Have you ever felt the rush of satisfaction from quickly diagnosing and fixing a broken appliance?
Do indoor climate control systems fascinate you, and does the idea of keeping people comfortable excite your problem-solving skills?
If so, a career as an HVAC technician could be an ideal match for your talents and interests.
As an essential service industry, HVAC skills will always be in demand throughout Maine.
From intricate boiler systems beneath large buildings to individual heat pumps in family homes, heating and cooling equipment relies on knowledgeable technicians for installation, maintenance, and repairs.
As an EPA-certified pro trained in the latest equipment and technologies, you can tackle challenging issues and troubleshoot solutions, earning competitive pay along the way.
In this article, I will explore the training options, responsibilities, and opportunities of this hands-on career path, which is an excellent first step toward keeping Maine warm in winter and cool in summer for years to come.
Table of Contents
HVAC Technician Schools in Maine
There are several schools available in Maine for HVAC technicians seeking industry-related training:
Southern Maine Community College
- Location: South Portland, ME; Brunswick, ME
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Time to Complete: 4.5 full-time semesters
- Tuition Costs: Maine Residents ($96 per credit); non-residents ($192 per credit)
Northeast Technical Institute
- Location: Scarborough, Bangor, and Auburn, ME
- Accreditation: Council on Occupational Education
- Time to Complete: 27 weeks
- Tuition Costs: Contact the Institute for details
Eastern Maine Community College
- Location: Bangor, ME
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Time to Complete: AAS (2 years); Certificate (1 year)
- Tuition Costs: In-state ($96 per credit); out-of-state ($192 per credit)
Apprenticeship Programs in Maine
Local unions like Plumbers & Pipefitters UA 9 work with training facilities to provide apprenticeship programs for HVAC technicians in Maine.
These programs offer on-the-job training and classroom instruction to help apprentices develop the skills and knowledge needed to become successful HVAC technicians.
Apprentices learn directly from experienced supervisors and crew leaders on commercial job sites, and on-the-job hours can count towards exam eligibility.
On-the-job training (OJT): Some HVAC technicians start as helper technicians and learn directly from experienced supervisors and crew leaders on commercial job sites. On-the-job hours can count towards exam eligibility.
Online Options: A growing number of accredited online HVAC certificate and degree programs are available from schools like Penn Foster Career School and Lincoln Tech for flexible, self-paced study.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Southern Maine Community College | 2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME 04106, United States |
| Northeast Technical Institute | 51 US-1 Ste K, Scarborough, ME 04074, United States |
| Eastern Maine Community College | 354 Hogan Rd, Bangor, ME 04401, United States |
How to Become an HVAC Technician in Maine, Step by Step
Educational Requirements
To become an HVAC technician in Maine, most people choose to earn a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree from a technical or trade school.
The main admission requirements for HVAC technician programs in Maine are:
- Completion of high school or equivalent (GED or HiSET)
- Minimum age of 18 years old
- Some programs may require prerequisites in math, science, or technical courses
- Application and fees submitted to the chosen school
- Official transcripts from previous schools attended
- Potential requirements for standardized test scores or interviews
Common programs take 1-2 years of full-time study to complete, depending on the credentials sought.
Coursework covers HVAC theory, equipment use and repair, building systems, and hands-on skill development.
Licensing and Certification Requirements in Maine
HVAC technicians themselves are not required to hold a state license in Maine.
EPA
However, all HVAC technicians in Maine are required to obtain EPA Section 608 Certification, which is a certification in refrigerant handling that has four subtypes (types 1-4) depending on the equipment serviced.
Most HVAC training programs include Section 608 certification preparation.
This certification ensures that HVAC professionals have the qualifications to handle refrigerants and provide skilled services.
Compliance with this certification is necessary to work in the field in Maine.
NATE
The NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification is a valuable credential for HVAC technicians.
The voluntary certification, administered by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), demonstrates competency across eight technical areas via online exams.
Earning the NATE certificate validates an individual’s proficiency in installing, servicing, and maintaining residential and commercial HVAC systems.
It provides employers with assurance that a technician’s skills meet national standards and gives homeowners peace of mind that maintenance and repairs are handled properly.
Maintaining NATE certification involves continuing education credits to stay current with evolving technologies and best practices.
HVAC Technician Salary in Maine
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC technicians in Maine earn a competitive average wage.
In May 2022, the mean annual salary was reported as $56,340.
Median hourly wages were $27,09.
Salaries may vary based on experience level, location within the state, and sector of employment (commercial vs. residential).
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $48,359 |
| Lewiston | $47,868 |
| Bangor | $44,808 |
| South Portland | $48,359 |
| Auburn | $47,868 |
| Biddeford | $48,130 |
| Sanford | $49,353 |
| Saco | $48,261 |
| Westbrook | $48,359 |
| Augusta | $46,093 |
Regional Salary in Maine
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | 170 | $54,670 | $26.29 | $63,640 | $39,020 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 160 | $57,250 | $27.53 | $72,510 | $44,000 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 690 | $57,140 | $27.47 | $76,830 | $44,990 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What experience or skills are required to become an apprentice?
Most apprenticeship programs in Maine require applicants to be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
Some basic mechanical skills or coursework in math, electricity, or technical trades can make candidates more competitive.
Do HVAC technicians work year-round in Maine?
Yes, since HVAC systems are essential to occupant comfort, technicians are needed all year in Maine.
While summer is the peak season for air conditioning repairs, technicians also perform installation, maintenance, and indoor heating system work during the winter months.
What is the job outlook for HVAC technicians in Maine?
Employment of HVAC technicians is projected to grow 10% in Maine through 2030, in line with the national average.
Maine’s aging housing stock and infrastructure will require repairs and retrofits, driving demand for skilled technicians.
Year-round work and competitive pay make HVAC an attractive career.
HVAC Technician Info by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
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- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
