Embarking on a plumbing career in the picturesque state of Maine promises a stable and sought-after profession that invites you to navigate diverse landscapes, from charming coastal towns to thriving modern cities.
If you possess problem-solving skills, a willingness to roll up your sleeves, and are passionate about making a meaningful local impact, plumbing could be your ideal career choice.
This article will help you on your way to becoming a plumber in Maine.
Table of Contents
How to Become a Plumber in Maine – Step by Step
Some programs require you to be 16 years old while others require you to be at least 18 to begin your plumbing training in Maine.
There are multiple pathways you can take to complete your training and apply for your plumbing license.
Entry-level job – Trainee License or Journeyman-in-training plumber
Start with an entry-level plumbing job or apply for a Trainee Plumber license by paying the necessary fees.
If you decide to go for the Plumber trainee license you will need to obtain 4,000 hours of work which equals to 2 years.
If you decide to go with the journeyman-in-training license you will need to obtain 2,000 hours of work, which equals to one year.
Formal Education Path
Complete a one-year plumbing course at a board-approved technical or community college.
Or you can be registered as part of a Department of Labor apprenticeship program.
If you choose this option you will need to achieve a passing grade of 70% or higher on the journeyman plumber examination to qualify for the Journeyman-in-Training license.
In addition, you will also need to pay the related fees.
Maine issues the following plumbing licenses:
- Trainee (on-the-job training)
- Journeyman-in-Training (on-the-job training)
- Journeyman
- Master
Journeyman Plumber License
To apply for the journeyman plumber license you must have completed the training required.
You must either have a minimum of 4,000 hours of work as a licensed trainee or a minimum of 2,000 hours of work as a licensed journeyman-in-training.
You will submit an application form and pay the $65 exam fee.
The Journeyman exam is a closed-book exam, which consists of 80 questions, and has a 3-hour time limit.
The exam consists of the following questions:
- 15 questions: General Knowledge
- 10 questions: General Regulations
- 16 questions: Water Supply Systems Including Backflow
- 18 questions: Prevention & Water Heaters Drainage, Waste, Sanitary Venting
- 5 questions: Plumbing Fixtures
- 5 questions: Traps & Interceptors
- 3 questions: Specialty Venting
- 3 questions: Indirect Waste
- 5 questions: Roof Drainage
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam.
If you have passed the exam you will go on to apply for your license.
The license fee is $200 and there is a $21 Background Check fee.
Master Plumber Exam
To apply for your Master Plumber license you must have either:
- Minimum of 2,000 hours of work as a licensed journeyman
- Minimum of 8,000 hours of work as a licensed trainee
You must submit an application form and pay the exam fee.
The exam consists of 100 questions and has a 3-hour time limit.
You need a score of 75% or higher to pass the exam.
If you have passed the exam you will go on to apply for your license and pay a $200 license fee, and a $21 Background check fee.
Plumbing Schools in Maine
Maine has a great selection of apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, and college courses to choose from on your way to becoming a licensed plumbing professional.
Southern Maine Community College
Southern Maine Community College offers a Plumbing Associate Degree.
The Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Plumbing department offers an Associate in Applied Science degree with two options:
- Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
- Heating and Plumbing.
The program also offers individual certificates in Plumbing.
The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the Plumbing field.
Its duration is 4.5 full-time semesters and after completing it you will have 62 credit hours.
Here are some of the benefits you can get from this program:
- Assemble warm air, steam, and hot water systems.
- Combustion test for maximum operating efficiency.
- Troubleshoot and repair electrical and fuel systems.
- Exhibit knowledge of installation code and safe work practices.
- Assemble, charge, and operate refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
- Troubleshoot and repair refrigeration and AC control systems.
- Recover, recycle, and work safely with refrigerants.
- Awareness and teamwork skills
To learn more about the program, tuition, and how to apply visit their website.
UA Local 716
UA Local 716 offers an apprenticeship program that prepares you for your journeyman license and gives you the experience needed to apply for the license. 
The only requirements for the program are:
- Must be 18 years old
- Be a High School Graduate or have the GED equivalent
- Have a valid driver’s license
To learn more about the program contact them using the apprenticeship form on their website.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Southern Maine Community College | 2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME 04106, United States |
| UA Local 716 | 21 Gabriel Dr, Augusta, ME 04330, United States |
Salary
Maine pays its plumbers fair wages for the hard work they put into maintaining the plumbing systems throughout the state.
Annual wages in Maine vary anywhere from $45534 to $77246.
The current annual average salary for plumbers is estimated to be $61328.
Sanford has the highest estimated average annual wages at $64037.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Sanford | $64,037 |
| Portland | $62,747 |
| South Portland | $62,747 |
| Scarborough | $62,747 |
| Biddeford | $62,450 |
| Brunswick | $62,196 |
| Lewiston | $62,110 |
| Auburn | $62,110 |
| Augusta | $59,807 |
| Bangor | $58,139 |
Regional Salary in Maine
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | 180 | $56,500 | $27.17 | $72,510 | $39,450 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 170 | $60,380 | $29.03 | $74,260 | $42,260 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 620 | $62,460 | $30.03 | $76,440 | $46,080 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are plumbing exams taken in Maine?
Plumbing exams are being taken in the following cities in Maine:
- Auburn
- Bangor
- Calais
- Portland
- Presque Isle
When should I renew my plumbing license in Maine?
Plumbing licenses in Maine should be renewed every two years based on your initial licensure date.
Who issues the plumbing licenses in Maine?
The plumbing exams and licenses are being issued by the Department of Professional & Financial Regulation Plumber’s Examining Board and Prov inc.
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