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.

Does Maine require an electrical license?

Electricians must be licensed to perform electrician work on residential and commercial properties in Maine.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Maine?

Maine electrical license categories include:

• Journeyman-in-Training Electrician
• Helper Electrician
• Apprentice Electrician
• Journeyman Electrician
• Limited Electrician
• Master Electrician

Journeyman-in-training licensees are authorized to install electrical wires and fixtures under the direction of a master electrician or journeyman electrician. Applicants for this license must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have at least 2,000 hours of electrician experience
• Be a graduate of community college in Maine or a training program with the Department of Corrections
• Pass a journeyman examination

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.

Apprentice electrician licensees are authorized to perform a variety of electrical work under the direction of a master electrician, limited electrician, or journeyman. Applicants for this license must:

• Be enrolled in a 5-year electrician electrician apprenticeship program
• Be at least 16 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED

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

Limited electrician licensees are authorized to install electrical work for specialty categories, including gas dispense, 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 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

Maine license fees are between $150 and $300. Licenses are issued by the State of Maine Professional and Financial Regulation Office.

The average hourly pay for Maine electricians is $25.41.

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 programs:

 The Maine Apprenticeship Program is a workforce training program sponsored by the Maine Department of Labor. This Maine electrician apprentice job link takes applicants to dozens of active apprenticeship opportunities.

Maine electrician apprenticeship program information:

 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 a 70% on exams. Fees are between $100 and $200 per exam. Exams are administered by the Electrician’s Examining Board.

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

Should I join an electrician union in Maine?

Becoming an electrician union member is a wise decision. Unions resolve disputes between employers and employees. Unions help members get pay raises, vacation pay, pensions, and sick leave.

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 website to search for your next opportunity in the electrical industryL

• 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

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.

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.

Is my license only valid in Maine?

Maine has reciprocity agreements with New Hampshire and Vermont.

I already have a license but:

• I changed my name – Update your name online.
• I misplaced the card – Order a new card online
• I changed my address – Update your address online

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.