How Maine Taxes Your Paycheck
Maine uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets. Rates start at 5.8% on the lowest earnings and rise to 7.15% on income above $63,450 for single filers.
Maine's top bracket (7.15%) starts at relatively modest income — most middle-class workers face the top rate.
Maine Job Market Context
Tourism, lobster and seafood, paper products, and shipbuilding (Bath Iron Works); aging demographics shape labor supply.
Top Cities in Maine
The largest population centers in Maine:
- Portland — 68,800 residents
- Lewiston — 36,800 residents
- Bangor — 31,700 residents
How Maine Compares to Neighboring States
Single-filer take-home on a $75,000 annual salary in 2026, federal + state income tax + FICA only:
| State | Take-Home | vs. Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Maine (here) | $58,145 | — |
| New Hampshire | $61,593 | +$3,448 |
Take-home reflects single filer, no pre-tax deductions; SDI/PFML and local taxes excluded for an apples-to-apples comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Maine state income tax rate?
Maine has progressive income tax brackets ranging from 5.8% to 7.15%. Most middle-income earners hit the middle brackets; the top rate applies only above $63,450.
How much is taken out of my paycheck in Maine?
For a single filer earning $75,000 in Maine (2026), expect roughly $7,670 in federal income tax, $5,738 in FICA, and $3,448 in Maine state tax — leaving about $58,145 take-home (22.5% effective tax rate). SDI/PFML and local taxes (if any) come out of that as well.
Is the Maine median household income enough to live comfortably?
The 2023 ACS reported a Maine median household income of about $76,400. Whether that's "comfortable" depends heavily on city — Portland cost of living can differ substantially from rural areas. Use the calculator above to model your specific salary and deductions.
How does this Maine paycheck calculator work?
We calculate your annualized gross pay based on the pay frequency you select, then apply the 2025 or 2026 IRS percentage method for federal income tax, the Maine state tax schedule (if any), Social Security, and Medicare. Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and Section 125 health premiums reduce your taxable base before withholding is computed. You can switch between salary and hourly modes; hourly mode applies time-and-a-half to hours over 40/week prorated by pay period.