Pipefitter in Maine: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

Maine employs 2,710 pipefitters, with a statewide median of $64,000 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maine licensing picture, and where to train.

What Pipefitters Earn in Maine (May 2025)

Maine median pay: $64,000 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $48,120
Experienced (75th percentile): $75,720
Top earners (90th percentile): $80,760
Employed in Maine: 2,710
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,970 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pipefitters in major Maine markets:

Portland: $64,500 (1,740 employed)
Lewiston: $62,140 (190 employed)
Bangor: $60,140 (220 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 $64,000 median stretches to roughly $65,979 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Maine (2024–2034)

Maine is projected to grow pipefitters employment +0.6%, slower than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 220 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Maine License and Certification Requirements

No separate pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship — regulated by the No standalone Maine pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work via OPOR).

Maine has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.
Apply to a United Association (UA) local apprenticeship (~5 years, earn-while-you-learn).
Note: plumbing-scope piping work is licensed by OPOR.

Official requirements: No standalone Maine pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work via OPOR) →

Training in Maine

High pay in industrial, mechanical, and HVAC piping. Maine's paper mills, shipbuilding (Bath Iron Works), and manufacturing drive demand.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maine include:

Central Maine Community College — Certificate / Associate
Eastern Maine Community College — Certificate
Kennebec Valley Community College — Certificate
Northern Maine Community College — Certificate / Associate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want strong union wages and enjoy precision mechanical work in industrial or commercial settings.

Think twice if: Industrial job sites, confined spaces, and working with high-pressure systems sound dangerous rather than interesting.

Why it's resilient: Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

First Steps

Contact UA (United Association) Local pipefitter apprenticeship programs in your area — separate from plumber apprenticeships.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do pipefitters make in Maine?

The median wage for pipefitters in Maine is $64,000 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,120, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $80,760. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Pipefitter in Maine?

No separate pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship, overseen by the No standalone Maine pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work via OPOR). Maine has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.

Is being a Pipefitter a good career in Maine?

Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

Which Maine metros pay pipefitters the most?

Among Maine metro areas, Portland leads at $64,500, followed by Lewiston ($62,140), Bangor ($60,140). 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 a Pipefitter in Maine?

Real Maine options include Central Maine Community College, Eastern Maine Community College, Kennebec Valley Community College. Most pipefitters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Pipefitter a growing career in Maine?

Maine projects pipefitters employment to change +0.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 220 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 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the No standalone Maine pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work via OPOR) (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.