Firefighter Apprenticeship in Maine

Wages, programs & career outlook
ME Median Salary
$47,490/yr
-20% vs. national
National Median
$59,530/yr
ME Employment
2,390
Firefighters employed
ME Sponsors
370
Registered programs

Maine Wage Spread

Annual wages for Firefighters in Maine across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$33,900
25th %ile
$39,530
Median
$47,490
75th %ile
$58,690
90th %ile
$63,040

Firefighter Apprenticeship in Maine

The $47,490 median for Maine Firefighters tracks close to the national all-occupation average. The value here is in the apprenticeship model: earn while you learn, graduate debt-free.

Firefighter wages in Maine ($47,490) lag the national median by 20%. The significant gap suggests either low demand, weak union presence, or a depressed local construction market.

Employment for Firefighters is projected to grow 3.4% through 2034, roughly in line with the overall economy. About 27,100 positions open annually through both growth and replacement.

Only 2,390 Firefighters work in Maine — 0.7% of the national total. The limited scale can mean fewer formal apprenticeship programs, pushing some candidates toward nearby states with larger trade economies.

Hybrid apprenticeships for Firefighters combine the structure of time-based training with the flexibility of competency milestones. Plan on 2 years, though strong performers in emergency protocols, physical fitness standards, and certification exams sometimes finish earlier.

Program availability in Maine is moderate: 370 registered sponsors across the state. Apprenticeship applicants in major cities will find multiple options; those in smaller markets may need to commute or relocate within the state.

The $29,140 gap between entry-level and top-earning Firefighters in Maine ($33,900 to $63,040) is tighter than most trades. Standardized pay schedules — often union-negotiated — keep the spread narrow.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Maine

370 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Maine. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
County of York Alfred York County
Dobson Funeral Services Arundel York County
Davis Ulmer Auburn Androscoggin County
H.E. Callahan Construction Inc. Auburn
Panolam Industries, Inc. Auburn Androscoggin County
Riverwatch, LLC, dba Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch Auburn
SLH Maine Manager LLC dba Clover Healthcare Auburn
Station Class Constructors Auburn
W.D. Matthews Machinery Co. Auburn Androscoggin County
Associated General Contractors of Maine, Inc. Augusta Kennebec County
Augusta CareerCenter Augusta
CPK Manufacturing DBA Kenway Composites Augusta
Central/Western Maine Workforce Investment Board Augusta
City of Augusta Augusta Kennebec County
Ganneston Construction Corp. Augusta
HospitalityMaine Augusta Kennebec County
HospitalityMaine Education Foundation Augusta
Kennebec Technologies Augusta
Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home Augusta
Maine Department of Corrections Augusta Kennebec County
Maine Department of Health and Human Services Augusta Kennebec County
Maine Department of Labor, Maine Apprenticeship Program Augusta
Maine Department of Marine Resources - Bureau of Marine Patrol Augusta Kennebec County
Maine State Apprenticeship Agency Augusta
Maine State Workforce Board Augusta
+ 5 more sponsors in Maine

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in Maine?
The BLS reports a median wage of $47,490/yr for Firefighters in Maine (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
What is the length of a Firefighter apprenticeship program?
The standard Firefighter apprenticeship is 2 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
What's the difference between a Firefighter apprenticeship and trade school?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained Firefighters, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
Are Firefighter jobs growing?
Demand for Firefighters is steady, with 3.4% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
Where can I apply for a Firefighter apprenticeship in Maine?
Contact one of the 370 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Maine, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
Do Firefighter apprentices get paid during training?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $23,745/yr in Maine). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Firefighter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Maine

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.