Maine Paycheck Calculator
Estimate Maine take-home pay including federal, state, and FICA taxes, applying pre-tax deductions across common pay schedules accurately today for.
Maine Income Tax Rate
Maine uses progressive brackets, with most workers taxed at lower tiers and higher earners reaching the top marginal rate. Employers start from gross pay, subtract pre-tax benefits (traditional 401(k), Section 125 health premiums, HSA/FSA), then compute federal withholding, FICA, and Maine withholding using your W-4ME elections and pay frequency. Supplemental wages (bonuses/commissions) may be withheld using standard or aggregate methods. Because Maine has no municipal wage income tax, state plus federal are your primary income-tax layers. The table shows the top individual rate over the last decade; your effective rate is typically lower, depending on income, deductions, and credits claimed during the year.
| Year | Top Rate |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 7.15% |
| 2017 | 7.15% |
| 2018 | 7.15% |
| 2019 | 7.15% |
| 2020 | 7.15% |
| 2021 | 7.15% |
| 2022 | 7.15% |
| 2023 | 7.15% |
| 2024 | 7.15% |
| 2025 | 7.15% |
Maine Median Household Income
Maine’s median household income has climbed through the decade, supported by healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, tourism, and professional services. Pandemic shocks caused temporary volatility, followed by steady gains as labor markets tightened. Use the figures below as nominal, directional benchmarks when budgeting or negotiating offers. For purchasing-power analysis, compare “real” (inflation-adjusted) dollars and consider regional cost differences: Greater Portland typically exceeds statewide medians, while some rural counties trail. Household size, employer benefits, and housing or childcare costs can significantly change how far a salary goes. Pair these statewide figures with current county or metro estimates for precise planning.
| Year | Income |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $52,000 |
| 2017 | $55,000 |
| 2018 | $57,900 |
| 2019 | $60,600 |
| 2020 | $62,200 |
| 2021 | $66,100 |
| 2022 | $68,400 |
| 2023 | $71,300 |
| 2024 | $73,200 |
| 2025 | $74,600 (prelim.) |
Maine Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)
FICA funds Social Security and Medicare and applies to Maine wages like everywhere in the U.S. Employees pay 6.2% Social Security on wages up to the annual wage base (employers match) and 1.45% Medicare on all wages (also matched). High earners owe an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax above federal thresholds; employers do not match the surtax. Section 125 health premiums typically reduce both income-tax and FICA wages, while traditional 401(k) lowers income-tax wages but not FICA. Your pay stub will usually list Social Security, Medicare, federal income tax, and Maine income tax as separate lines so you can verify accurate withholding each period.
Maine Number of Cities with Local Income Taxes
Maine does not impose local (city/town) wage income taxes. Paychecks generally reflect federal withholding, FICA, and statewide Maine income tax only.
| Locality | Resident Rate | Nonresident Rate |
|---|---|---|
| All Maine cities/towns | None | None |
How Your Maine Paycheck Works
Each pay period starts with gross wages. Payroll subtracts pre-tax benefits—traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, commuter, and pre-tax insurance—to determine taxable wages. Withholding then includes federal income tax (W-4), Social Security and Medicare (FICA), and Maine state income tax using your W-4ME elections and the state tables for your pay frequency. There are no city wage taxes. Post-tax deductions (Roth 401(k), garnishments, charitable gifts) occur after taxes and don’t reduce taxable wages. Pay schedule—weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly—changes per-check cash flow but not annual liability. Review stubs after life events, address changes, or benefit updates.
Maine Wage and Hour Laws: Overtime, Pay Frequency
Overtime: Maine follows FLSA standards—most non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked over
40 in a workweek; exemptions apply where duties and salary thresholds are met.
Pay frequency: Employers must set regular paydays and pay on consistent intervals; biweekly and semimonthly schedules are common.
Final-pay timing and itemized wage-statement requirements apply under state and federal rules—review employer policy and any contract terms for specifics.
Maine FAQs
How do I use the Maine Paycheck Calculator?
Enter gross pay, pay schedule, W-4/W-4ME details, pre-tax benefits, and post-tax deductions to estimate federal, FICA, and Maine withholding.
What are Maine’s current income tax brackets?
Maine uses progressive brackets with a top marginal rate shown in the table; your effective rate depends on income and credits.
Do any Maine cities have a wage income tax?
No. Municipal wage income taxes aren’t imposed; paychecks include federal, FICA, and state withholding only.
How do pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions affect my check?
They reduce taxable wages for income tax, increasing take-home pay. 401(k) doesn’t reduce FICA; many health premiums do.
Are bonuses taxed differently in Maine?
State withholding follows Maine tables; federally, employers may use percentage or aggregate methods for supplemental wages like bonuses.
Why did my Maine withholding change this year?
Form updates, benefit elections, rate changes, or supplemental pay can alter per-check results even at the same salary.
What is Maine’s minimum wage policy?
Maine sets a statewide minimum wage by statute; employers must pay at least the current effective rate for your pay period.
How often must I be paid in Maine?
Employers maintain a regular payday and consistent intervals—commonly biweekly or semimonthly—subject to state timing and recordkeeping rules.
Do remote workers owe Maine income tax?
Residents owe tax on all income; nonresidents owe tax on Maine-sourced wages. Credits may apply for other-state taxes.