The highest paying jobs in Maine include surgeons, psychiatrists, and physicians, earning over $200,000 annually. Other top-paying careers include chief executives, dentists, and engineering managers. These roles demand advanced degrees, years of experience, and specialized skills in healthcare, leadership, or technical disciplines.
Maine Job Market Overview
Healthcare, business and tech dominate Maine’s high paying job landscape. Maine’s labor stats show consistent growth in these sectors driven by demand for services and aging demographics. Many in-demand jobs require specialized education and training especially in medicine and engineering. Maine Department of Labor shows a direct correlation between workforce shortages and rising salaries in rural counties.
Top employers include MaineHealth, Northern Light Health and large private companies in IT and finance. They offer performance based incentive plans, paid time off and strong benefits to attract top talent.
How These Jobs Were Ranked
This list uses verified data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maine Department of Labor and national healthcare and business surveys. Rankings are based on:
- Average annual salary
- Minimum education level
- Responsibility level
- Demand in the state
- Career stability
Jobs that require a bachelor’s degree or higher and offer high compensation, job security and strong hiring projections were prioritized.
Table: Highest Paying Jobs in Maine (2025)
| Job Title | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist | $332,000 – $550,000 |
| Ophthalmologist | $349,870 |
| Neurologist | $345,120 |
| Radiologist | $337,230 |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist | $324,400 |
| Orthodontist | $304,560 |
| General Surgeon | $269,124 |
| Internal Medicine Physician | $239,000 – $209,931 |
| Orthopedic Surgeon | $228,470 |
| Pediatrician | $227,310 |
| Dentist | $126,800 – $228,500 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $209,050 – $200,155 |
| Family Practitioner | $192,980 |
| Chief Executive | $149,440 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $136,670 |
Top High Paying Healthcare Jobs
Healthcare jobs top Maine’s salary list due to high demand and skill specialization. Doctors and nurse anesthetists are the highest paying roles in the state. These jobs involve surgery, diagnosing patients, prescribing medications and ensuring patient safety.
- Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) require a graduate degree and manage pain during procedures.
- Surgeons consult, operate and follow strict protocols to treat injury and disease.
- Radiologists review imaging results to determine diagnosis and guide treatment.
High salaries reflect the complexity of care, the need for precision and the shortage of qualified professionals. Many hospitals offer sign-on bonuses, housing support and performance incentives.
Other High Paying Industries in Maine
Outside of healthcare, leadership and tech roles pay top dollar:
- Chief Executives earn high salaries for directing organizations, managing operations and ensuring strategic growth. These roles require deep business knowledge and communication skills.
- Computer and Information Systems Managers lead tech departments, ensure cybersecurity, data integrity and system performance. They are in demand across healthcare, finance and education sectors.
These roles require at least a bachelor’s degree, many executives and tech leaders complete MBAs or specialized certifications.
Education and Training for High Paying Roles
Getting to these top jobs involves clear education pathways:
- Doctors complete over 10 years of education and residency, including passing board exams.
- Nurse Anesthetists need a master’s or doctoral degree and CRNA certification.
- Executives and tech managers typically hold bachelor’s degrees with years of experience in leadership.
Many fields also require additional training, such as licensing, safety procedures and ongoing certifications to stay current with state and federal regulations.
Career Planning and Resources
To get high paying jobs in Maine, individuals must build relevant skills and complete verified certifications. Here’s how to do it:
- Use platforms like Indeed Maine, LinkedIn and Maine CareerCenter for job listings and resume reviews.
- Explore professional training from University of Maine and other accredited institutions.
- Focus on roles with clear job descriptions and established demand, such as nurse practitioners, surgeons and tech managers.
Employers often list detailed requirements related to education, human interaction, responsibilities and required log or task documentation.
Popular Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
Why are medical professionals the highest paid in Maine?
Medical professionals top the list of highest paying jobs in Maine because of the state’s rural nature and aging population. There is high demand for specialized healthcare services but a limited supply of qualified professionals in these fields. This imbalance drives up salaries to attract and retain top talent.
Are there high paying jobs in Maine outside of healthcare?
Yes, while healthcare jobs are at the top, other industries also pay well. For example, Chief Executives and Computer and Information Systems Managers earn competitive salaries, reflecting the growing demand for leadership and technology expertise in Maine’s business and tech sectors.
How does Maine’s cost of living impact these high salaries?
Maine’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, especially in housing and utilities. But the high salaries in fields like medicine and technology often provide professionals with more than enough income to live comfortably, even in more expensive areas like Portland or Bar Harbor.
What skills or qualifications are needed for these high paying jobs in Maine?
Most of these roles require advanced education and certifications. For example:
– Medical Professionals: Require medical degrees (MD or DO) and state licensure.
– Nurse Anesthetists: Need a Master’s or Doctoral degree in nursing and certification as a CRNA.-
– Tech Managers: Typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or IT, along with leadership experience.
Invest in specialized education and gain relevant experience to get into these roles.
Final Notes
Maine’s highest paying jobs are in healthcare, executive leadership and IT management. These roles require specific skills, education and verified training. Whether performing surgery, managing a company or leading a tech team, professionals in these fields earn high pay and provide vital services to the state’s economy.
To get into these positions, prioritize education, certification and experience. Use the resources, review job descriptions carefully and go after building measurable value in any role you pursue.
