Employer of Record & Payroll Services

Employing in Maine

In Maine, workers’ rights are protected by numerous employment and labour laws, at both the state and federal level. As a result, employees enjoy protection from discrimination based on age, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and race.

Here are the key things you need to know about hiring in Maine.

Hours of work in Maine

Work and overtime laws in Maine are laid out in the state’s employee rights guide.

What is considered full-time employment in Maine?

In Maine, full-time employment is generally considered to be between 30 and 40 hours per week, although no legal definition exists.

Do pay employees get overtime in Maine?

Under the federal Fair Labour Standards Act, non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay of 1.5x their regular pay rate if they work more than 40 hours in a week.

Employees are generally (but not always) exempt from overtime if they:

Earn more than the specified state or federal exemption threshold
Perform a role with duties that are
Work in a certified or licensed profession, such as law, accounting, architecture, or engineering

In Maine, the pay threshold for exemption is currently $796.16 per week, which is higher than the federal minimum.

Note that the federal pay threshold for exemption is currently being reviewed in the US.

Minimum wage in Maine

The minimum state wage for private sector employees is currently $14.15 per hour.

Onboarding timeline in Maine

We can help you get your new employee started in Maine fast, with a minimum onboarding time (MOT) of just 2 working days. Note that the MOT is dependent upon registration with the local authorities, and begins after the employee has submitted all the required information on the Remote platform.

For non-citizens of the US, a work eligibility assessment may be required, and can add three extra days to the onboarding time. If a follow-up is needed, there may be additional delays.

Please note that payroll cut-off dates can impact the actual first day of employment. Remote’s payroll cut-off date is the 10th of the month, unless otherwise specified.

Payroll cycle in Maine

Under state law, employees must be paid at least once every 16 days.

For Remote customers, employee payments are made twice per month in equal instalments, payable in arrears. The first payment is made on the 15th of the month and the second payment is made on the final day of the month. If relevant, bonus payments, commissions, and expense reimbursements are included in the second payment of the cycle.

Competitive benefits package in Maine

Remote can help you craft a competitive benefits package to attract and retain the best global talent. Our benefits experts understand the trends, requirements, and expectations of the Maine labour market, allowing your employees to feel appreciated and thrive.

Our benefits packages in Maine usually include some or all of the following:

Pension / 401k retirement plan

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Health Saving Plan (HSA)

Long term disability insurance (LTD)

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Are employers required to provide health insurance in Maine?

Under the federal Affordable Care Act, organizations with a headcount of 50 or more must offer statutory health insurance to their full-time employees.

Many employers also offer some level of supplemental health insurance. While this can lead to a relative rise in employment costs, it’s an essential benefit that ensures your people have access to routine care and are covered in the event of an emergency.

Because Remote is the employer of record (EOR), it’s important for us to offer the same core benefits to all employees to ensure fair and non-discriminatory hiring practices. This protects both your business and ours.

Note that we do not add a markup on any benefits premiums or administration costs.

Are employers required to offer 401k in Maine?

The state is currently in the process of mandating qualified savings plans for private sector employees.

Under this legislation, you will need to enroll your employees into the state-sponsored Maine Retirement Savings Program (or another recognized retirement plan).

Note that this will only apply if your business:

This program is set to go live in 2024, with financial penalties for non-compliance being introduced in July 2025.

Facts & Stats

From the rugged coastline of Acadia National Park to the vibrant communities of Portland and Bangor, Maine has always mixed natural beauty with cultural richness.

Known for its iconic lobster industry and pristine wilderness, the Pine Tree State offers a unique blend of traditional maritime heritage and emerging economic opportunities. With a thriving arts scene, a growing tech sector, and a strong sense of community, Maine is an inviting destination for both employees and employers alike.

Capital City

Augusta

Currency

United States Dollar
($, USD)

Population size

1,400,000

VAT - standard rate

5.5%

Grow your team in Maine with Remote

If you want to hire in Maine, you’ll need to own a legal entity there — or partner with a global employment solutions provider, like Remote.

We can employ top talent in Maine on your behalf and manage complex HR tasks such as onboarding, payroll, benefits, and taxes. You can also manage and pay your contractors in Maine through Remote.

Risks of misclassification

Maine, like many other countries, treats self-employed individuals or contractors and full-time employees differently. Misclassification of contractors in Maine may lead to fines and penalties for the offending company.

Payroll

29

per employee/month

Powerful, transparent international payroll
Simple self-service platform
Personalised support from dedicated specialists
Adhere to local payroll regulations in every country
Integrated payroll, expense management, and HRIS solution

Contractor Management

29

per contractor/month

Only pay for contractors you actively work with
Work with international contractors
Create, edit, and sign tailored, localised contracts
Approve contractor invoices with one click or auto-pay
Transparent payments with complete visibility

Employer of Record

699 599

per contractor/month

Hire without opening a local entity
Guided onboarding
Local payroll paid on time, every time
Built-in security and compliance
Flexible, localised benefits
Offer equity incentives with tax assistance
Dedicated experts for local support

Talk to us now

Book a meeting

Easily manage employment in Maine