How to Become an Electrician in Maine

Electricians install and maintain electrical wiring in various building structures. This job is in high demand nationwide, with employment increasing each year. In Maine, becoming a licensed electrician takes several years due to required education and work experience. Most electricians complete an apprenticeship, allowing them to learn, work, and earn wages simultaneously. Licensing requirements vary by state, so it’s important to understand Maine’s specific regulations. [En Español]

Maine Electrical License Requirements

Since licensing is handled differently in each state, it helps to know what board or department to contact to apply to test for an electrician’s license. In Maine, electrical licenses are issued by the Electricians’ Examining Board, part of the Office of Professional and Financial Regulation, an agency within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. Electricians can get a journeyman electrician license or a master electrician license.

In Maine, there are three paths to becoming a journeyman electrician:

• Work two years under a master electrician, complete an electrical program at a technical or community college, and take a 45-hour NEC course. Those choosing this path must apply for licensing within a year of completing their program.
• Complete a four-year apprenticeship and 576 hours of education, including 225 required hours (45 on the National Electric Code) and 351 elective hours (225 in electrical trade).
• Work four years under a master electrician, complete a two-year high school electrical program, and take a 45-hour NEC course.

After meeting the requirements, students can apply for the journeyman electrician license exam. Once approved, they must schedule the exam within two years. Test centers are in Portland and Bangor. The exam consists of 80 questions and lasts about three hours. The 2005 edition of NFPA 70 (NEC) is allowed as a reference during the test.

The journeyman electrician license in Maine must be renewed every two years with a $150 renewal fee. Every three years, electricians must complete a 15-hour NEC update course to stay current. Maine has reciprocal licensing agreements with New Hampshire, Vermont, North Dakota, Idaho, Oregon, and Wyoming.

To qualify for a master electrician license in Maine, you must work as a journeyman for 4,000 hours (or two years). Master electricians work independently and run their own businesses. To take the exam, you must complete 576 education hours and 45 hours of NEC study. After applying and receiving approval, you have four hours to answer 100 questions. You may use the NFPA 70 (NEC) as a reference during the exam.

The master electrician license in Maine must be renewed every two years with a $150 renewal fee. A 15-hour NEC continuing education course is required every three years. Maine has reciprocal licensing agreements with New Hampshire and Vermont. It also has an agreement with Massachusetts for reciprocal credit on continuing education (CEU) requirements.

Apprenticeship Programs in Maine

Work and education experience are required to become a licensed electrician. Many students choose apprenticeships, which provide paid work while meeting educational requirements for a journeyman license. In Maine, high school students can join a pre-apprenticeship program through the Maine Department of Labor (DOL). To qualify, students must be juniors or seniors, at least 16 years old, full-time students, and in good academic standing. They work part-time with a registered employer and transition to full-time apprentices after graduation. Up to 1,000 work hours from the pre-apprenticeship can count toward apprenticeship requirements, and some students may start college courses in their senior year.

More than 250 employers in Maine participate in the Department of Labor’s (DOL) apprenticeship program, sponsoring apprentices. This program supports classroom training, with up to 50% of tuition reimbursed. Some employers or sponsors may also help with tuition costs. To qualify, students must be at least 16, have a high school diploma or GED, be physically able to work, and pass a background check.

The Electrical Training Alliance is a partnership between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Their Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATC) provide union apprenticeships through local IBEW chapters.

The IBEW Local 567 Portland Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (PJATC) developed its apprenticeship program to fulfill the classroom instructional requirements over a four-year period. Apprentices in Maine must meet state requirements for a journeyman license by providing an apprenticeship license and passing a background check. They must complete 900 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.

The Augusta Electrical JATC is managed by IBEW 1253 in Fairfield.

Electrician Programs in Maine

Several of Maine’s community colleges offer associate degree and certificate programs in electrical technology. Here are a few:

• Eastern Maine Community College. Eastern Maine Community College offers a certificate program in electricians’ technology. This program is part-time and classes are taken at night. It consists of 39 credit hours and covers the 576 education hours needed to become a licensed electrician. If work experience has been met, students can apply to take the journeyman license test after graduating from this program.
• Northern Maine Community College. Northern Maine Community College offers an electrical construction and maintenance program. There is an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree option and a certificate option. Both programs focus on teaching electrical theory, the national electric code and electrical installation. Hands-on training is also an important part of these programs. The certificate program takes about a year to complete, while the AAS is a two-year program. Students who receive an AAS will be able to apply 4,000 hours toward their work experience when applying to take their journeyman license test.
• Southern Maine Community College. The electrical engineering technology certificate program at Southern Maine Community College combines general education with interactive courses. If students receive an AAS in electrical engineering technology, they will have completed two of their four years of work experience needed to take the journeyman license test. This program can be completed in approximately one year and is made up of 33 credit hours.

There are also trade school and online learning options.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 3,400 electricians employed in the state of Maine in 2023. The BLS data also showed that, in 2023, the average hourly wages for an electrician in the state was $29.79. The average annual pay was $61,970. Master electricians, especially those with years of experience, can potentially make up to $80,010 annually. The nonmetropolitan area of Southwest Maine has the highest employment of electricians in the state. The highest paid electricians in the state can be found working in Portland and South Portland.

Salaries in Maine by Occupation

Occupation	Total Employment	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean Annual Wage	Annual Salary 10th Percentile	Annual Salary 25th Percentile	Annual Salary 75th Percentile	Annual Salary 90th Percentile
Electricians	3,400	$29.79	$61,970	$47,390	$53,820	$73,570	$80,010
Helpers--Electricians	660	$19.98	$41,550	$38,230	$39,050	$45,660	$457,930
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment	100	$23.60	$49,090	$36,610	$37,990	$61,190	$62,400
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	510	$35.07	$72,940	$54,750	$64,190	$80,760	$84,900
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	**	$39.41	$81,960	$62,060	$69,240	$94,950	$111,830
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	490	$46.86	$97,460	$41,600	$72,450	$98,880	$109,750

Electrician Salaries in Maine by Region

Area	Total Employment	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean Annual Salary	Hourly Wage 10th Percentile	Hourly Wage 25th Percentile	Hourly Wage 75th Percentile	Hourly Wage 90th Percentile
Portsmouth, NH-ME	540	$29.69	$61,750	$21.41	$25.43	$34.87	$39.61
Bangor, ME	280	$29.25	$60,850	$23.02	$24.18	$35.35	$37.08
Lewiston-Auburn, ME	210	$30.08	$62,570	$23.05	$28.76	$35.43	$38.60
Portland-South Portland, ME	640	$30.51	$63,460	$24.13	$28.74	$37.56	$43.96

Working as an Electrician in Maine

Entry-level electricians in Maine can find jobs with service shops, power companies, equipment suppliers, construction sites, and electrical contractors. They may work as industrial electricians, engineering assistants, power company technicians, or in electrical equipment sales. With experience and licensing, they can advance to roles as managers, supervisors, inspectors, or business owners. While the training process takes time, the high demand and strong earning potential make it a worthwhile career choice.

College Programs

• Bangor, ME
• Northeast Maine Nonmetropolitan Area
• Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, ME
• Southwest Maine Nonmetropolitan Area

Bangor, ME Area

354 Hogan Rd, Bangor, Maine 04401
(207) 974-4600
Electricians Technology – Certificate Program

Eastern Maine Community College’s Certificate program in Electricians Technology is offered at their campus in the city of Bangor. This public college has in the region of 2,732 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $3,747 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $6,507 yearly. Study materials can cost about $1,400, depending on the program chosen.

Northeast Maine Nonmetropolitan Area Area

33 Edgemont Dr, Presque Isle, Maine 04769-2016
(207) 768-2700
Electrical Construction & Maintenance – Certificate Program, Electrical Construction & Maintenance – Associate Program

Northern Maine Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Presque Isle, Maine. Most of the school’s 931 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $3,681 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $6,441 yearly. Study materials can cost about $1,400, depending on the program chosen.

One College Drive, Calais, Maine 04619
(207) 454-1000
Residential & Commercial Electricity – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Residential & Commercial Electricity at Washington County Community College is taught at their campus in the town of Calais, ME. The college has roughly 482 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Fees for tuition for in-state students are around $3,636 and for out-of-state students likely to be about $7,272 yearly. Study materials can cost about $1,400, depending on the program chosen.

Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, ME Area

2 Fort Road, South Portland, Maine 04106-1698
(207) 741-5975
Electrical Engineering Technologies – Certificate Program

Southern Maine Community College’s Certificate program in Electrical Engineering Technologies is offered at their campus in the city of South Portland. This public college has in the order of 6,045 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually in the order of $3,710 and for students from outside the state in the order of $6,470 per year, while study materials may cost in the order of $1,400, depending on the program.

Southwest Maine Nonmetropolitan Area Area

92 Western Ave, Fairfield, Maine 04937-1367
(207) 453-5000
Electrical Lineworker Technology – Certificate Program, Electrical Technology – Associate Program

Kennebec Valley Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are based at their campus in Fairfield in Somerset County, ME. The college has in the order of 2,450 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually in the order of $3,757 and for students from outside the state in the order of $6,517 per year, while study materials may cost in the order of $1,400, depending on the program.

* College accredition status and tuition fees and are, to our best knowledge, correct at the time of writing, and sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Check all details directly with college before applying.

Neighbor States

See also the neighbor states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York.

FAQs

How much do electricians earn in the state of Maine?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Maine made an average of $54,240 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $37,120 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $71,660.