Payment methods (direct deposit, pay cards)
You may not charge a fee for paying wages by direct deposit to the employee's chosen account. Source: legislature.maine.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
Pay stubs
With every payment give a statement showing pay period dates, hours, total earnings and itemized deductions; direct deposit needs the same record, printable free if electronic. Source: legislature.maine.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
Industry-specific rules
School staff on a school-year schedule may be paid over 12 months by written agreement. Fire departments may pay volunteer firefighters up to every 6 months. Source: legislature.maine.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
Penalties
Fine of $100 to $500 per violation, plus unpaid wages, liquidated damages of twice the unpaid wages, interest, costs and attorney fees (26 M.R.S. § 626-A). Source: legislature.maine.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
The law and where to check
The law: 26 M.R.S. § 621-A (opens in a new tab)
The agency: Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards (opens in a new tab)
What federal law says
Federal law does not set how often employers must pay. Under the FLSA, wages are due on the regular payday for the pay period. State laws set the frequency. Source: U.S. DOL — state payday table↗ (opens in a new tab)
Pay frequency checklist for Maine employers
A simple order of work, based on the rules above. It is not a legal checklist.
- Pick a pay schedule that meets the minimum frequency above.
- Set fixed paydays within the time limit after each pay period ends.
- Tell employees their payday in writing, and post it if required.
- Choose payment methods your state allows (check, direct deposit, pay card).
- Give a pay stub with the details your state requires.
- Keep payroll records.
More Maine employment law guides
- All Maine employment laws
- Maine final paycheck law
- Maine paid sick leave law
- Maine meal and rest break laws
- Maine overtime law
- Maine vacation and PTO payout law
- Maine new hire reporting
- Maine at-will exceptions
Pay frequency laws in other states
See every state on one page, or pick a state:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
All official government sources, last checked October 19, 2026.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on publicly available official sources and is for information only. It is not legal, tax, payroll or employment-law advice and does not guarantee compliance with federal, state or local requirements. Rules can depend on your location, industry, contracts and other circumstances, and laws change. Always check the official source, the relevant government agency or a qualified professional before making a decision. MadyHR.ai accepts no responsibility for any action taken based on this page.
Last checked: . Every rule and source link on this page was checked against the official government source on this date. Laws change, so always open the source link before you act.