---
title: Maine Certified Payroll: Monthly or Weekly? | WellStanding
url: https://wellstanding.com/guides/maine-certified-payroll/
description: Maine's statute says payroll goes monthly, DOL says each pay period, and MaineDOT federal-aid jobs run weekly on Elation. See which fits your job.
updated: 2026-11-05
type: guide
publisher: WellStanding Certified Payroll
---
# Maine certified payroll: monthly, every pay period, or weekly?

The sources are [26 MRSA chapter 15](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26ch15.pdf), the Maine Department of Labor's [certified payroll page](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/certified_payroll.html) and [2025 rules](https://www.maine.gov/sos/sites/maine.gov.sos/files/inline-files/170c013-2025-225%20%28RPR%29.docx), and the [MaineDOT Civil Rights page](https://www.maine.gov/dot/doing-business/civil-rights).

Last reviewed November 5, 2026 against the sources it cites

The short answer

The statute, [26 MRSA 1311](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1311.html), says a copy of each wage record is filed monthly with the public authority that let the contract or the State agency providing assistance. The [Labor Department's payroll page](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/certified_payroll.html) (copyright 2016) says each payroll period, which is guidance, so confirm the cadence in writing. [MaineDOT's 2018 Davis-Bacon guide](https://www.maine.gov/dot/sites/maine.gov.dot/files/docs/civilrights/docs/davisbacon/Contractors_guide_to_Davis_Bacon_Act-2018.pdf) says weekly on federal-aid jobs, through Elation.

- [26 MRSA 1311](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1311.html) has the contractor and each subcontractor in charge of a public work keep a wage record, and says a copy of each record is filed monthly with the public authority that let the contract or with the State agency providing economic assistance to an assisted project.
- The [Maine DOL certified payroll page](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/certified_payroll.html) (copyright 2016) says payroll information is submitted each payroll period, and the same sentence appears on DOL's [wage rates page](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_stats/publications/wagerateconst/index.shtml), which carries a 2026 copyright.
- Public works under [1304(8)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1304.html) are construction funded "in whole or in part" by state funds on a contract of $50,000 or more, and [1314(1)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1314.html) lifts sections 1304 to 1313, not 1303 or 1317, on work "built in whole or in part using federal funds" where the US Secretary of Labor sets the wage under Davis-Bacon.
- [MaineDOT's Civil Rights page](https://www.maine.gov/dot/doing-business/civil-rights) says all contractors and subcontractors on federal-aid funded construction must use Elation Systems for certified payroll, and its [local-agency form](https://www.maine.gov/dot/sites/maine.gov.dot/files/inline-files/Elation%20System%20Form.pdf), which prints no date, says projects with no federal funds do not require electronic payrolls.
- [Section 1317](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1317.html) requires a signed monthly statement to the public authority that each craft worker completed a safety training program using an OSHA-approved curriculum of at least 10 hours, and a signed affidavit posted at each job site.
- Under [1312(2)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1312.html) a worker paid below the posted rate recovers the shortfall, an equal penalty and attorney's fees, and [Chapter 15](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26ch15.pdf) has no section that withholds payment or debars a contractor.

## Monthly or every pay period?

| Source | What it says about cadence | Date and weight |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [26 MRSA 1311](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1311.html) | A copy of each wage record "must also be filed monthly with the public authority that let the contract or with the agency of the State providing economic assistance to the assisted project." | Statute. The [Chapter 15 text](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26ch15.pdf) is current through October 1, 2026 |
| [DOL certified payroll page](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/certified_payroll.html) and [wage rates page](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_stats/publications/wagerateconst/index.shtml) | Payroll is submitted each payroll period, with copies to the general contractor and the letting agency. | Guidance. Footers read 2016 and 2026 |
| [2025 DOL rules](https://www.maine.gov/sos/sites/maine.gov.sos/files/inline-files/170c013-2025-225%20%28RPR%29.docx) | A record for each payroll period, current within three days of the latest pay period paid. No filing cadence. | Rules, replaced the earlier text November 23, 2025 |

The statute is the law. The DOL pages are guidance, and a footer year dates a page, not a sentence. No source says which wins, so ask whoever holds your contract.

1. **Ask the letting authority in writing** how often it wants payroll, on what form or system, and whether the general contractor also gets a copy.
2. **Keep the reply with the contract.** DOL's [Wage and Hour Division](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_stats/publications/wagerateconst/index.shtml), (207) 623-7900, takes guidance questions.

DOL's forms are week-ending forms. The [Certified Payroll form](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/certified_payroll_form.pdf) and the [fillable Payroll Reporting Form](https://www.maine.gov/labor/docs/2024/laborstats/CertifiedPayrollFillableForm.pdf) are both headed "For week ending," and their Statement of Compliance says all persons employed "have been paid the full weekly wages earned." Neither form prints a revision date, so use the version your letting authority names.

## Which jobs the Maine law covers

Public works under [1304(8)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1304.html) are buildings, roads, bridges, public schools and other structures funded in whole or in part by state funds on a contract of $50,000 or more. Section [1304(2)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1304.html) defines "construction" as work on "any public works let to contract" and excludes engineering or architectural services, temporary or emergency repairs, and "any contract of less than $10,000."

### Town-owned and local jobs

The statute and the Labor Department's page do not read alike on local governments:

- **The statute.** [Section 1304(7)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1304.html) defines "public authority" as the Maine Turnpike Authority or any officer, board, commission or agency of the State authorized to contract for public works and supported in whole or in part by State public funds. It does not list towns or other local governments.
- **The Labor Department.** Its [prevailing wage rates page](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_stats/publications/wagerateconst/index.shtml) calls a state agency or a local government a public authority. It counts only projects where that authority obtained state funds specific to the project, so a town job with dedicated State money is in.

The same DOL page excludes three kinds of work:

- Projects where the state money is not dedicated to the project, with Revenue Sharing funds as its example.
- Maintenance work.
- Projects where state and local employees do the work.

DOL also says each qualifying project must have a prevailing wage determination attached to the bid document, and the official determination must be posted at the work site. On a town-owned job, confirm in writing with the letting authority whether Maine prevailing wage applies and who receives your payroll. For guidance on the law, call DOL's Wage and Hour Division at (207) 623-7900. DOL's own page says to contact it if in doubt.

### Assisted projects, in full

An assisted project under [1304(1-A)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1304.html) meets all three:

- Requests for bids or proposals began on or after January 1, 2023, including ones that supplement an earlier process.
- Nameplate capacity is 2 megawatts or more, for a renewable energy or energy production project, including all phases of site preparation, construction, retrofitting and demolition.
- The State provides certifications that entitle the generator to renewable energy credits, or other economic assistance such as power purchase agreement payments, rebates, grants, loans or commitments of funds.

The same [1304(1-A)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1304.html) definition excludes a project the Public Utilities Commission approved or authorized under Title 35-A on or before June 29, 2021, and a net energy billing project meeting Title 35-A section 3209-A(7) or 3209-B. The 1304(1-A) definition has no dollar floor of its own. The $10,000 exclusion in 1304(2) sits below the $50,000 public works test, so it can matter only on an assisted project, and 1304(2) is worded for public works: the statute does not say whether it reaches one. Under $10,000, ask the assisting State agency. [Section 1306-A](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1306-A.html) requires prevailing rates for all construction workers and proof within 7 days of a DOL request that apprentices are registered.

Under [1314(1)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1314.html), sections 1304 to 1313 do not apply to a public works construction "built in whole or in part using federal funds" that is under the Davis-Bacon Act or another federal act where the US Secretary of Labor sets the wage and benefits. Because 1304(8) also covers construction funded "in whole or in part" by the State, a job funded partly by the State and partly under Davis-Bacon falls on the 1314(1) side for sections 1304 to 1313. That lifts only 1304 to 1313. [Section 1303](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1303.html) is outside that range: it requires public works, "including state highways," to pay not less than the fair minimum rate under [section 1308](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1308.html), and a knowing and willful violation carries a fine of not less than $250 per employee violation. Section 1317, covered below, is outside the range too.

## Which channel fits your job

| Your job | Where payroll goes | Rates and form |
| --- | --- | --- |
| State-funded public works, $50,000 or more, with no Davis-Bacon wage decision | The letting authority, with a copy to the general contractor per DOL | Maine DOL determination and payroll form |
| Assisted energy project | Monthly under 1311, to the public authority that let the contract or the State agency providing the assistance. The statute does not say which applies when. | Maine prevailing rates (1306-A) |
| MaineDOT federal-aid job with a Davis-Bacon wage decision | Elation Systems, weekly. MaineDOT's [2018 guide](https://www.maine.gov/dot/sites/maine.gov.dot/files/docs/civilrights/docs/davisbacon/Contractors_guide_to_Davis_Bacon_Act-2018.pdf) (revised February 2018, section 2-3) tells contractors to submit a weekly certified payroll report and describes the Copeland Act as requiring weekly reports. The local agency checklist in the [December 2024 Local Project Administration manual](https://www.maine.gov/dot/sites/maine.gov.dot/files/inline-files/Manual2024-Chapter11-Dec2024-1.pdf) lists the same weekly receipt. | The federal wage decision in your contract. Elation provides the WH-347 and Statement of Compliance (2018 guide). MaineDOT's [local-agency form](https://www.maine.gov/dot/sites/maine.gov.dot/files/inline-files/Elation%20System%20Form.pdf) (it prints no date) also says Elation lets the Federal Government check Davis-Bacon and Maine State Labor Wage Rate compliance. |
| MaineDOT state-only local programs (Small Harbor Improvement, Heads Up, Municipal Partnership Initiative) | Local Project Administration manual, section 11.3.4: submit certified payrolls with a Statement of Compliance. No recipient is named, so ask the local agency. | Maine DOL rates and form. The [local-agency form](https://www.maine.gov/dot/sites/maine.gov.dot/files/inline-files/Elation%20System%20Form.pdf): no federal funds, no electronic payroll. |

The [Civil Rights page](https://www.maine.gov/dot/doing-business/civil-rights) (copyright 2025) says all contractors and subcontractors on federal-aid work must use Elation. See the [WH-347 guide](https://wellstanding.com/guides/wh-347/) for the federal weekly rule, the [SF-1444 guide](https://wellstanding.com/guides/sf-1444-additional-classification/) for a missing classification, and [who to ask about Elation](https://wellstanding.com/guides/elation-systems-for-contractors/).

Section 1314(1) lifts only sections 1304 to 1313, not 1303 or 1317, and MaineDOT's form says Elation also checks Maine State Labor Wage Rate compliance. Ask MaineDOT in writing which rate applies on your contract, and keep the reply with the contract.

## The craft-worker safety statement

[Section 1317](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1317.html) requires a contractor or subcontractor employing craft workers on public works to:

1. Require every craft worker on site to have completed a construction safety training program that uses an OSHA-approved curriculum and runs at least 10 hours.
2. Submit monthly to the public authority that let the contract a signed statement that each has.
3. Post a signed affidavit at each job site that it has met the section.

[Section 1304(3-A)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1304.html) defines a craft worker as a person "engaged in a construction trade that is eligible for coverage under a wage determination under this chapter." Section 1317 applies to "public works" as [1304(8)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1304.html) defines them, which means state-funded construction on a contract of $50,000 or more, and 1314(1) does not lift it.

The statute names no form, so ask what the letting authority accepts. The enacting law, [Public Law 2021, chapter 465](https://www.maine.gov/labor/docs/2021/laborlaws/LD469AnacttoEnsureSafetyacrossMainesConstructionIndustry1304.pdf), section 5, states the Legislature's intent that the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of General Services and the Department of Transportation "comply with" the 1317 training requirements, and that the Department of Labor "enforce" 1317 "within existing resources." The sources do not say how 1317 applies on a federal-aid contract.

## What the Maine record must show

- **Independent contractors too.** [Section 1311](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1311.html) requires names, occupation, hours, job title, rate and actual pay for every worker and every independent contractor under contract with you, kept at the job site. None must be kept past 3 years after the contract ends.
- **Apprentices.** [Section 1314(2)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1314.html) limits the apprentice rate to participants in a registered apprenticeship program. The [2025 rules](https://www.maine.gov/sos/sites/maine.gov.sos/files/inline-files/170c013-2025-225%20%28RPR%29.docx) add that the holder of an apprentice license from the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation is not a registered apprentice.

## When it goes wrong, obligation by obligation

| Obligation | What the text provides |
| --- | --- |
| Pay at least the posted rate | A worker recovers the shortfall, an equal penalty and attorney's fees, and the surety is not liable for the penalty or fees ([1312(2)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1312.html)). A knowing and willful violation is a fine of not less than $250 per employee violation, each day separate ([1303](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1303.html)). |
| Keep, post and file what sections 1304 to 1313 require | A willful and knowing violation is a forfeiture of not less than $250 ([1312(1)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1312.html)). That reaches the [1310 posting](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1310.html) and the 1311 record and monthly copy. |
| Section 1317 statement and affidavit | The same forfeiture. Section 1312(1) names 1317. |
| A false record or Statement of Compliance | The DOL form warns that willful falsification of its statements "may subject the contractor or subcontractor to civil or criminal prosecution," and cites Chapter 15, 1303 to 1313. Chapter 15 has no separate false-statement penalty. The 1312(1) forfeiture attaches to the 1311 duty to keep an "accurate record." |
| Answer a Director's wage-data request | A fine of up to $250, then $500, then $1,000 for later offenses ([1308(1-A)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1308.html)). Section 1312(1) excludes it from its forfeiture. |
| Assisted project compliance | [1312(4)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1312.html) says two separate things. An entity that receives state assistance for an assisted project and does not comply with the chapter commits a material breach of the agreement, grant, loan, commitment of funds or other instrument providing the assistance. And after DOL notifies the entity that it violated the chapter, the chapter's enforcement and penalty provisions apply to that entity. On a finding, the State agency may impose fines or administrative penalties, end the assistance and recoup all or part of it, or require remedial pay to underpaid employees as a condition of continued assistance. |

Chapter 15, read in full through 1317, has no section that withholds contract payments or bars a contractor from bidding. On federal-aid contracts, MaineDOT's [2018 guide](https://www.maine.gov/dot/sites/maine.gov.dot/files/docs/civilrights/docs/davisbacon/Contractors_guide_to_Davis_Bacon_Act-2018.pdf) says the labor standards clauses provide for withholding ([FHWA-1273 changes](https://wellstanding.com/guides/fhwa-1273-changes-2026/)). Other states: the [state-by-state table](https://wellstanding.com/guides/certified-payroll-requirements-by-state/).

We prepare certified payroll for public works contractors. Tell us about your project.

## Questions

**Is Maine certified payroll monthly or weekly?**

[Section 1311](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1311.html) says monthly, [DOL's page](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/certified_payroll.html) says each payroll period, and MaineDOT's [2018 Davis-Bacon guide](https://www.maine.gov/dot/sites/maine.gov.dot/files/docs/civilrights/docs/davisbacon/Contractors_guide_to_Davis_Bacon_Act-2018.pdf) (section 2-3) says weekly on federal-aid Davis-Bacon projects. Ask your letting authority in writing.

**Does a $40,000 town project need Maine certified payroll?**

Not under [1304(8)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1304.html), which sets public works at $50,000 or more, and [DOL's prevailing wage page](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_stats/publications/wagerateconst/index.shtml) uses the same $50,000 line. Federal funds or your contract may still require it.

**Does a $75,000 town project fall under Maine prevailing wage?**

[DOL's page](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_stats/publications/wagerateconst/index.shtml) counts it if the town obtained state funds specific to that project. DOL excludes revenue sharing money, maintenance work, and work done by state and local employees. [Section 1304(7)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1304.html) lists only State bodies and the Turnpike Authority as public authorities, so confirm in writing with the letting authority and DOL Wage and Hour at (207) 623-7900.

**Is there a penalty for late payroll in Maine?**

Chapter 15 states no separate late-filing penalty. A willful and knowing violation of 1311 carries a forfeiture of not less than $250 under [1312(1)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1312.html).

**Who signs the Maine payroll, and what does a false statement risk?**

The [DOL form's](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/certified_payroll_form.pdf) Statement of Compliance is made by a named signatory who pays or supervises the payment of the employees, so the signature is the contractor's. The form warns that willful falsification may bring civil or criminal prosecution.

## Sources

Every figure on this page links to its source where it first appears. The full list, in order:

1. [26 MRSA chapter 15](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26ch15.pdf) legislature.maine.gov
2. [certified payroll page](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/certified_payroll.html) maine.gov
3. [2025 rules](https://www.maine.gov/sos/sites/maine.gov.sos/files/inline-files/170c013-2025-225%20%28RPR%29.docx) maine.gov
4. [MaineDOT Civil Rights page](https://www.maine.gov/dot/doing-business/civil-rights) maine.gov
5. [26 MRSA 1311](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1311.html) legislature.maine.gov
6. [MaineDOT's 2018 Davis-Bacon guide](https://www.maine.gov/dot/sites/maine.gov.dot/files/docs/civilrights/docs/davisbacon/Contractors_guide_to_Davis_Bacon_Act-2018.pdf) maine.gov
7. [wage rates page](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_stats/publications/wagerateconst/index.shtml) maine.gov
8. [1304(8)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1304.html) legislature.maine.gov
9. [1314(1)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1314.html) legislature.maine.gov
10. [local-agency form](https://www.maine.gov/dot/sites/maine.gov.dot/files/inline-files/Elation%20System%20Form.pdf) maine.gov
11. [Section 1317](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1317.html) legislature.maine.gov
12. [1312(2)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1312.html) legislature.maine.gov
13. [Certified Payroll form](https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/certified_payroll_form.pdf) maine.gov
14. [fillable Payroll Reporting Form](https://www.maine.gov/labor/docs/2024/laborstats/CertifiedPayrollFillableForm.pdf) maine.gov
15. [Section 1306-A](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1306-A.html) legislature.maine.gov
16. [Section 1303](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1303.html) legislature.maine.gov
17. [section 1308](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1308.html) legislature.maine.gov
18. [December 2024 Local Project Administration manual](https://www.maine.gov/dot/sites/maine.gov.dot/files/inline-files/Manual2024-Chapter11-Dec2024-1.pdf) maine.gov
19. [Public Law 2021, chapter 465](https://www.maine.gov/labor/docs/2021/laborlaws/LD469AnacttoEnsureSafetyacrossMainesConstructionIndustry1304.pdf) maine.gov
20. [1310 posting](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec1310.html) legislature.maine.gov

## Related

- [Certified payroll requirements by state](https://wellstanding.com/guides/certified-payroll-requirements-by-state/)
- [Elation Systems payroll: who to ask](https://wellstanding.com/guides/elation-systems-for-contractors/)
- [The WH-347 form, field by field](https://wellstanding.com/guides/wh-347/)
- [SF-1444 additional classification requests](https://wellstanding.com/guides/sf-1444-additional-classification/)
- [What changed in FHWA-1273 in 2026](https://wellstanding.com/guides/fhwa-1273-changes-2026/)