Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Maine 2024 (Inc Salaries)

Tucked in the northeasternmost part of the U.S., the state of Maine has the largest area in New England and is one of the safest places to live. With its postcard-worthy coastlines and huge job market, the state offers not just a rich lifestyle but also a wide range of high-paying opportunities for job seekers.

Last year, Maine hit the lowest recorded unemployment rate at 2.4%, which is lower than the average rate in the U.S. and New England. Since then, job employment and labor force participation have continued to trend upward. In fact, there are 17,364 jobs available in Maine on Indeed.com as of April 25, 2024.

With top industries, including healthcare, tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, and technology, there are plenty of career resources here. So, let's jumpstart your job search and see what skills, experience, and educational background you need to land a high-paying job in Maine. Scroll down for more information about the top 10 high-paying jobs in Maine in 2024.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Maine (Inc Salaries)

1. Anesthesiologist

• Salary Range: $332,000-$550,000, with an average annual pay of $310,700.

• U.S. Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% 

Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who specialize in administering analgesics and anesthetics. These medications help manage pain and improve patients' comfort before, during, and after surgery or other procedures. Anesthesiologists work with surgeons to review medical histories and conduct assessments to determine the right type, dosage, and timing of pain medications.

To become an anesthesiologist, you must earn a medical degree, such as a  Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). Then, you must complete a four-year residency program in anesthesiology, obtain a medical license by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA), and finally, pursue board certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) or the American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology (AOBA). 

With 240 positions, Maine is the 4th state with the highest job concentration and 3rd state with the highest location quotients for anesthesiologists.

2. Obstetrician and Gynecologist

• Salary Range: $245,000 - $452,000, with a base salary of about $243,800 annually

• U.S. Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% 

The main role of obstetricians and gynecologists is to take care of women's reproductive health, provide medical care for pregnancy and childbirth, and diagnose and treat related diseases. They are responsible for providing medical advice to patients and performing surgeries if necessary.

Like other doctors, you'll need a medical degree to become an obstetrician and gynecologist. Then, you must complete a residency training in obstetrics and gynecology, earn a medical license by passing the USMLE or COMLEX-USA, and then become board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) or the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AOBOG). 

According to BLS, Maine presently has 100 job positions and a location quotient of 1.21 for obstetricians and gynecologists.

3. Nurse anesthetist

• Salary Range: $226,00 - $422,000, with an annual median wage of $224,000.

• U.S. Job Outlook (2022-32): 9% 

Nurse anesthetists, also called Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who perform similar duties as physicians. 

They undergo specialized training in administering anesthesia and work with surgeons and anesthesiologists to ensure effective and safe anesthesia care for patients undergoing obstetrical, surgical, or other medical procedures.

To become a nurse anesthetist, you'll need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing  (BSN) degree, a passing score in the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse, gain experience in nursing, and complete an accredited nurse anesthesia graduate program. Upon completing education and clinical requirements, you must pass the  National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) to become certified and practice as CRNAs.

Other high-paying APRN and registered nurse positions and average annual salaries include:

• Nurse midwife         $128,200

• Nurse Practitioner   $119,300

• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner        $118,500

• Contractor-Registered Nurse $91,700

• Emergency Department Registered Nurse $98,800

• Telemetry Registered Nurse  $98,300

• PACU Registered Nurse    $94,300

The employment rate in Maine is 390, with a location quotient of 2.01 and 0.63 employment per 1000 jobs, effectively giving it a spot in the top 5 states for nurse anesthetists. Nurse anesthetist positions are not just the highest-paid APRN position but also one of the highest-paying jobs in the USA.

4. Psychiatrist

• Salary Range: $215,000 - $401,000, with an estimated yearly pay of $217,700

• U.S. Job Outlook (2022-32): 7% (faster than average)

A psychiatrist diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent mental disorders. They help patients who have mental health needs related to intellectual and developmental disability, trauma, substance abuse, or other issues.

Psychiatrists offer support, medication plans, psychotherapy, and other interventions to help patients manage symptoms to improve their mental well-being and quality of life.

To become a psychiatrist, you follow the same path as other medical doctors: earning a medical degree, completing a residency program, obtaining a medical license, and becoming board-certified. On top of that, psychiatrists may also pursue specializations through further education, fellowships, or advanced training in areas like forensic psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and others. 

From 2022 to 2032, BLS projects that there will be 1,000 average annual job openings for psychiatrists. 

5. Primary Care Physician

• Salary Range: $207,000 - $380,000, with an average annual salary of $214,700

• U.S. Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% 

When you need medical care or attention, primary care physicians (PCPs) are most likely the first people you consult with. They provide ongoing and comprehensive medical care by conducting screenings, regular check-ups, and health education.

Their services include the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic and acute illnesses. They also help manage long-term medical conditions and coordinate care with other specialists in a healthcare team if necessary.

Like other physicians, a primary care physician career path involves getting a medical degree, undergoing residency training in primary care medicine, passing the USMLE or COMLEX-USA exam for medical licensure, and getting board-certified. PCPs may also pursue additional education, training, or fellowships in specialty areas like sports medicine, geriatrics, women's health, and such to expand their expertise. 

Other highly paid physicians or related positions in Maine include:

• Neurologist $214,000        

• Internal Medicine Physician   $190,800

• Family Medicine Physician $189,500

• Pediatrician $162,700

• Clinical Research Physician   $162,000

• Family Practitioner  $148,800        

• Physical Therapist $110,300

Offering an average annual salary 4.5% above the Maine average, Waterville offers the highest pay for primary care physicians. 

6. General Surgeon

• Salary Range: $219,000 - $409,000, with an estimated total pay of $211,400

• U.S. Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% 

General surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in performing surgical procedures in various body parts. Usually, general surgeons operate in the abdominal area for procedures like appendectomies, hernia repairs, colectomies, liver surgery, removal of the pancreas or gallbladder, and gastric bypass. 

However, they can also operate on the spine, brain, kidneys, and thyroid gland. They could also further specialize in areas like cancer surgery (oncology), trauma surgery, or laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgeries.

Becoming a general surgeon involves a pre-medical bachelor's degree, a medical degree, and a residency program in general surgery. To be a practicing surgeon, you also need a medical license by passing the USMLE or COMLEX-USA, then gain board certification from the American Board of Surgery (ABS). 

According to BLS, Maine is among the top 5 highest paying states for surgeons. The state also has a 0.79 location quotient with an average of 80 positions. 

7. Dentist

• Salary Range: $229,000 - $385,000, with an average annual salary of $200,600.

• U.S. Job Outlook (2022-32): 4%  

Dentists are healthcare professionals concerned with problems of the mouth, teeth, and gums. They provide services like check-ups, tooth extractions, root canals, fillings, and others. They are also responsible for advising and educating patients on how to take care of their oral health.

Dentists can sometimes focus on aesthetics or improving oral health and appearance through teeth whitening, orthodontic devices, veneers, and the like using state-of-the-art technology.

Becoming a dentist requires a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and a state license. Optionally, you may pursue additional training and residency to become an orthodontist, Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, endodontist, periodontist, oral pathologist, or pediatric dentist.

Aside from having 590 employment positions, Maine is also one of the top 5 highest paying states for Dentists, especially the Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area.

8. Airline Pilot

• Salary Range: $165,000 - $280,000, with an annual median wage of $162,000

• U.S. Job Outlook (2022-32): 4% (faster than average)

Airline or commercial pilots' responsibilities include operating and navigating helicopters and airplanes. They ensure the aircraft are safe and in the best condition before and after flights. Other responsibilities include planning and monitoring flights, managing fuel supply, staying updated with weather conditions, and using various instruments and in-flight systems.

To become an airline pilot, you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent and a bachelor's degree in transportation, engineering, business, aviation, or a related field. Then, one must complete flight training in a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved institute to obtain the necessary flight hours, licenses, and certifications in compliance with state regulations. Before being allowed to fly an aircraft in commercial liners, you must also pass medical exams, background checks, and specific training programs and experience. 

Maine currently has 80 airline or commercial pilot positions, a 0.37 location quotient, and 0.129 employment per 1,000 jobs.

9. Chief Executive Officer

• Salary Range: $222,000 - $415,000 with an average of $154,300 per year

• U.S. Job Outlook (2022-32): 3%

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are the head and overseer of company operations. They determine, formulate, and implement regulations and privacy policy for the overall direction and goals of the company. Additionally, they manage resources and review terms of service along with a board of directors or a similar body of advisors.

CEOs also plan, coordinate, and direct activities for efficiency, profit, and company management through staff managers and subordinate executives. They also ensure compliance with all state regulations and laws.

Aspiring CEOs usually start with a bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, business management, or a similar field. Then, they need to gain experience in various entry-level positions within their chosen industry. By developing communication and other essential skills and doing well in leadership positions, they can climb the organizational ladder and build the strong qualities necessary to reach a CEO level. Seeking connections and continuing professional development will also increase your chances of landing a CEO position faster. Essential management and critical decision-making skills can also be acquired by pursuing a BBA or MBA degree 

Maine is currently the third state with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients in Chief Executive positions, especially in the Northeast and Southwest Maine areas.

10. Ophthalmologist

• Salary Range: $214,000 - $375,000, with an annual median wage of $214,000

• U.S. Job Outlook (2022-32): 4%

Ophthalmologists are another class of medical doctors who treat, diagnose, and help prevent or manage diseases or disorders of the eyes. They also conduct comprehensive eye examinations, perform corrective or preventive surgery, and prescribe medications or vision improvement tools like glasses and contact lenses.

To become an ophthalmologist, you need to follow the same path to become a licensed medical doctor from medical school, licensure, residency, and board certifications. Then, you must complete a fellowship program for specialized training areas. Board certifications can be obtained by passing the exam administered by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) or the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology (AOBO).

According to the BLS, there are 60 ophthalmologist jobs available in Maine (excluding pediatric ophthalmologists), with a 1.75 location quotient for the job and 0.097 employment per 1,000 jobs.  

Conclusion

Despite having no companies headquartered in the state reaching the Fortune 500 company rankings in the past years, Maine offers the quality of life and safety that can make anyone want to live and work there.

While there are a lot of high-paying jobs in Maine industries to choose from, many in-demand jobs in Maine are highly competitive. So, if you want your resume to stand out or find a financially rewarding job, obtaining a business degree will benefit you.

Fortunately, Nexford offers online BBA or MBA programs offered for those with limited budgets or tight schedules. An online MBA degree will equip you with the right skills and knowledge to land the best jobs in Maine and other states.  

FAQs

What is the highest-paying job within Maine State in 2024?

Anesthesiologists are the highest-paid position in Maine in 2024. Data from Glassdoor shows that this occupation pays a salary range of $332,000 to $550,000. 

Additional pay in cash bonuses and extra compensation can also reach about $113,600 per year. Also, other benefits are subject to your performance-based incentive plans, organization, or credentials.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which Maine jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

According to the BLS data, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), which include nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, will be the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. until 2032. These jobs have a projected overall employment growth of 38%. 

What is the best career path in Maine in 2024?

The majority of the jobs mentioned here are in the medical and healthcare industries. Job post details also show this sector could be the best career path this year. 

However, suppose that is outside your wheelhouse. In that case, the next best thing is the business sector, from which all industries have high-paying positions.  

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying Maine jobs?

Being a service-centered sector, entering the healthcare industry requires compassion, empathy, resourcefulness, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You also need critical thinking, multitasking, resource management, conflict resolution, and strong leadership skills, especially if you're vying for supervisory or managerial roles.

Download Our Free Report to discover which soft and hard skills you need to work on to find your next job or get hired for the highest-paying jobs in Maine! 

What qualifications are required for high-paying Maine jobs?

The specific qualifications vary depending on the position, paid time, and industry. For example, healthcare occupations require medical or advanced degrees, while airline pilots need accredited flight training and certifications. 

However, CEOs and other leadership roles often call for business degrees like a BBA or MBA on top of relevant experience and industry knowledge.

Why is it beneficial to gain a BBA/MBA degree to gain a high-paying job in Maine?

An online BBA or MBA degree is not only an extra tool in your arsenal but also tells employers you have advanced management skills and business know-how. This can help you establish better professional credibility, expand your network connections, increase your job opportunities, and boost your earning potential.