As an aspiring plumber in Maine, preparation is one of the most important factors determining your career success. By this, we mean comprehensive preparation right from the early stages.
To help interested individuals achieve this objective, we have provided a guide below that examines all the key issues aspiring plumbers in Maine need to know to be as well-prepared as possible. We analyze the fundamental requirements, educational options, specific training programs, licensing and certification requirements, and career outlook.
We also examine relevant earning figures for plumbers in various categories and the factors candidates may explore to earn more.
How to Become a Plumber in Maine
These are the requirements needed to become a thriving plumber in Maine.
Fundamental Requirements
The fundamental requirements to become a plumber in Maine are a high school diploma and being at least 18 years old when enrolling in a training program.
Comprehensive Education
To begin their careers, aspiring plumbers in Maine need classroom and practical education. The former is acquired through an academic program, including certificate and associate degree programs, while the latter can be acquired through apprenticeship programs and other on-the-job training avenues.
Of course, apprenticeship programs also offer classroom training, but most cannot offer an associate degree. It is common to see community colleges and trade schools partner with apprenticeship programs to allow students to receive as comprehensive and robust training as possible.
Securing Job Placement
After education, the next step is to meet the licensing requirements for the specific category and specialty area where a candidate would like to secure employment. In the next section, we will explore this consideration further
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Maine is one of the states where aspiring plumbers are expected to obtain a trainee license before they begin hands-on education. To do this, they must pay a $200 fee and pass a criminal background check.
Trainee plumbers in the state may become licensed journeyman plumbers after completing 2 years or 4,000 hours of trainee education.
Another approach is to pursue the journeyman-in-training license by completing two semesters at an accredited training program. The journeyman plumbing license examination also requires a $200 fee.
The passing score for this exam is 70% or higher. At this point, candidates will undergo another background check and pay a $21 fee. A journeyman plumbing license in Maine must be renewed every 2 years.
Those who have spent a few years in this capacity may go on to apply for the master plumbing license, which also requires a $200 license fee and a 75% passing score in an examination.
Top Plumbing Schools in Maine
The state of Maine boasts the following high-quality training destinations for prospective plumbers.
Southern Maine Community College
South Portland, ME Campus Only
Southern Maine Community College's Plumbing Certificate program is an excellent option for candidates in Maine looking for a flexible yet comprehensive training arrangement to start their careers.
Tuition
$2,880 per YearContact
(207) 741-5800
smccadmissions@mainecc.edu
Eastern Maine Community College
Bangor, ME Campus Only
Eastern Maine Community College also has an excellent plumbing program with competent instructors and an excellent curriculum.
Tuition
$96 - $192 per CreditContact
(207) 974-4680
EMCCadmissions@mainecc.edu
Central Maine Community College
Auburn, ME Campus Only
Lastly, aspiring plumbers anywhere in Maine can attend Central Maine Community College and pick up an associate of applied science degree to start their careers.
Tuition
$96 - $192 per CreditContact
(207) 755-5273
cmccadmissions@mainecc.edu
Explore plumbing schools in Maine by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Plumbers in Maine may fall among the top earners, the bottom earners, or the median earners. Of course, it makes sense that candidates must start from a low-earning category before they can make their way up to the top-earning category.
Those in the bottom 10% need to work on factors such as experience, credentials, and location to continue improving their salaries year over year. For now, those among the bottom 10% can expect an annual average salary of $45,131, and those in the median category can expect an annual average salary of $68,359.
Those among the top 10% can make an annual average salary of $103,541 or even more.
Individuals who would like to identify the best locations can consider Lewiston, where data shows that plumbers earn an annual average salary of $82,808. They may also consider Kittery and York, which have annual average salaries of $75,048 and $70,004, respectively.