Wage Garnishment in Maine

Maine: 40× State Multiplier with Strong Minimum Wage

Maine enhances the federal baseline by using a 40× exemption multiplier on the higher of the state or federal minimum wage under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 3127, protecting $604 per week ($15.10 × 40) — a dramatic improvement over the federal $217.50 floor. Combined with one of the highest minimum wages in New England, Maine workers enjoy robust protection against wage garnishment.

The Maine Formula

Maine uses the CCPA framework with the enhanced multiplier:

• Cap: 25% of disposable earnings
• Exemption floor: 40× the higher of state or federal minimum wage = $604/week protected

For a worker earning $700/week in disposable earnings:

• Maine: min(25% cap = $175, $700 − $604 = $96) = $96 garnishable
• Federal: min(25% cap = $175, $700 − $217.50 = $482.50) = $175 garnishable

Maine protects nearly double what the federal baseline would — the worker keeps $79 more per week.

Minimum Wage Strength

Maine’s $15.10 state minimum wage (adjusted annually for inflation) provides one of the strongest earnings floors in New England. Because the exemption uses the state minimum wage, the protected floor automatically rises each year as the minimum wage is CPI-adjusted.

New England Context

Maine’s 40× state-MW multiplier places it ahead of Rhode Island and Vermont (federal baseline), on par with Connecticut (also 40× state), and below Massachusetts (85% gross protection) and New Hampshire (50× multiplier). Maine’s combination of a 40× state multiplier and $15.10 minimum wage creates a well-rounded shield that outperforms several higher-multiplier states at current wage levels.

Statute: Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 3127; 15 U.S.C. § 1673 — Official source

This calculator is for consumer debt garnishment only. Not legal advice. Rules vary by debt type (student loans, child support, taxes). Verify with official sources before making any financial or legal decisions.