Prevailing wage in Maine

Who and what this applies to

Covered Maine public works and assisted energy projects under Title 26, chapter 15.

Thresholds and scope

Public works definition: state funding in whole or part and contract of $50,000 or more. Assisted-project definition includes qualifying energy projects of at least 2 MW, bids/proposals initiated on or after January 1, 2023, and specified state assistance, subject to the express prior-approval and net-energy-billing exclusions.

The rules

• Public-works laborers must receive at least the fair minimum wage and benefit rate determined under section 1308. Source
• The public-works and assisted-project definitions set distinct coverage tests. Construction excludes architectural/engineering services, temporary/emergency repairs and contracts below $10,000. Source
• For covered assisted projects, contractors/subcontractors must pay construction workers at least the prevailing wage and benefit rate beginning January 1, 2023. Source
• The bureau uses the highest wage/benefit information from the three prescribed data sets and limits a published classification’s annual decrease to 15%; written objections to a determination are due within ten days of filing it with the public authority. Source

Primary sources

• 26 M.R.S. §1303
• 26 M.R.S. §1304(1-A), (2), (8)
• 26 M.R.S. §1306-A
• 26 M.R.S. §1308(1), (3)

Sources reviewed 2026-09-30. This guide covers the projects and rules stated above.

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