Electricians in Maine are called upon to work on wiring components, circuit breakers, transformers, and electrical devices to ensure that buildings are powered safely and efficiently. This profession is highly sought-after thanks to a constant stream of available contracts and highly competitive wages.
To help candidates in Maine begin their electrician careers on a favorable note, we have provided the detailed guide below. Readers of the page will understand the expected educational requirements while identifying possible pathways to acquire both classroom training and hands-on experience.
We also discuss licensure requirements, top schools in the state, salary projections, and more.
How to Become an Electrician in Maine
Below are the steps required to start a career as an electrician in Maine.
Age & Basic Requirements
While the state does not uphold any rigid age requirement for prospective electricians, this responsibility falls on the training programs. These institutions usually require a minimum age of at least 16 before candidates can be offered admission.
Additionally, individuals are expected to possess a high school diploma or GED and be physically healthy. Sometimes, prospective candidates are also subject to a criminal background check.
Training Programs
Individuals looking to start an electrician career in Maine are expected to possess fundamental classroom knowledge of the activities they will be carrying out and, of course, the practical knowledge to do the job in a real-world environment.
Theoretical Training
Individuals in Maine turn to academic programs for theoretical training. These programs, organized by community colleges and technical schools, provide training in technical topics, including a general introduction to the field, the national electric code, and other regulatory considerations.
Practical Training
To become a licensed electrician in Maine, individuals must log 8,000 hours working in a work environment. This usually amounts to around 4 years of experience on the job.
Candidates who have attended a course at an academic program will only need 4,000 hours of real-world training.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The state of Maine’s Department of Professional and Financial Regulation oversees the licensure requirements for electricians. It does this through the Electricians Examining Board, which specifies an apprenticeship or a combination of academic and on-the-job training programs for interested individuals.
After meeting the training requirements highlighted above, candidates may apply for the journeyman electrician designation. They must send an official application and pay a $25 fee. They must also send a copy of their educational transcript.
After passing the journeyman examination (an additional $75), they must pay a $171 licensing fee to receive their license. This license must be renewed every 2 years with a renewal fee of $150 and continuing education.
A Journeyman license holder with 4,000 hours of experience may proceed to take the master electrician license exam. This also incurs a $25 application fee, $75 testing fee, $171 license fee, and $150 for renewal.
Top Electrician Schools in Maine
The following are some wonderful schools where you can receive training as an aspiring electrician in Maine.
Southern Maine Community College
South Portland, ME Campus + Online
Southern Maine Community College’s certificate program in Electrical Engineering Technology is one of the most popular options for candidates in Maine to consider for their training as prospective electricians.
Tuition
$96 - $192 per CreditContact
(207) 741-5800
admissions@smccme.edu
Kennebec Valley Community College
Fairfield, ME Campus Only
Kennebec Valley Community College is another excellent destination for electrical technology training in Maine.
Tuition
$96 - $134 per CreditContact
(207) 453-5822
Enrollment@kvcc.me.edu
Eastern Maine Community College
Bangor, ME Campus + Online
Lastly, Eastern Maine Community College also offers a top-class program to consider. Through this, candidates earn a certificate and finish training in less than a year.
Tuition
Free - $192 per CreditContact
(207) 974-4634
rreardon@emcc.edu
Explore electrician schools in Maine by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Maine is a very favorable state for electrical technology professionals. At the very least, electricians in the state earn an annual average salary of $63,096.
And even though this will put them among the bottom 10% earners in the state, in no time, candidates can usually scale their earnings to manage an annual average salary of $93,434 — which is good enough to be in the midpoint of the earning category.
Those who have successfully made it to the upper echelon of Maine electricians take home an average salary of around $138,360 or more at the end of the year.
Some of the best places to work in the state for a relatively high annual average salary include Biddeford, with an annual average salary of $116,655, and Sanford, with an annual average salary of $102,376. Electricians in Oxford take home an annual average salary of $96,519.
In addition to experience and location, specialty focus and work arrangement also influence the amount an electrician earns in Maine.