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Working in the diesel technology industry can be lucrative, with more jobs opening on an annual basis.
If you plan on getting hired as a truck driver in Maine, there are some things you should know first.
Check out the info below to learn the steps you need to take.
Article Table of Contents
Getting Trained
Before searching for employment, you will need to get trained in a truck driving or diesel technology school.
In Maine, there are 9 such schools.
Before choosing your school, consider your finances and how you will pay for tuition.
For example, some of the schools offer scholarships that decrease the cost of the program you are enrolled in.
One of these is the Maine Contractors & Builders Alliance Scholarship.
This scholarship is awarded to 5 students each year and equals $500.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Mid-Coast School of Technology CDL Programs | 1 South Main Street, Rockland, ME 04841 |
| Northeast Technical Institute | 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite K, Scarborough, ME 04074 |
| Northeast Technical Institute | 1010 Stillwater Ave, Bangor, ME 04401 |
| Northern Maine Community College | 33 Edgemont Ln, Presque Isle, ME 04769 |
| Region 9 School of Applied Technology Truck Driving | 377 River Rd, Mexico, ME 04257 |
| Skowhegan Driving School | 206 Water St Ste 1, Skowhegan, ME 04976 |
| Westbrook Regional Vocational Center | 125 Stroudwater St., Westbrook, ME 04092 |
| Oxford Hills Buckfield Adult Education | 256 Main St., South Paris, ME 04281 |
| Prodrive | 136 US Rte 1, Scarborough, ME 04074 |
| Region 2 School of Applied Technology | 5 Bird St., Houlton, ME 04730 |
| The Brewer Omega Group LLC | 242 State St., Brewer, ME 04401 |
How to Choose a Trucking School in Maine
There are more aspects you should consider besides the tuition costs.
For example, you can opt for a small-sized class or a large class.
If you are a truck driving student, a small class could offer more benefits.
Some of these include personalized training with your instructor, which will give you the chance to get the questions you need to be answered faster.
You might also get increased driving hours.
Some of the programs offering small-sized classes in Maine are Northeast Technical Institute, Omega Pro, and Westbrook Regional Vo Tech Center.
If you want to get specialization, make sure to look for schools that offer this option.
In Maine, Northern Maine Community College is one such school.
It provides a diesel technology program with traditional classroom training over the first year.
During the second year, you will receive specialized training in diesel hydraulics.
This can help your career by providing you with extra training and qualifications.
You should know that in comparison, diesel technology programs last longer than truck driving programs.
While a trucking program lasts for a month or less, a diesel technology one can last up to 2 years, especially if you pursue a degree.
Truck Driving Salaries in Maine
The salary you will receive in this industry depends on the type of job you do, as well as your qualifications.
Expect to earn on average about $42,633 per year, though you can expect an income as high as $49,408 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $44,255 |
| Lewiston | $43,813 |
| Bangor | $40,416 |
| South Portland | $44,255 |
| Auburn | $43,813 |
| Biddeford | $44,048 |
| Sanford | $44,744 |
| Brunswick | $43,871 |
| Scarborough | $44,255 |
| Saco | $44,166 |
Regional Salary in Maine
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | 1,220 | $50,550 | $24.3 | $62,670 | $37,960 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 1,240 | $49,480 | $23.79 | $69,350 | $26,520 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 2,610 | $50,640 | $24.34 | $63,420 | $38,160 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
As an entry-level truck driver, you will have many companies to choose from.
Some schools also offer job placement after you finish the program, which allows you to get hired right away without any further searches.
Places like repair shops, trucking companies, or leasing centers are a good option for a beginner.
The most well-known companies in this state are Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Schneider, and NAPA.
According to O*Net, trucking jobs in Maine will see a 4% growth for the 10 year period between 2012 and 2022.
The same source reports a 4% job growth in diesel mechanics as well.
Conclusion
The job outlook for the trucking industry in Maine is quite positive.
As long as you complete your training and improve your skills, you will be able to enjoy a profitable career.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Truck Driver
CDL Schools by State