maine Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Standards or file a civil lawsuit. Remedies include recovery of the unpaid overtime wages, liquidated damages, and attorney fees. The Bureau can also assess civil penalties against employers who violate wage and hour laws.

• Does Maine's overtime rate differ from federal FLSA?

  The overtime rate itself — 1.5× for hours over 40 per week — is the same under Maine law and the federal FLSA. The key difference is Maine's independent salary-exemption threshold of $871.16/week (2026), which determines which salaried workers are entitled to overtime pay. Maine's threshold applies when it provides greater protection than the federal standard.

• Can a Maine employer require mandatory overtime?

  Generally yes, but with limits. Maine law (Title 26 §603) restricts mandatory overtime in certain healthcare settings. Outside those specific restrictions, private employers may generally require overtime work, but they must pay the required 1.5× rate. Refusing to work mandatory overtime can be a valid basis for termination unless covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

• Does Maine overtime apply to part-time workers?

  Yes, if a part-time worker works more than 40 hours in a workweek, they are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5× for the hours over 40, just like full-time employees. The threshold is hours per workweek, not employment classification.