Maine paid sick leave
In effect since January 1, 2021
1 hour for every 40 hours worked
More than 10 employees in Maine for more than 120 days in a calendar year must let employees accrue and use up to 40 hours of paid sick leave a year. 10 or fewer employees: not covered.
| Accrual | 1 hour for every 40 hours worked |
|---|---|
| Annual cap | 40 hours Up to 40 hours a year, or the employer's higher limit |
| Who must provide it | More than 10 employees in Maine for more than 120 days in a calendar year |
| Waiting period | An employer may require a 120-day wait before new employees can use leave. |
| Carryover | All accrued, unused earned paid leave carries over. |
| Front-loading | Allowed |
| Payout when employment ends | Not required unless employer policy provides it |
| Covered uses | Any reason (earned paid leave) |
Details and exceptions
- This is a paid-leave-for-any-reason law.
- Seasonal industries are excepted.
- Employees may have to give up to 4 weeks' notice for planned use.
Law: 26 M.R.S. § 637
Running payroll in Maine?
Recent changes
Last verified against the official source on October 9, 2026.
No changes recorded since we started tracking this page.
Sources
- Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards · data as of October 8, 2026 · last checked October 9, 2026
We copy figures from official sources and re-check them against the source before every update. See our methodology. This is general information, not legal advice.