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There are many residents in the State of Maine who want to have a lucrative job.
If you’re one of these individuals, then you could consider becoming a plumber.
You’ll learn more about this process from this article, as well as salary information and job description.
Article Table of Contents
Plumber Job Description and Requirements
In Maine, there’s a small difference between installing a plumbing system and repairing it.
Unlike other states, individuals can perform some plumbing repairs without a license, but they do need one for installing the system.
Additionally, a homeowner is allowed to install in their own house such a system.
Generally, plumbers are in charge of:
- Installing various piping systems
- Maintaining them
- Performing repairs on them
- Making sure that the safety measures are being met
- Measuring, cutting, and soldering
- Reading blueprints
- Choosing the correct tools for each task
- Maintaining their equipment
To become a plumber, you’ll need:
- Be at least 18 years old
- To undergo training
- To pass some examinations
- Know English
- Be allowed to work in the US
- Know math and science
The path of a plumber in Maine has 4 stages:
- Trainee plumber
- Journeyman-in-training license
- Journeyman plumber
- Master plumber
Becoming a Plumber Trainee
In Maine, plumber trainees are actually the apprentices who seek to become licensed plumbers.
They learn the trade while working under a journeyman or master plumber who teaches them how to perform various tasks.
Some of the tasks might be performed by these trainees while not being supervised.
They will need a license as well.
To obtain it, you’ll need to provide proof of working with a journeyman or master plumber as a trainee.
Additionally, you’ll also need the following documents:
- A filled-out application
- Paying the application fee – $25
- Paying for the license – $200
- Passing the criminal background check
- Paying for the background check – $21
Becoming a Journeyman-in-Training
Those who want to pursue a career in plumbing and enroll in a vocational school can apply for this license.
This license is only valid for 4 years and cannot be renewed.
These individuals will be allowed to work with a master plumber after:
- Completing 2 semesters of classroom education
- Passing the journeyman exam
The exam costs $75.
The minimum score accepted for this exam is 70%.
The exam is organized through Prov Inc, and this institution can offer more details regarding the exam itself.
The exam can be taken at any location across the nation and the results are learned on the spot, at the end of the examination.
Obtaining the Journeyman Plumber License
After completing either one of the previous steps, you’re eligible to become a journeyman plumber.
Plumber trainees need to complete 4,000 hours in 2 years, while the journeymen-in-training need to complete at least 2,000 hours of experience.
They need to accumulate this many hours within 4 years of obtaining the journeyman-in-training license.
In Maine, these professionals need to be supervised by a master plumber while performing plumbing installations.
In most other tasks, journeymen plumbers can work without supervision.
The requirements to obtain the license are very similar to those for the journeyman-in-training license.
These are:
- Filling out the application
- Paying the fees mentioned above
- Passing the background check
- Pass the journeyman exam
This exam also costs $75.
Obtaining the Master Plumber License
It’s not mandatory to become a master plumber.
The requirements to become one are similar to those for the journeyman.
These are:
- Paying the fees
- Passing the background check
- Filling out the application form
- Showing proof of at least 2,000 hours of experience as a journeyman, or 8,000 hours accumulated in 4 years as a trainee plumber
- Pass the master plumber exam
This exam costs $75 as well.
These professionals can work independently, without supervision.
They can also have up to 3 trainee plumbers they can supervise.
Employment and Salary Information
Like with most other occupations, your salary will depend on your experience and license type.
In some cases, the city you work in might also influence how much you’ll earn.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $56,257 |
| Lewiston | $55,681 |
| Bangor | $52,606 |
| South Portland | $56,257 |
| Auburn | $55,681 |
| Biddeford | $55,989 |
| Sanford | $57,666 |
| Brunswick | $55,759 |
| Scarborough | $56,257 |
| Saco | $56,142 |
Regional Salary in Maine
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | 180 | $56,500 | $27.17 | $72,510 | $39,450 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 170 | $60,380 | $29.03 | $74,260 | $42,260 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 620 | $62,460 | $30.03 | $76,440 | $46,080 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information
In this state, plumbers obtain their licenses from the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.
Maine has a plumber license reciprocity agreement with New Hampshire.
Joining a Union
All plumbers have the option to join a union.
There are many benefits to doing so while the disadvantages are few.
The benefits include:
- Better salary
- Having the union negotiate the contract and salary for you
- Healthcare coverage
- A retirement plan
Insurance
Independent lumbers will need insurance for:
- Health
- Disability
- Liability in case of accidents
- Property insurance for the equipment they use
When working for an employer or being a union member, this aspect is usually taken care of.
Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Maine
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| SOUTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SOUTH PORTLAND CAMPUS | 2 Fort Road, South Portland, Maine 04106 |
| SOUTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE MIDCOAST CAMPUS | 29 Sewall Street, Brunswick, Maine 04011 |
| Washington County Community College | One College Drive Calais, ME 04619 |
| Eastern Maine Community College | 354 Hogan Road, Bangor, Maine |
| Northern Maine Community College | 33 Edgemont Drive Presque Isle, Maine 04769 |
| UA Local 716 Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVAC/R Techs | 21 Gabriel Dr, Augusta, ME 04330 |
| United Technologies Center | 200 Hogan Road • Bangor, ME 04401 |
| Harding's Plumbing School | 9 Woodbury St, South Portland, ME 0410 |
| MEMA TECHNICAL CENTER | 25 Greenwood Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011 |
| Central Maine Community College | 1250 Turner Street, Auburn, Maine |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Plumber
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