Electrician in Maine: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Maine employs 3,780 electricians, with a statewide median of $75,380 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maine licensing picture, and where to train.
What Electricians Earn in Maine (May 2025)
- Maine median pay
- $75,380 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $54,180
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $84,390
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $115,720
- Employed in Maine
- 3,780
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,350 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for electricians in major Maine markets:
- Lewiston
- $78,430 (410 employed)
- Portland
- $71,660 (1,870 employed)
- Bangor
- $63,390 (210 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Maine
Prices in Maine run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $75,380 median stretches to roughly $77,711 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Maine (2024–2034)
Maine is projected to grow electricians employment +3.8%, slower than the +9.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 340 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Maine License and Certification Requirements
Journeyman Electrician license — regulated by the Maine OPOR — Electricians' Examining Board.
- Work at least 8,000 hours and complete an approved apprenticeship including 576 hours of related instruction.
- Complete a 45-hour National Electrical Code course and pass the journeyman exam.
- Apply to the Maine Electricians' Examining Board (OPOR); advance to a master license to run your own jobs.
Official requirements: Maine OPOR — Electricians' Examining Board →
Training in Maine
IBEW/IEC apprenticeships are the earn-while-you-learn route to the 8,000 hours. Maine licenses electricians statewide through OPOR.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maine include:
- Eastern Maine Community College — Certificate
- Kennebec Valley Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Northern Maine Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Southern Maine Community College — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like tools, systems, problem solving, and earning while they train.
Think twice if: You need desk-only work or dislike tight spaces, heights, job sites, and physical risk.
Why it's resilient: Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
First Steps
Look for IBEW, IEC, ABC, or state apprenticeship openings near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in Maine?
The median wage for electricians in Maine is $75,380 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $54,180, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $115,720. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Electrician in Maine?
Journeyman Electrician license, overseen by the Maine OPOR — Electricians' Examining Board. Work at least 8,000 hours and complete an approved apprenticeship including 576 hours of related instruction.
Is being an Electrician a good career in Maine?
Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
Which Maine metros pay electricians the most?
Among Maine metro areas, Lewiston leads at $78,430, followed by Portland ($71,660), Bangor ($63,390). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Electrician in Maine?
Real Maine options include Eastern Maine Community College, Kennebec Valley Community College, Northern Maine Community College. Most electricians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Electrician a growing career in Maine?
Maine projects electricians employment to change +3.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 340 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Maine statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2111. Licensing summary compiled from the Maine OPOR — Electricians' Examining Board (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Maine wages · Maine licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.