Maine is a great place to settle down if you’re looking for stunning scenery. If you’re also curious about what jobs make the most money in this state, we’ve provided a hand-picked list of the highest-paying jobs in Maine to give you a picture of what you can earn as a professional in any of these fields.
You will find this article helpful if you are considering moving to Maine or are looking to pursue a career in a high-paying industry. Read on to find answers about the best jobs in Maine that don’t require a college degree and the cost of living in this state.
Maine Economic Outlook
Maine’s development and population growth rate are primarily affected by its poor soil and remoteness from industrial areas. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that Maine’s total gross state product (GSP) reached $67.7 billion in 2019, representing a 1.4 percent growth rate over the previous year. Presently, Maine’s GSP ranks number 20 out of the 50 states in the US.
The top industries in Maine are manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, and agriculture, and these industries comprise the major occupational groups in the state. The cultivation of rich farmlands in the western part of the state has had a huge impact on Maine’s agriculture industry. Approximately 8,200 farms use sustainable farming methods, and Aroostook County is one of the few areas with rich soil for large-scale farming.
As a leading producer of paper and wood products, manufacturing is the largest sector in Maine’s economy. This industry contributes approximately 10 percent of the state’s total output and accounts for about nine percent of the entire workforce. The tourism industry is also thriving, generating close to $10 billion each year. Maine currently ranks 43rd in economic outlook.
The Highest-Paying Jobs in Maine
| Job Title | Average Salary in Maine | Average Salary in the US |
|---|---|---|
| General Surgeon | $269,124 | $315,750 |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist | $239,049 | $264,455 |
| Psychiatrist | $233,595 | $266,474 |
| Internal Medicine Physician | $209,931 | $221,201 |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist | $200,155 | $198,563 |
| Primary Care Physician | $197,233 | $195,663 |
| Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant | $196,419 | $200,653 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $172,237 | $208,024 |
| Pediatrician | $155,463 | $177,345 |
| Dentist | $144,810 | $166,403 |
The Best Jobs in Maine: Explained
This section provides a detailed explanation of the highest-paying jobs in Maine, including the job description and annual average salary for each.
1. General Surgeon
General surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgical procedures to treat illnesses and injuries. A general surgeon has extensive knowledge of the essential areas of surgery, such as the abdomen, the digestive tract, the skin and soft tissues, blood vessels, internal organs, and the endocrine system.
General surgeons are usually part of a surgical team that includes other medical service personnel such as an anesthesiologist, surgical technicians, and nurses. A physician must complete at least five years of residency in an accredited program and pass the general surgery qualifying and certifying exams to practice as a general surgeon.
2. Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OB/GYN)
Obstetrics and gynecology focus on the female reproductive system. Obstetricians specialize in pregnancy, prenatal and postnatal care, fertility treatment, NICU care, and vaginal and cesarean section births. Gynecologists specialize in general reproductive health, including reproductive wellness checks, urinary tract problems, and STI treatment.
A doctor with an OB/GYN title has certifications in obstetrics and gynecology. They perform a wide range of procedures like pap smears, STI testing, blood work, ultrasound exams, infertility treatments, breast exams, and surgeries to repair pelvic organ injuries. OB/GYNs may address general health issues and refer patients to specialists in some cases.
3. Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist specializes in preventing, studying, diagnosing, and treating mental disorders. Psychiatrists use medication and psychotherapy to treat mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Using psychotherapy, a psychiatrist can improve patients’ quality of life by working on their thought patterns and behavior.
Psychiatrists are first trained as medical doctors. This training gives them high-level knowledge of different medical conditions and how to recommend a treatment plan. It also helps them interpret medical tests to know the causes of a patient’s symptoms. If you want to start a healthcare career in this field, take a look at our guide on how to become a psychiatrist.
4. Internal Medicine Physician
Internal medicine physicians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in adults. They apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to treat health-related issues affecting adults. Internal medicine physicians are also called internists. They may work at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, out-patient clinics, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities.
Internal medicine physicians receive advanced training in the diagnosis of medical problems and in caring for patients with chronic illnesses. To become an internist, you must complete a four-year medical program and a three-year residency in internal medicine.
5. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia to patients undergoing a surgical procedure and women in labor and delivery rooms. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals like physicians during these operations. A CRNA’s job responsibilities also include conducting physical assessments of patients and monitoring anesthesia levels during the procedure.
CRNAs work at physicians’ offices, dentists’ offices, hospitals, plastic surgery clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers. Some CRNAs work for the military or the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare facilities. This is the highest-paying job for nurses, and according to the US News & World Report, nurse anesthetists rank number eight in the best healthcare jobs.
6. Primary Care Physician
A primary care physician specializes in family medicine, general pediatrics, or general internal medicine. They provide comprehensive care at first contact to patients with undiagnosed health conditions. Primary care physicians have extensive knowledge of different physical and psychological illnesses and are usually the first stop for treating undiagnosed diseases.
Primary care physicians in Maine earn an average annual salary of $197,333. Primary care physicians and their healthcare team are responsible for addressing a wide variety of personal healthcare needs and developing sustained relationships with patients. Their duties include health maintenance, disease prevention, counseling, patient education, and diagnosing and treating illnesses.
7. Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant
The primary responsibility of an emergency medicine physician assistant is to assist a physician in providing medical treatments to patients. Other responsibilities include managing ICU and CCU patients, providing medical support to chemically dependent patients, obtaining accurate medical history, performing physical examinations, and conducting clinical diagnoses.
According to the 2021 AAPA salary report, emergency medicine is the third most popular physician assistant specialty. In Maine, emergency medicine physician assistants are well-paid and earn a median wage of $186,419 annually. To help you start a healthcare career in this field, here are the requirements to become a physician assistant.
8. Family Medicine Physician
A family medicine physician provides continuing and comprehensive healthcare for the individual and family. They are qualified to treat patients of all ages and genders and illnesses in any part of the body. They also provide emergency or primary care for patients. Family medicine physicians offer preventive care such as immunization and screening tests, routine checkups, and counseling.
9. Pediatrician
Pediatricians are trained to assist babies and children through any physical, social, or emotional challenges. Pediatricians oversee children from birth until they become teenagers. They are specially trained to diagnose and treat childhood illnesses, but they can also work as primary care physicians because of their extensive knowledge.
Pediatricians also provide preventive care, physical exams, and behavioral support for children. Pediatrics is one of the highest-paying jobs in Maine, and professionals in this field earn as much as $155,000 annually. You can start your career in this medical field with our guide on how to become a pediatrician.
10. Dentist
Dentists have high-level knowledge in diagnosing and treating problems with the teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They remove decay from teeth, repair damaged teeth, teach patients about dental care, and prescribe antibiotics and other medications. Dentists must earn a bachelor’s degree, complete clinical training, and pass a national written examination and a state licensing exam in order to practice.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Maine Without a Degree
- Life Insurance Agent | $85,052. A life insurance agent sells life insurance policies and annuities to clients and works with beneficiaries to process insurance claims. There are no formal education requirements beyond a high school education for becoming a life insurance agent, but some states require you to take licensing courses or exams.
- Elevator or Escalator Technician | $48,992. Elevator or escalator technicians install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and other types of lifts. Elevator or escalator technicians do not need a college education, but they must have extensive knowledge of electrical theory, electronic equipment, and hand and power tools.
- Transportation Inspector | $48,847. A transportation inspector inspects vehicles and other equipment used for transporting people to ensure that they meet safety regulations. A high school education may be needed for this job position, but no formal college education is required. The average annual wage for a transportation inspector in Maine is $48,847.
- First-Line Supervisor of Non-Retail Sales Workers | $35,836. This job requires you to oversee employees’ daily activities and manage personnel operations. It does not require a college degree, and most industries look for applicants’ experience rather than educational qualifications. The annual median wage for first-line supervisors in Maine is $35,836.
- Retail Worker | $32,972. Most people think retail jobs are some of the lowest-paying jobs, but you can earn a decent living as a retail worker. Retail workers in Maine earn an annual median wage of $32,972. What is more welcoming about this job role is that you don’t need a college degree. If you want to become a retail worker, here are the top retail jobs that pay well and where to find them.
What Is the Cost of Living in Maine?
Maine is one of the most expensive states in the US. Utility costs, taxes, healthcare, and grocery bills are on the high side, and you can expect to spend 91.3 percent of your income on expenses, 10 percent more than the national average. This might cause some doubts if you’re considering moving to Maine, but there are other reasons you might want to settle here.
Housing in Maine is affordable, and the Pine Tree State is famous for its delicious lobsters, wild blueberries, exquisite landscapes, rocky coastlines, and ocean views. The crime rate in Maine is low, and it is home to some of the best antique shops in the US. You should research and consider the pros and cons before deciding whether this state meets your needs.
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Is Maine a Good Place to Work?
Reviews from residents show that Maine is a great place to work because it provides job security, work-life balance, and good pay with other work benefits. It is the cheapest state for car insurance and ranks number one in the US News & World Report public safety ratings. It is also one of the most affordable states in New England.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Maine FAQ
Some of the most in-demand jobs in Maine include psychiatric nurse, physician assistant, physical therapist, software developer, travel nurse, business analyst, insurance sales agent, sales representative, virtual travel social worker, secondary and elementary school teacher, and mechanic jobs.
One of the best places to live in Maine is in the city of South Portland. It has a dense suburban atmosphere, and it is not so difficult to own a home here. There are lots of restaurants, parks, and community events. South Portland is snowballing with many job opportunities and is only a short drive away from Maine’s largest city, Portland.
There are hundreds of jobs available throughout Maine, but Scarborough has the most jobs in the state, with an unemployment rate of 0.5 percent. However, the pitfall of living in this city is that it is pretty expensive. The cost of living in Scarborough is 17 percent higher than the Maine average.
The average household income per year in Maine is $87,585.79. This falls short of the US average by a wide margin. As of 2019, 4.6 percent of households in Maine were high-income households that made over $200,000 a year, as reported by the US Census Bureau.
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