Licensing Guides
Maine Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in Maine
Electrical, ME
Table of Contents
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Maine?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Maine?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Maine?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Maine?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Maine?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Maine?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in Maine.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 3,320 in Maine.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. That growth rate in Maine is projected at 1%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Maine in July 2025 totaled 34,700, a decrease of 500 (-1.4%) from July 2024 and an increase of 4,000 or 13% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Maine
Is a license required for electricians in Maine? Yes.
Electrical licensure is conducted through the Electrician’s Examining Board, which is a division of the State of Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.
There are detailed instructions on how to apply for an electrical license on the state website.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Maine
There are different requirements for each level of licensing in the electrical field in Maine. However, at every level, a license is required by law. For each you must:
Acquire work experience (progressively more for Helper, Journeyman, and Master status).
Pass a state-administered examination (for Journeyman, Limited Journeyman, and Master).
Submit to a background check.
Pay all applicable fees.
Apply for your license.
How to Become an Electrician in Maine
To become a licensed electrician in Maine, you must:
Meet the educational/experience requirements.
Pass the required examinations.
Submit to a background check.
Pay all applicable fees.
Below are the specifics for each license.
APPRENTICE
Work experience: Apprentice must be actively enrolled in an apprenticeship training program registered by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Apply for license: You must apply for and receive an Apprentice Electrician license to begin your electrical work training.
Pay Fee: $25.
Limitations: Must be engaged in a written agreement to complete a four- to five-year educational and work program to learn the trade of an electrician under the direct supervision of a Licensed Master, Journeyman or Limited Electrician.
HELPER ELECTRICIAN
Apply for license: Fill out the online renewal application.
Pay Fee: $25.
Limitations: Can make electrical installations in the employment of a master electrician, limited electrician, or electrical company, and under the direct supervision of a Master, Journeyman or Limited Electrician.
JOURNEYMAN-IN-TRAINING ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Graduate from an accredited Maine community college or Department of Corrections electrical program and complete 2,000 hours of licensed electrical installation experience.
Apply for license: Fill out the online application.
Pay Fee: $150.
Limitations: Can make electrical installations in the employment of a Master Electrician, Limited Electrician, or electrical company and under the supervision of a Journeyman, Limited, or Master Electrician.
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Must meet one of the following experience requirements:
Complete at least 8,000 hours of service as a licensed apprentice or helper and satisfactorily complete a program of study comprising 576 hours as approved by the Electricians' Examining Board or from an accredited institution.
Be a graduate of an accredited applied technology high school two-year electrical program, have worked for 7,000 hours in the field of electrical installations under the supervision of a master or equivalent, and have completed a 45-hour National Electrical Code course.
Be a graduate of a Maine community college electrical program or a vocational-electrical program of the Department of Corrections, have worked for 4,000 hours in the field of electrical installations under the supervision of a master or the equivalent, and have completed a 45-hour course on the National Electrical Code.
Work at least 8,000 hours as a licensed apprentice electrician in the field of electrical installations under the direct supervision of a Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, or Limited Electrician, complete a program of study comprising at least 576 hours prescribed in an apprenticeship program approved by the board, and have completed a 45-hour National Electrical Code course.
Pass Licensing Exam: Administered by Prometric.
Apply for license: Fill out the online application.
Pay Fee: $150.
Limitations: Can make electrical installations in the employment of a master electrician, limited electrician, or electrical company.
LIMITED ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Must meet one of the following experience requirements (varies by specialty):
Water pumps: 135 hours electrical education + 2,000 hours experience
Gas dispensing: 135 hours electrical education + 2,000 hours experience
Outdoor signs: 135 hours electrical education + 2,000 hours experience
Traffic signals: 180 hours electrical education + 2,000 hours experience
Low energy/fire alarms: 270 hours electrical education + 4,000 hours experience
House wiring: 225 hours electrical education + 4,000 hours experience
Refrigeration: 315 hours electrical education + 6,000 hours experience
Crane technician: 135 hours electrical education + 2,000 hours experience
Pass Licensing Exam: Administered by Prometric.
Apply for license: Fill out the online application.
Pay Fee: $150.
Limitations: Can make electrical installations limited to a specific type of electrically operated equipment or to specific electrical installations only authorized by this license.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Must complete at least 4,000 hours of service as a Journeyman Electrician or have at least 12,000 hours of experience in electrical installations and complete 576 hours of electrical studies.
Pass Licensing Exam: Administered by Prometric.
Apply for license: Fill out the online application.
Pay Fee: $150.
Limitations: Can engage in the business of installing electrical wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures, and other electrical equipment.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Maine
What are the different types of electrician licenses in Maine?
There are six electrical licenses available in Maine. Each level of licensing requires more experience and course work, allows you to work on a wider variety of systems and perform work that grows in complexity, or assume responsibility for others’ work.
Apprentice Electrician
A licensed electrical apprentice works under the supervision of a Master Electrician, a Licensed Journeyman Electrician, or a Licensed Limited Electrician until the apprentice accumulates the required amount of hands-on work hours and classroom credits needed to take the Journeyman Electrician exam.
Helper Electrician
A helper electrician can install various electrical components under the supervision of a Limited Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, or Master Electrician.
Journeyman-in-Training Electrician
A Journeyman-in-Training is a transitionary license for individuals who have completed the required 576 hours of classroom education but have not yet finished their 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience. This license allows the holder to perform the same duties as a journeyman but requires them to remain under the indirect supervision of a Master Electrician until their remaining work hours are documented and verified.
Journeyman Electrician
A Journeyman Electrician can install, maintain, and repair electrical and communication systems after completing the required 8,000 hours of hands-on work experience and 576 hours of classroom training. Journeyman Electricians can supervise Apprentice Electricians and Helper Electricians.
Limited Electrician
A Limited Electrician performs specialty work on gas dispersal, water pumps, refrigeration, outdoor signs, etc. Limited Electricians have at least 135 hours of electrical classroom training and 2,000 hours of work in a specialty area.
Master Electrician
A Master Electrician has worked as a Licensed Journeyman for at least 4,000 hours and is eligible to install wires and other electrical apparatus, including conduits and fixtures. A Master Electrician does not have to work for an electrical company, as they are eligible to go into business for themselves.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Maine
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in Maine.
First and most important, it is required by law in Maine to be licensed through the state to legally perform any electrical work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the very first day you begin the process of becoming an electrician.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise your earning potential increases and you have authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Maine?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Maine is $71,460 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In Maine, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $58,800
Intermediate (2-4 years): $69,000
Senior (4-7 years): $74,300
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Maine?
The license fee for an apprentice or helper electrician is $25. All other license types require a $150 fee. The required background check is $21. The exam costs vary from $65 to $90, depending on which exam category you are taking.
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Maine?
Becoming a Licensed Journeyman Electrician in Maine requires about 8,000 hours (four years) of electrical work experience, as well as 576 hours of classroom training. Then, you must work for 4,000 hours (two years) before you are eligible to become a licensed master electrician.
Maine Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Maine:
You can complete an apprenticeship program recognized by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the U.S. Department of Labor.
You can seek out a union apprenticeship available through local Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees. JATCs have been established through the combined efforts of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) who have come together to form the National Training Alliance.
Or you can complete a technical school program approved by the Maine Electrician’s Examining Board and deemed equivalent to the Department of Labor apprenticeship requirements.
Each option will provide the necessary 576 hours of classroom instruction. The apprenticeship programs also include 8,000 hours of required work experience.
There are a number of community colleges that offer approved programs that lead to an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology or similar degrees. A few are:
Tuition: The cost of tuition depends on the program you choose. Some apprenticeships are paid 100% by the employer with required good grades. According to Community College Review, the average tuition at Maine community colleges is approximately $4,020 per year for in-state students and $7,666 for out-of-state students.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in Maine, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Maine: The Ultimate Guide.
Maine Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Maine requires an examination for Limited Journeyman, Journeyman, and Master licenses. Education and experience requirements must be met before qualifying for the exam:
Limited Journeyman: Must have at least 135 hours of electrical classroom training and 2,000 hours of work in a specialty area.
Journeyman: Must have 8,000 hours of hands-on work experience and 576 hours of classroom training.
Master: Must work as a licensed Journeyman for 4,000 hours.
The Journeyman exam has 80 questions that must be completed in three hours. The Limited Journeyman exam varies based on the specialty, but full details can be found in the Candidate Information Bulletin. The Master exam has 100 questions that must be completed in four hours.
Topics on the Journeyman and Master exams include general electrical knowledge, wiring methods, blueprint reading, transformers, and motors and controls.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Maine?
At each level you must complete a certain amount of training before sitting for the exam.
DOL Registered Apprentices must successfully complete an approved U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program and hold a State of Maine Apprentice license while attending the approved apprenticeship.
Your apprenticeship classes will help prepare you for the examination. You will want to study the National Electrical Code (NEC) as well as Maine Electrician’s Laws and Rules. You can also take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and timing.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Maine?
The Electricians’ Examining Board, a division of the State of Maine Professional and Financial Regulation, issues electrical licenses.
Does My Maine Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Yes. Maine has reciprocity agreements with New Hampshire, Vermont, North Dakota, Idaho, Oregon, and Wyoming for Journeyman licenses, and New Hampshire and Vermont for Master licenses.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Maine?
An electrician from a state with reciprocity must fill out a reciprocity license application and pay the required $171 fee. They also must submit proof of licensure from the reciprocating state. National Electrician Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in Maine?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Maine.
The Maine Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association offers several scholarship opportunities for plumbing students.
The Maine Apprenticeship Program connects students with organizations that offer apprenticeships, many of which include scholarships.
The Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships for multiple trades, including electricians.
Every scholarship has slightly different requirements and application processes, but in general you will need to:
Visit the organization's website.
Fill out an application.
Include a letter or letters of recommendation.
Wait for scholarships to be awarded.
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Maine?
License verification in Maine is available at no charge by visiting the state’s online licensing portal. Users can search by a permit number, license number, address, or name.
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Maine?
A suspended electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Maine electrician licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud in obtaining a license
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Unethical conduct or practice harmful to the public
Habitual intoxication or addiction to drugs
Client fraud
Code violations
Electrical permit abuse
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Maine electrician and electrical contractor license regulations you can refer to the Electricians' Examining Board.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Maine?
Performing electrical work without a license in Maine is a Class E crime, which can lead to a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail. Additionally, the Electricians’ Examining Board can impose civil penalties of up to $1,500 per violation.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Maine electrician and electrical contractor license regulations you can refer to the Electricians' Examining Board.
Continuing Education
Every three years, Journeyman and Master Electricians must complete 15 hours of continuing education on the current National Electrical Code (NEC) for license renewal.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
