Maine Electrical License: Everything You Need to Know

The electrical industry is thriving in Maine, as it is across the country. Job growth for electricians in Maine is steady and expected to increase by 1% over the next decade, although it may increase toward the latter part of the 2020s as more electricians retire. This is lower than the national average for job growth; in the U.S. overall, job growth for electrical professions should increase by about 11% over the next decade, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.  

Getting a Maine electrical license gives you the opportunity to earn a competitive income. If you’re ready to become a licensed electrician, read this guide. You’ll learn everything you need to know about the licensing process and electrician jobs. We’ve included helpful links for education and training, job leads, and links for government requirements for your Maine electrician license.

Does Maine require an electrical license?

Electricians must be licensed to perform electrician work on residential and commercial properties in Maine. All electrician licenses are issued through the Maine Electricians’ Examining Board.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Maine?

Maine electrical license categories include:

• Apprentice Electrician
• Helper Electrician
• Journeyman Electrician
• Limited Electrician
• Master Electrician

Below, we list the requirements for each type of license.

Before you can apply for any type of license, though, you must complete an apprenticeship.

Maine electrician apprentice license requirements

All electrician apprenticeships in Maine must be licensed; if you go through a non-approved program, you may not be able to secure your journeyman license (or any other license). The Maine Department of Labor’s Career Center oversees all licensed apprenticeships in the state. You can find more information about state-approved apprenticeships on its website.

You must receive your apprentice license before beginning your practical work experience. All work you perform will be under the supervision of a licensed journeyman, master, or limited electrician.

Most apprenticeship programs require you to:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Pass a criminal history background check
• Be physically able to complete the work
• Be legally able to work in the U.S.

The application fee is $96. Licenses must be renewed every two years at a cost of $50.

As an apprentice, you are working toward your journeyman license. Before you can apply for a journeyman license, you must complete your apprenticeship and:

Submit proof of at least 8,000 hours of work experience and at least 576 classroom hours (approved by the Electrician’s Examining Board), OR

Complete an accredited applied technology high school electrical program (two years), submit proof of at least 8,000 hours of fieldwork, and complete a 45-hour course on the National Electrical Code (NEC), OR

Receive a two-year degree from an accredited community college electrical program or a vocational program through the Maine Department of Corrections, submit proof of at least 4,000 hours of practical work experience, and complete a 45-hour course on the NEC.

Helper Electrician

Helper electrician licensees are authorized to install electrical components under the direction of a limited electrician, master electrician, or journeyman. Applicants for this license must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be employed as an electrician’s helper.

Journeyman Electrician

Journeyman electrician licensees are authorized to engage in all types of electrical work and supervise electrician helpers and apprentices. Applicants for this license must:

• Complete a minimum of 8,000 hours as a licensed apprentice or electrician helper
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a graduate of a 2-year electrician training program
• Complete the journeyman electrician exam (fee is $75)

Once you have completed the required work and education and passed your exam, you can apply for your journeyman license. The fee is $171, and the license must be renewed every two years at a cost of $150. Journeyman electricians must also complete 15 hours of continuing education on the current National Electrical Code (NEC) every three years.

Limited Electrician

Limited electrician licensees are authorized to install electrical work for specialty categories, including gas dispensers, water pumps, refrigeration, outdoor signs, and house wiring. Applicants for this license must:

• Pass an examination
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have at least 135 hours of electrical education
• Work at least 2,000 hours in a specialty category

Master Electrician

Master electrician licensees are authorized to install electrical conduits, wires, fixtures, apparatus, and equipment. Applicants for this license must:

• Complete at least 4,000 hours of electrical work as a journeyman
• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete at least 576 hours of electrician courses
• Pass the Master Electrician exam ($25 application fee and $75 testing fee)

Once you complete the requirements for a Master Electrician license, you can submit your application and pay the $171 fee. Licenses must be renewed every two years at a cost of $150. In addition, Master electricians in Maine must complete at least 15 hours of continuing education on the NEC every three years.

How to get an electrician license in Maine

The journey to your master electrician license begins with an apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved apprenticeship program with a union, government agency, or private company. As an apprentice, you will be trained in a variety of electrical jobs by a master electrician or journeyman.

Maine electrician apprenticeship information

The Maine Apprenticeship Program is a workforce training program sponsored by the Maine Department of Labor. You may also apply for an apprenticeship through an electrical workers union. The International Brotherhood of Electrician Workers (IBEW) has a few local branches in the state, including IBEW Local 567 in Lewiston, IBEW 1253 in Newport, and IBEW 2327 in Portland.

Maine apprenticeship application fees are between $50 and $100. Expect to pay up to $10,000 for electrician courses from a trade school or community college. Accredited trade schools generally offer financial aid options for apprentices. Some apprenticeships are paid for by sponsors. Electrician courses must be taken in a classroom.

Apprenticeship prerequisites:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must agree to complete a 5-year apprenticeship in Maine
• Be physically capable of performing work as an apprentice

On-the-Job Experience:

• Troubleshoot electrical problems
• Repair and install lighting systems
• Replace electrical wiring systems
• Restore power to residential and commercial buildings

Maine license examination information

Applicants must score at least 70% on the exams. The Electrician’s Examining Board administers the exams, which cost between $100 and $200 per exam.

Maine electrical examination content includes:

• Maine wiring regulations
• Electrical safety
• Motors and generators

Examination preparation resources:

• Maine Electrician License Exam – Tests.com
• Electrician Journeyman Exam

Optional certifications for Maine electricians

An electrician’s license in Maine is necessary for independent work, government projects, and owning a business. But, there are also several optional certifications that can boost your career. These credentials can enhance your skills, making you more competitive and opening up additional opportunities in the field. So, even though they aren’t mandatory, pursuing them can be a smart move to advance professionally and increase your earning potential.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers certifications for electricians working on fire suppression systems, security alarms, and related systems. They provide various certification types and continuing education opportunities. Additionally, the NFPA creates the National Electric Code (NEC), which electricians in Maine are required to stay up to date on. These certifications and resources can help you stay current in your field and ensure your work meets the highest safety standards.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) designation is a mark of excellence for top electricians nationwide and is recognized in all states. While earning a CPE may take time, IEC also offers other certifications, including specialized ones for those interested in niche fields.

Additionally, IEC provides continuing education resources to keep electricians current on industry changes and offers apprenticeship opportunities. For those not pursuing a union apprenticeship or trade school, IEC serves as a solid alternative for foundational education and career development. These programs can help you grow professionally and expand your career opportunities.

NECA certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the largest and most respected organization for professional electricians in the U.S. Open to all electricians, NECA provides excellent networking and continuing education opportunities. It also offers certifications for every career stage, helping you build your skills and credibility. A NECA certification showcases your expertise to potential employers and customers, giving you an edge in advancing your career and growing your professional reputation.

How much does an electrician make in Maine?

Electrician pay in Maine is competitive, particularly in larger metro areas, with opportunities ranging from entry-level to managerial roles. Here are the average pay rates for the most commonly advertised electrician jobs in the state:

• Apprentice electrician: $25.41 per hour
• Electrician helper: $22.65 per hour
• Electrical technician: $28.21 per hour
• General electrician: $89,672 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $44.62 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $34.54 per hour
• Electrical Project Manager: $60,319 per year

Electrical professionals in Maine typically earn well above the national average for their positions. A general electrician in Maine averages $89,762 per year, compared to the U.S. average of $63,666 per year. Even apprentices and helpers make more than the national average; apprentices in Maine make $25.41 per hour, compared to the national average of $22.04 per hour.

Hourly employees can earn even more by working overtime or on nights and weekends to handle emergency calls. If you have niche certifications, are trained to perform specialty work, or have considerable experience as an electrician, you may also make more than the average.

Should I join an electrician union in Maine?

Joining an electrician union in Maine can be a great choice, depending on your career goals. Unions often provide higher wages, better benefits, job security, and access to training programs. They also offer a structured apprenticeship path, which can help you gain valuable experience and certifications. However, union membership might mean working within specific rules and paying dues, which may not appeal to everyone. If you prefer more flexibility, working as a non-union electrician or pursuing independent opportunities could be a better fit. Ultimately, it depends on whether union benefits align with your personal and professional priorities.

If you do choose to join a union, you may wish to start with the IBEW. It’s the largest electrical workers union in the country and has several Locals across the state.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

Once you get your electrical license, you are eligible for different types of electrician jobs. Visit the following websites to search for your next opportunity in the electrical industry:

• Zip Recruiter
• Indeed
• Career Builder
• Glass Door

Write a resume that highlights your skills. Use these tips:

• Tailor your resume for each job listing
• Check your resume for errors
• Remove all unnecessary information from your resume

You can also use your professional network to get a job, even if you’re an entry-level worker. Your teachers from a community college or trade school, the employer who hired you as an apprentice, or your fellow union members may know of open jobs for you or could help you get your foot in the door with an employer you really want to work for.

Electrician Insurance in Maine

Working with electrical wires is dangerous. Electricians must be covered by liability insurance before they complete their first job. Insurance protects customers and electricians from loss and damage.

Contractors may need general liability insurance and, depending on the type of job, supplemental insurance or a surety bond. In addition, if you are a business owner and have at least one other employee, you’re required to carry Maine Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage.

Electrician industry trends

Customers are equipping their homes and offices with smart technology devices, such as in-wall remote control panels, whole-house surge protection, and in-wall transmitters. Electricians must know how to install these systems.

Outdated power grid lines are prone to cybersecurity threats. Companies hire electricians to upgrade grid lines to prevent mass power outages.

Stay up-to-date with current trends and electrical tools by attending electrician trade shows. You will learn about the latest electrical regulations, marketing strategies, and consumer products at these shows.

FAQs

Is my license only valid in Maine?

Maine has reciprocity agreements with New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.

How do I change the information on my Maine electrical license?

To change the information on your Maine electrical license, you need to update your contact details through the online services portal on the Maine Electricians’ Examining Board website, where you can select the “Update Contact Information” option.

Note: you must report any changes within 10 days of them occurring, including name, address, email, or any other material changes to your license information.

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in Maine?

Renew your Maine electrical license every two years. Fees are between $150 and $300.

Are there continuing education requirements for Maine electricians?

Yes, every licensed electrician except apprentices must complete at least 15 hours of continuing education covering the National Electric Code every three years.