Electrician in Biddeford, ME

The Salary Picture: Where Biddeford Stands

If you're an electrician eyeing Biddeford, let's talk numbers first, because the math has to work. Biddeford isn't a sprawling metropolis, but it's part of the Portland-South Portland Metro Area, which gives it a competitive edge over smaller, isolated towns in Maine. The median salary for an electrician here is $62,214/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.91/hour. To put that in perspective, the national average for electricians is $61,550/year, so Biddeford is holding its own and even edging out the national figure slightly.

Here’s the reality of the earning ladder in this area, based on local job postings and industry standards for licensed electricians in Maine:

Experience-Level Breakdown

Level	Years of Experience	Typical Annual Salary (Biddeford)	Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2 years (Apprentice)	$42,000 - $50,000	$20 - $24
Mid-Level	3-7 years (Journeyman)	$55,000 - $68,000	$26.50 - $32.50
Senior-Level	8-15 years (Master)	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.50 - $40.50
Expert/Specialist	15+ years (Master + Specialties)	$85,000+	$40.50+

Note: These ranges reflect base salary. Overtime, on-call shifts, and specialty work (like industrial or solar) can significantly boost these figures.

Insider Tip: The jump from Journeyman to Master is the most significant. A Master Electrician license in Maine opens doors to pulling permits for your own jobs, which is the key to moving from a wage earner to a business owner if that's your goal. Many local electricians in Biddeford run their own small shops after hitting the Master level.

Comparison to Other Maine Cities:

• Portland, ME: Median salary is slightly higher (around $64,000), but cost of living, especially rent, is 15-20% more than Biddeford. Biddeford offers a better salary-to-rent ratio.
• Bangor, ME: Median salary is closer to $58,000, with fewer large-scale commercial projects. Biddeford’s proximity to Portland provides more diverse job opportunities.
• Augusta, ME: State capital jobs exist, but median salary is similar to Bangor, often at $59,000. Biddeford’s industrial base offers more consistent, year-round work.

The key takeaway: Biddeford sits in a sweet spot. You earn a competitive wage without the premium price tag of living in downtown Portland.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget on that $62,214/year median salary. This is about what a mid-level Journeyman electrician can expect. We'll use Maine's 2024 state income tax rates (5.5% - 7.15% bracket for this income) and a federal estimate of 12-15% effective rate for this bracket, totaling ~20-22% in taxes.

Monthly Take-Home Pay (Estimated):

• Annual Salary: $62,214
• Taxes (State & Federal, ~22%): -$13,687
• Annual Take-Home: ~$48,527
• Monthly Take-Home: ~$4,044

Now, let's break down a realistic monthly budget for an electrician living alone in Biddeford. The average 1BR rent is $1,139/month.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,139	You can find cheaper in Saco or older buildings, but this is the city average.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250 - $300	Maine winters mean higher heating costs. Your own trade skills can help with efficiency.
Groceries	$350 - $400	Biddeford has Hannaford and Shaw's, with farmers' markets in the summer.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$450 - $600	Public transport is limited; a reliable vehicle is a must for job sites.
Health Insurance	$250 - $400	If not fully covered by employer.
Miscellaneous (Food out, entertainment, savings)	$600 - $800	This includes a buffer for tools, work clothes, and leisure.
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,039 - $3,639
Remaining for Savings/Debt	$405 - $1,005

Can you afford to buy a home? It's challenging but possible with discipline. The median home price in Biddeford is around $375,000. A 20% down payment is $75,000. On a $62,214 salary, lenders will be cautious. However, many electricians in the area build equity through side jobs and eventually purchase multi-family homes (like a duplex in the West Plain area) to generate rental income, which helps qualify for a mortgage. It's a common path for skilled tradespeople here.

Where the Jobs Are: Biddeford's Major Employers

Biddeford's job market for electricians is robust, driven by its industrial history, healthcare growth, and residential boom. You're not just looking for "any" electrician job; you're looking for stability and growth. Here are the key players:

1. Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution (Corporate Offices & Branches): While a financial institution, they maintain and upgrade their real estate portfolio. They often hire commercial electricians for branch renovations and fit-outs. Hiring is steady, with a preference for licensed journeyman.

2. Maine Medical Center (MMC) - Saco/Biddeford Expansion: While the main campus is in Portland, MMC has significant facilities in the Biddeford/Saco area (e.g., medical office buildings, labs at the former textile mill sites). Healthcare facilities have some of the most complex electrical needs (backup generators, specialized lighting), offering stable, long-term projects. They often work with large electrical contractors like Wright-Ryan Construction or Portland Electrical Contractors, which are major hirers.

3. The City of Biddeford Public Works Department: Municipal government jobs are gold for their benefits and pension. The city hires electricians for maintaining street lighting, traffic signals, and city-owned buildings (like the Biddeford City Hall and Public Library). Watch for postings on the city's website; these positions are competitive but offer excellent job security.

4. Industrial & Manufacturing Plants: Biddeford still has a strong manufacturing base. Companies like Berry Global (plastics) or Unisys (if they have local facilities) require in-house maintenance electricians. These are often unionized (IBEW Local 567) positions with strong benefits and overtime opportunities.

5. Large Regional Construction Firms: Companies like Consolidated Electrical and Cianbro (headquartered in Maine) frequently have projects in the Biddeford area, especially with the ongoing redevelopment of the Biddeford Mills and Downtown Revitalization. These are project-based jobs that can lead to future work and networking.

6. Residential & Commercial Contractors: There are dozens of smaller, local shops. A few notable ones include Bergey's Electric (serves Southern Maine) and Allied Electric. These are great for apprentices and journeymen wanting to learn residential, commercial, and remodeling work.

Hiring Trends: There's a significant push in Biddeford toward "green" energy and retrofitting older buildings (both mills and Victorian homes) with modern, efficient electrical systems. Contractors with experience in solar installation, EV charger setup, and energy audits are in high demand. The city's downtown revitalization plan means more commercial fit-out work for the foreseeable future.

Getting Licensed in ME

Maine's licensing is run by the Maine Department of Professional Occupational and Financial Regulation (DPR). It's a structured, apprenticeship-based system. Here’s the timeline and cost:

Step 1: Become an Apprentice.

• You don't need a license to start. Register as an apprentice with the Maine Department of Labor. This allows you to work under a licensed electrician.
• Timeline: Immediate.
• Cost: Minimal (may be covered by employer).

Step 2: Journeyman Electrician License.

• Requires 8,000 hours of documented work experience (approx. 4 years full-time) under a licensed Master Electrician OR completion of a 2-year approved electrical program (like at Southern Maine Community College - SMCC).
• Requires passing the Maine State Journeyman Electrician Exam (based on the National Electrical Code).
• Timeline: 4-5 years total.
• Cost: Exam fee ~$100; license fee ~$150.

Step 3: Master Electrician License.

• Requires an additional 2,000 hours of work as a Journeyman (approx. 1 year full-time).
• Requires passing the Maine State Master Electrician Exam.
• Timeline: 5-6 years total from starting.
• Cost: Exam fee ~$125; license fee ~$150.

Insider Tip: The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Maine in Bangor and the Maine Electrical Training Alliance in Portland offer state-approved apprenticeship programs. Getting into one of these can fast-track your hours and ensure you're learning the NEC correctly. Many local Biddeford contractors are affiliated with these programs.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Choosing where to live in Biddeford affects your commute, social life, and budget. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

1. Downtown Biddeford: The heart of the action. You're near the textile mills, new restaurants, and the Biddeford City Hall. Commute to job sites can be quick if you're working on renovations in the mills. Rent for a 1BR in a classic mill apartment is $1,200 - $1,400. Ideal for a young professional who wants to be where the energy is.

2. The West Plain: A residential area west of the city center, with a mix of single-family homes and apartments. It's quieter, with easier parking for your work van. Commute is still under 10 minutes to downtown employers. You can find 1BR apartments here for $950 - $1,150. Great for a more settled lifestyle.

3. Saco (Adjacent City): Just over the bridge. Saco has a different vibe—more suburban, with great parks and a fantastic downtown (Downtown Saco). Many electricians live in Saco and commute the 5-10 minutes to Biddeford job sites. Rent for a 1BR is similar, $1,100 - $1,300, but you get more green space. The Saco/Biddeford Savings Institution is headquartered here, too.

4. Ferry Village (Saco): A historic, walkable neighborhood near the Saco River and the Saco Island. It's charming, with tight-knit community feel. Commute to Biddeford is easy via Route 1. Rent is slightly higher due to charm, $1,250 - $1,500 for a 1BR. Perfect if you want character over convenience.

5. The "Old Orchard Road" Corridor: This is the more commercial stretch between Biddeford and Saco. It's less about neighborhood feel and more about convenience—easy access to highways (I-95), big-box stores, and job sites. Rent can be slightly lower, $1,000 - $1,200, but it's noisier and less scenic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your salary isn't static. Specialization is the key to moving from the median $62,214 to the top of the scale ($85,000+).

• Industrial & Maintenance Electrician: Working in manufacturing plants (like Berry Global) often comes with a shift differential and overtime, adding 10-15% to your base salary. This is a reliable path.
• Renewable Energy Specialist: Maine is aggressively pursuing clean energy. With experience in solar PV systems and battery storage, you can command a premium. Look for training through ReVision Energy (a regional leader) or similar. This field is growing at an estimated 15-20% in Maine, faster than the 11% overall 10-year job growth for electricians.
• Low-Voltage & Data Technician: With the tech growth in the Portland metro, electricians who can also handle structured cabling, security systems, and AV work are rare and valuable.
• Business Owner: The ultimate advancement. With a Master Electrician license, you can start your own shop. Biddeford's active residential and small commercial market provides a steady client base. Many successful local electricians started by doing side jobs for neighbors in the West Plain or Downtown areas.

10-Year Outlook: The 11% job growth for electricians in the metro area is solid, driven by infrastructure upgrades, the push for energy efficiency, and the continued redevelopment of Biddeford's historic mills. As older electricians retire, there will be a significant need for new journeyman and master electricians. Your license and experience will be your security.

The Verdict: Is Biddeford Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary vs. Cost of Living: Your $62,214 median salary goes further here than in Portland.	Winters are Harsh: Snow, ice, and cold temps can mean job delays and tough working conditions for 4-5 months.
Growing Job Market: Diverse opportunities from residential to industrial, with major employers like Maine Medical Center nearby.	Limited Public Transit: A reliable personal vehicle is essential, adding to your monthly costs.
Strong Community & Networking: The trade community is connected. It's easy to build a reputation and find side work.	Seasonal Fluctuations: Residential work can slow in deep winter, though commercial and industrial work is more consistent.
Path to Ownership: With Maine's licensing structure, the path from apprentice to business owner is clear and achievable.	"Two-City" Dynamic: Biddeford and Saco are intertwined but have separate governments and cultures; it can feel fragmented.
Authentic Maine Living: You get a real Maine town with history, a river, and access to outdoors, without the tourist premium.	Salary Ceiling (Without Specialization): Sticking to general residential work will keep you near the median; specialization is needed to break through.

Final Recommendation: Biddeford is an excellent choice for electricians who are pragmatic, value a good work-life balance, and are willing to specialize. It's a place to build a stable, well-paid career, not just get a job. If you're okay with snow, enjoy tight-knit communities, and want a realistic path to homeownership and/or business ownership, Biddeford should be at the top of your list.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living in Biddeford really lower than the national average?
A: With a Cost of Living Index of 103.6 (US avg = 100), Biddeford is slightly above average. However, the key metric for an electrician is housing. At $1,139/month for a 1BR, it's significantly more affordable than the US median and drastically cheaper than Portland. Combined with a median salary ($62,214) that's slightly above the national average ($61,550), your disposable income is strong.

Q: How long does it really take to get a Master Electrician license in Maine?
A: The minimum is about 5-6 years (8,000 apprentice hours + 2,000 journeyman hours). However, most people take closer to 7-8 years due to overtime hours, training, and exam preparation. The key is documenting every hour and taking your exams as soon as you're eligible.

Q: Do I need to join a union to get work in Biddeford?
A: No, but it can help. IBEW Local 567 covers parts of southern Maine and offers excellent benefits, training, and wage scales. Many large commercial contractors in the area are union shops. However, there is also a strong network of non-union residential and commercial contractors. You can have a successful career either way.

Q: What's the demand for electricians specifically in Biddeford's mills?
A: High and ongoing. The mills are being converted to a mix of residential lofts, commercial offices, and light manufacturing (like breweries and artisan spaces). Each conversion requires a complete electrical overhaul. Contractors who have experience with historic building codes and energy efficiency retrofits are particularly sought after for these projects.

Q: Is the 11% job growth number realistic for someone starting out?
A: Yes, but it's an average. The growth is driven by two factors: replacement of retiring workers (a huge wave in the trades) and new construction/retrofit projects. The 67 jobs in the metro number seems small, but it represents a steady stream of openings, especially as the local industry expands.