Long, cold winters and mild summers with strong heating demand keep heating systems under heavy load across Maine. Average pay runs $65,300/year — 0.8% above the national average — with 2,250 techs employed across Lewiston, Portland, and Bangor.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$47,090
entry-level
25th Pct
$57,240
early career
Median
$63,170
typical wage
75th Pct
$76,920
experienced
90th Pct
$82,090
senior tech
Wage data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Metro Markets
Metro-level salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Cities ranked by HVAC employment count.
Licensing
Authority: Maine Office of Professional & Occupational Regulation — Maine Fuel Board
License type: Oil & Solid Fuel Technician (Apprentice/Journeyman/Master); Propane & Natural Gas Technician
Threshold or scope: Fuel-fired equipment only — no general HVAC license required
Continuing education: 8 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (Master Oil Burner)
Key details: Master Oil Burner: 4 yrs licensed exp. (2+ as journeyman) + 70% exam. EPA 608 still required for refrigerant work.
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
3
Verified Programs
Apprenticeship sponsor data verified through union local primary sources, state Building Trades directories, and apprenticeship.gov.
Training
Program details vary by school. Verify cost, duration, and certification requirements directly with each institution.
Industry Density
Contracting Businesses
179
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
2,250
SOC 49-9021
24.29¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#44 of 51
State Energy Rank
Establishment data from BLS QCEW NAICS 238222. Employment from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Electricity rates from EIA Electric Power Annual 2024.
Climate Profile
6A
Cold-Humid
extreme_heating
Heating dominates Maine's Cold-Humid climate. Deep winters create high-stakes demand for furnace, boiler, and heat pump reliability — HVAC technicians here build careers around heating systems with short but intense summer cooling demand.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Maine earn a mean annual wage of $65,300, about 0.8% above the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $47,090, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $82,090. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Maine are Portland with about 920 HVAC mechanics, Bangor with about 210 HVAC mechanics, and Lewiston with about 160 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Maine are Southern Maine Community College, Central Maine Community College, and Washington County Community College. Programs typically run 6–24 months and prepare graduates for EPA Section 608 certification and entry-level positions. See our trade schools directory for full program details.
Have a different question? Reach our team at team@findhvacjobs.com.
