Maine Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Maine
Average Cost of Trade School in Maine
Most trade programs in Maine are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In Maine, rural coverage and older housing stock can increase demand for service trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC maintenance.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $2,984 higher than in-state on average.
| Maine Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $3,898 |
|---|---|
| Maine Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $6,882 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Maine
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Maine Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Maine trade training often ranges from 6–24 months for school-based entry, while apprenticeships commonly take 3–5 years depending on required hours and progression standards.
- Licensing and permitting vary by trade and location. Some trades are regulated through state boards and others through local permits/inspections—verify requirements for your specific trade and municipality.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in Maine
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Maine. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $25.93 | $1,037 | $4,494 | $53,938 |
| AV Technician | $32.25 | $1,290 | $5,590 | $67,080 |
| Carpenter | $25.26 | $1,010 | $4,378 | $52,541 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $34.80 | $1,392 | $6,032 | $72,384 |
| CNC Machinist | $23.89 | $955 | $4,141 | $49,691 |
| Construction | $25.36 | $1,014 | $4,396 | $52,749 |
| Concrete Finisher | $27.80 | $1,111 | $4,815 | $57,784 |
| Diesel Technician | $28.87 | $1,155 | $5,004 | $60,050 |
| Electrician | $30.58 | $1,223 | $5,301 | $63,606 |
| Heavy Equipment | $24.96 | $973 | $4,217 | $50,602 |
| HVAC Technician | $28.11 | $1,126 | $4,881 | $58,572 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $27.78 | $1,111 | $4,817 | $57,799 |
| Ironworker | $26.47 | $1,058 | $4,587 | $55,042 |
| Lineworker | $41.45 | $1,658 | $7,185 | $86,222 |
| Marine Mechanic | $28.74 | $1,149 | $4,980 | $59,727 |
| Mason | $27.00 | $1,080 | $4,680 | $56,160 |
| Plumber | $32.43 | $1,264 | $5,476 | $65,718 |
| Roofer | $24.29 | $972 | $4,210 | $50,523 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $25.70 | $997 | $4,320 | $51,843 |
| Welder | $24.55 | $984 | $4,263 | $51,152 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
Why Maine Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Maine’s trade economy is driven by residential construction, infrastructure maintenance, utilities, shipbuilding, and energy projects. An aging housing stock, rural service needs, and ongoing public works investment continue to support steady demand for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, carpenters, welders, and heavy equipment operators across the state.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for Maine students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Portland metro area: Residential construction, commercial renovation, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing services.
- Bangor region: Utilities, healthcare facilities, and regional construction projects.
- Bath–Midcoast: Shipbuilding, metal fabrication, and industrial maintenance.
- Statewide rural areas: Ongoing demand for service trades, especially electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
Major Employers and Contractors in Maine
Tradespeople in Maine commonly work with employers tied to construction, shipbuilding, and utilities, including:
- Bath Iron Works — Major shipbuilding employer supporting welders, electricians, pipefitters, and metal trades.
- Central Maine Power — Electrical utility infrastructure and lineworker-related trades.
- Cianbro — Maine-based construction and industrial contractor working on commercial and infrastructure projects.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Maine
Maine offers both union and non-union trade routes. Union representation is common on larger commercial, industrial, and public works projects, while non-union contractors dominate residential construction and service trades.
Union Apprenticeships in Maine
Union apprenticeship programs are most often associated with commercial construction, utilities, shipbuilding, and public infrastructure work.
- IBEW Local 1253 — Electrical apprenticeships serving much of central and southern Maine.
- IBEW Local 567 — Electrical training covering eastern and northern Maine.
- UA Local 716 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships based in Maine.
- SMART Local 17 — Sheet metal and HVAC fabrication training serving New England, including Maine.
- Carpenters Local 1996 — Commercial and residential carpentry apprenticeships.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union pathways are common throughout Maine, particularly in residential construction, service HVAC, electrical contracting, and small commercial projects. Many employers provide direct hire opportunities with on-the-job training, especially in rural and coastal communities.
Both union and non-union routes can support long-term trade careers in Maine. Union paths tend to offer structured training and benefits on larger projects, while non-union routes provide flexibility and quicker entry into local service-based work.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeship with classroom and jobsite instruction | Employer-based, hands-on training |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage steps tied to apprenticeship milestones | Pay increases based on experience or employer policy |
| Benefits | Health insurance and retirement plans commonly included | Benefits vary by contractor |
| Project Types | Shipbuilding, utilities, public works, large commercial | Residential, service work, small commercial projects |
| Best Fit For | Workers seeking structured training and stability | Workers prioritizing flexibility and local service work |