Minimum Wage on the Rise in Portland, Maine

Did you know that the City of Portland has the distinction of being the largest city in Maine? A favorite spot for tourists, foodies, and those who enjoy boating, Portland is also the birthplace of two famous writers, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Stephen King. But I digress…

Details of the Updated Minimum Wage

What you really need to know is that effective July 1, 2018, employers who operate a business within the City of Portland are required to pay all employees who perform work within the municipal limits of the city a minimum wage rate of $10.90 per hour.

For tipped workers, employers must continue to pay a direct wage of at least $5.00 cash per hour. However, if a tipped employee’s wages plus tips fall below the minimum wage, employers are required to pay the difference.

After Portland’s minimum wage ordinance went into effect in July of 2015, the city’s minimum wage increased to $10.10 per hour on 1/1/16 and then $10.68 per hour on 1/1/17. As of the July 1, 2018 increase, the city’s minimum wage is now subject to yearly adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index.

A letter to employers posted on Portland’s website by the City Manager reminds them that gratuities paid to tipped employees are the property of those employees and must not be shared with an employer.

The letter also reminds employers that they are required to keep up-to-date records of employees’ daily hours worked and pay received, including tips. In addition, employers must provide all employees a notice advising them of their rights under the Minimum Wage Ordinance with their first paycheck for wages earned starting July 1, 2018.

We Can Help You Stay in Compliance

If you order our City/County Poster 1-Year Plan, you will automatically receive the updated Portland, Maine poster as soon as it is available. And because we provide free poster updates for mandatory changes, no matter how many occur during the 12-month period, you can always count on Poster Compliance Center to keep you in compliance!