How to Become a Pipefitter in Maine (2026)
Maine employs about 2,710 pipefitters earning a median $64,000 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most pipefitters train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Maine.
Compare Pipefitter Schools in Maine
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adult and Continuing Education-BCTS | 67.0 | Contact school for pricing | $47,365 | 81% | — | 379 mi |
| 2 | SUNY College of Technology at Delhi | 65.4 | $8,772 - $26,944 | $56,927 | 47% | Yes* | 345 mi |
| 3 | Northern Maine Community College | 64.6 | $4,156 - $15,918 | $44,985 | 38% | Yes* | 124 mi |
| 4 | New England Institute of Technology | 62.3 | $37,275 - $48,543 | $62,151 | 59% | Yes* | 264 mi |
| 5 | Kennebec Valley Community College | 61.5 | $4,156 - $12,149 | $52,079 | 44% | Yes* | 40 mi |
| 6 | Central Maine Community College | 58.7 | $4,140 - $15,063 | $51,345 | 29% | Yes* | 84 mi |
| 7 | Industrial Management Training Institute | 58.2 | Contact school for pricing | $54,088 | 77% | — | 311 mi |
| 8 | Southeastern Technical Institute | 54.0 | Contact school for pricing | $48,037 | Not reported | — | 233 mi |
| 9 | Eastern Maine Community College | 53.4 | $4,156 - $16,791 | $48,024 | 33% | Yes* | 31 mi |
| 10 | Porter & Chester Institute | 47.5 | Contact school for pricing | $46,863 | 47% | Yes* | 335 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Maine employs approximately 2,710 pipefitters according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $64,000 1. The state’s concentration of pipefitter jobs is 1.41x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, pipefitter employment is projected to grow 4.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 44,000 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Pipefitter in Maine, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Maine): $64,000 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Pipefitter in Maine
How to become a Pipefitter in Maine? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for pipefitters in Maine.
How long does it take? Most paths into the pipefitter field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do pipefitters earn in Maine? The median annual wage for pipefitters in Maine is $64,000 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $48,120 and experienced professionals can earn $80,760 or more 1.
How to Become a Pipefitter in Maine
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Maine training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Maine that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor as part of a registered apprenticeship or employer program in Maine.
- Earn your journey card or employer qualification. Complete the registered apprenticeship or approved program, earn the journey card or employer qualification used in Maine, and confirm contractor versus worker rules with the state before working unsupervised.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Pipefitter Apprenticeship Information in Maine
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Maine’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Maine Apprenticeship Program 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Employment Services
- Address: 55 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0055
- Phone: (207) 623-7969
- Email: [email protected]
Pipefitter Wages by Metro Area in Maine
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Wages by Metro Area in Maine
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters wages in Maine vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland-South Portland | 1,740 | $64,500 | $67,640 | $49,920 | $81,130 |
| Bangor | 220 | $60,140 | $60,060 | $42,780 | $77,650 |
| Lewiston-Auburn | 190 | $62,140 | $64,140 | $44,990 | $77,500 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for pipefitters in Maine? Maine currently employs approximately 2,710 pipefitters 1. Nationally, pipefitter employment is projected to grow 4.5% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Maine? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Maine. You can also contact the Maine Apprenticeship Program for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do pipefitters earn in Maine compared to the national average? The median annual wage for pipefitters in Maine is $64,000, which is $1,030 above the national median of $62,970 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Maine Apprenticeship Program: https://joblink.maine.gov/ada/r/search/jobs?keywords=apprentice ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |