Maine is not very densely populated. In fact, the Pine Tree State ranks as the 43rd most populous state in the country, with just over 1.385 million people.

However, the lack of people is not something Mainers typically complain about. In fact, it might be one of the state's best-selling points. Despite its relatively small population, Maine is not struggling in the employment department. Many of the jobs available are with some of the largest employers, not just in Maine, but in the entire country.

I came across a list from the Maine Department of Labor that highlights the state’s 50 largest private employers. It provides a fascinating look at Maine's diverse economy and the locations of these major companies.

It’s no surprise that many of Maine's largest employers are in the healthcare field. The impact of these employers will always be significant, as the entire population essentially uses their services. Naturally, some are larger than others, with a wide variety of companies making the list.

Numerous major chains like McDonald's, Lowe's, Home Depot, Walgreens, and more can be found scattered across the state, employing thousands of Mainers.

It's also great to see many locally owned companies making the cut. Longstanding Maine companies like Bath Iron Works, L.L. Bean, and even private institutions are represented.

You can see the entire list below. Many will be well-known names, while others may surprise you. There may even be one or two you've never heard of. The one thing all of these companies have in common is the incredible number of Mainers they employ.

50 Largest Employers in Maine

Below is a list of the 50 largest employers in Maine. Some are locally owned, while others are national brands. These are provided by the Maine Department of Labor. The numbers are from 2023's 3rd quarter. They are the most recent available.

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

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Stacker created a list of 50 cozy American towns to visit each winter. Towns were selected based on visitor opinions, ratings from nationwide publications, and tourist attractions.

Gallery Credit: Laura Ratliff

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