Becoming a Plumber in Maine
Working as a plumber comes with a lot of responsibility, but it also holds the potential for a lasting and lucrative career. As one of our most vital infrastructures, plumbing exists in nearly every building in both residential and commercial settings and provides the structure that enables many different systems to function. Although commonly thought of as a water and sewer transportation system, plumbing is also used in heating, air conditioning and gas delivery systems for medical and industrial gasses. Working in the industry can mean planning, installing, maintaining and repairing all of the above.
Working as a plumber can require a great deal of physical stamina, as it can mean crawling or sliding into tight spaces to work. The work involves the use of tools on a regular basis, and you will need to have good hand-eye coordination as well as the ability to spot small leaks and other problems. Excellent communication skills will be essential for communicating with clients and colleagues.
Maine Licensing Requirements
Maine has four different licenses for plumbers: Trainee Plumber, Journeyman-in-Training, Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber. Of these, only the Master Plumber can supervise the other three. To apply for the Master Plumber’s examination, you must have worked for at least one year and 2,000 hours as a licensed journeyman plumber or four years and 8,000 hours as a licensed trainee plumber.
Those interested in enrolling in a plumbing program may learn about some of the following topics:
- Solar heating systems
- Light commercial plumbing systems
- Heating technology
- Heat pump installation
- Basic electrical principles
- Plumbing fixtures
- Water supply systems
- Domestic water pumps
- Hydronic piping design
- How to repair plumbing systems
Plumbing Schools in Maine
To train as a plumber, you will first need to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Once acquired, plumber training can be completed by participating in an educational program, an apprenticeship or a combination of the two. For those interested in finding an apprenticeship in their area, this website might help. Training programs in Maine include the following:
- Southern Maine Community College offers a Plumbing Certificate. The program will prepare students for entry-level positions in the field.
- Washington County Community College offers a Plumbing Technology Certificate. The program takes one year to complete and prepares students for a career in the plumbing and heating industry.
- Eastern Maine Community College offers a Plumbing Certificate. Upon completion of the program, students may work on standard plumbing systems under the supervision of a master or journeyman plumber.
- Northern Maine Community College offers a Plumbing and Heating program. Students will be qualified to sit for the Journeyman Plumber examination upon completion of the program.
Plumbing Apprenticeship Opportunities in Maine
Are you a resident of Maine who is looking to train as a plumber? If so, an apprenticeship will be an essential part of your training, even if you choose to complete a training program. In fact, in Maine, you will be required to register as a licensed trainee for at least two years (and 4,000 hours) before you can become a licensed plumber.
Apprenticeships are a great way to learn a trade, with several advantages over classroom-based training. First of all, apprenticeships give you the chance to experience the day-to-day life of a plumber, gain valuable hands-on experience and learn from fully-qualified professionals. However, as much as you can gain from this type of experience, one of the best advantages is that apprentices are paid a living wage, relieving the burden of financial obligations that most students face.
When seeking an apprenticeship, you will need to decide which type is right for you: a union apprenticeship or a non-union apprenticeship. Union apprenticeships require joining the union and paying dues. This type of training is based on well-defined job duties and predictable wage increases. Non-union apprenticeships can be completed under any non-union licensed plumber or through a non-union trade organization. These apprenticeships have less defined job duties and often pay less than union programs.
In Maine, you can find an apprenticeship through the Maine Apprenticeship Program, which offers a full list of available programs. If you are interested in a union apprenticeship, UA Local 716 in Augusta has a program for aspiring plumbers.
Potential Certifications for Career Specialization
Acquiring certifications can help you advance your career by focusing on specialized skills. There are many areas in which a plumber might seek additional qualifications. A few examples are Plumbing Plans Examiner, Certified Plumbing Design Technician and UPC Journeyman Plumber.
Career Growth and Salaries
This overview compares the salaries between Maine and the national averages, illustrating that wages in Maine are very close to the national figures.
National vs. Maine Salary Comparison
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $37,250 | $60,090 | $101,190 |
| Maine | $40,720 | $60,420 | $74,150 |
Salaries by Regions in Maine
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | $40,720 | $55,640 | $74,750 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $39,520 | $60,550 | $72,690 |
| Northeast Maine nonmetropolitan area | $42,230 | $59,440 | $76,770 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | $46,700 | $62,340 | $74,150 |
| Portsmouth, NH-ME | $42,430 | $60,530 | $79,250 |
| Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area | $38,110 | $59,650 | $74,470 |
Plumbing Trends in Maine
The employment trends for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Maine indicate a slight decline. As of 2020, the state employed 2,500 individuals in these trades. However, by 2030, the projected employment is expected to decrease to 2,390, marking a -4% growth rate. Annually, from 2020 to 2030, Maine is projected to have approximately 240 job openings due to growth and replacements.
In contrast, the national employment figures for these professions are expected to grow by 2% from 2022 to 2032, increasing from 482,700 to 493,600, with an average of 42,600 projected annual job openings.
Trends
| Region | Employment (Start Year) | Projected Employment (End Year) | Projected Growth (%) | Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | 2,500 (2020) | 2,390 (2030) | -4% | 240 |
| United States | 482,700 (2022) | 493,600 (2032) | 2% | 42,600 |
Sources of data:
- State Data: The projections for this State from 2020 to 2030 are provided by Projections Central, which offers long-term projections for occupational employment.
- United States Data: The nationwide employment projections from 2022 to 2032 are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which regularly publishes detailed employment projections for a wide range of occupations across the United States.