Maine gradually raises its minimum wage

MAINE — In November Maine voters opted to raise the state minimum wage, which at $7.50 was only slightly higher than the federal minimum of $7.25.

The official statute summary notes that this initiated bill raises the minimum wage to $9 per hour in 2017 and by $1 per hour each year after that until it is $12 per hour in 2020. The minimum age then increases at the same rate as the cost of living.

The minimum wage for workers who receive tips increases to $5 per hour in 2017 and then by $1 per hour each year until it matches the minimum wage for all other workers, which occurs no sooner than 2024.