Plumber in Maine
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ME
How to Become a Plumber in Maine
To become a Journeyman Plumber in Maine, individuals must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and complete either 4,000 hours of work as a licensed trainee plumber or 2,000 hours as a licensed journeyman-in-training. Applicants must pass the Maine Journeyman Plumber Examination with a score of 70% or higher. The application fee is $200, and there is an additional $65 exam fee and a $21 background check fee. Licenses are renewed every two years, and currently, there are no continuing education requirements. Maine offers reciprocity to plumbers licensed in other states if their qualifications are deemed equivalent.
Plumber Requirements in Maine
| Detail | Maine |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Plumbers' Examining Board |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Experience Required | 4,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Maine Journeyman Plumber Examination ($65) |
| Application Fee | $200 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age for Journeyman is 18 years old. Requires a background check with a $21 fee. Master Plumber requires 2,000 hours (1 year) as a licensed Journeyman or 8,000 hours (4 years) as a licensed Trainee. Journeyman-in-Training license is non-renewable and lasts for four years. |
Source: Plumbers' Examining Board
License Tiers
Maine offers multiple tiers of plumber licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Trainee | N/A |
| Journeyman | 4,000 |
| Master | 6,000 |
Plumber Salary in Maine
The median plumber salary in Maine is $61,890 per year, which is 1.7% below the national median of $62,970.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $47,810 |
| 25th | $58,590 |
| 50th (median) | $61,890 |
| 75th | $75,320 |
| 90th (experienced) | $80,380 |
Maine employs approximately 2,480 plumbers.
Plumber Job Outlook
AI Impact on Plumbers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.12/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Plumber in Maine Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $300 and a median salary of $61,890 in Maine, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Maine's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.