MAINE CAREER DATA PROFILE

Plumber Career Guide in Maine

Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Maine.

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Plumber in Maine Snapshot
Median Salary $61,890
Hourly Wage $29.76
Job Growth +5% (2022–2032)
License Required

How to Become a Plumber in Maine

Plumbers normally complete supervised field experience and approved education before becoming eligible for journeyman licensure and the state examination.

Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.

Plumber Salary in Maine

The salary figure shown on this page represents the Maine median wage for plumber workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.

Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.

Maine Median $61,890
Hourly Wage $29.76
National Median $62,970

Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in Maine is approximately $1,080 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Maine

Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation — Plumbers’ Examining Board

Official Website: https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/plumbers

License Types:

  • Trainee Plumber
  • Journeyman Plumber
  • Master Plumber
  • Limited Plumber

Authority Notes:

License scope and eligibility depend on documented training and experience. Limited licenses authorize specified work only. Trainees must work under the supervision required by Maine law.

Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.

CAREER PREPARATION

Plumber Training Requirements in Maine

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

Maine plumbers must hold the trainee or professional license appropriate to their experience and authorized work scope.

  • Register as a plumbing trainee and work under licensed supervision.
  • Complete the qualifying practical experience and approved education required for journeyman licensure.
  • Study plumbing code, mathematics, blueprint reading, water distribution, drainage, venting, fixtures, and safety.
  • Pass the examination required for journeyman, master, or limited plumber licensure.
  • Renew the license and comply with applicable code-update and continuing-education requirements.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Plumber Training Providers in Maine

Provider City Program Website
Southern Maine Community College South Portland View Program
Eastern Maine Community College Bangor View Program
Kennebec Valley Community College Fairfield View Program
Northern Maine Community College Presque Isle View Program

Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.

PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Plumber Apprenticeship Programs in Maine

Portland Pipe Trades Apprenticeship

Organization: UA Local 716

Program Website

Maine Plumbing Apprenticeship

Organization: Maine Energy Marketers Association Technical Education Center

Program Website

Plumbing Apprenticeship

Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors Maine

Program Website

Maine Registered Apprenticeship Program

Organization: Maine Department of Labor

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Plumber Licensing Requirements in Maine

Maine requires plumbers to hold a trainee registration or the applicable journeyman, master, or limited license through the Plumbers’ Examining Board.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Plumber Job Outlook in Maine

+5% (2022–2032) Projected Employment Growth
2022 - 2032 Projection Period

Maine’s latest available long-term projection anticipates continued demand through 2032, supported by building maintenance, renovation, heating-system work, construction, and replacement openings.

Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.

CAREER QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the plumber salary in Maine?

The statewide median wage for plumbers in Maine is approximately $61,890 per year, or $29.76 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does Maine require plumber licensing?

Yes. Maine requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation — Plumbers’ Examining Board.

How long does it take to become a plumber in Maine?

The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.

Are plumbers in demand in Maine?

Maine projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 5% from 2022 to 2032. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.

DATA TRANSPARENCY

Career Data Sources

State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.

  1. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
  2. Maine Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maine Plumber Wages
  3. Maine Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maine Plumber Employment Trends
  4. Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation — Plumbers’ Examining Board — Licensing authority. Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation — Plumbers’ Examining Board
CAREER DISCOVERY

Related Trade Careers in Maine

STATE CAREER GUIDES

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