From Hospitals to Shipyards: Meet the 40 Giants of Maine’s Private Sector

I think it's safe to say that Maine isn’t a large state. Yeah, that’s a bit of a Captain Obvious statement.

Given this, one might assume that, with so few people, small-town commerce would be the norm. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Despite its relatively small population, Maine is not struggling in the employment department. Many of the available jobs are with some of the largest employers, not just in Maine, but in the entire country.

What are Maine's Largest Private Employers?

I came across a list from the Maine Department of Labor highlighting the state's 40 largest private employers. It offers 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 organizations is significant, as their services are used by the entire population. Naturally, some are larger than others, with a wide variety of companies represented on the list.

Maine's Largest Private Employers are Both Local and From Away

Numerous major chains, such as McDonald's, Lowe's, Home Depot, Walgreens, and others, are scattered across the state, employing thousands of Mainers.

It’s also great to see many locally owned companies on the list. Longstanding Maine businesses like Bath Iron Works, L.L. Bean, and even private institutions are represented.

READ MORE: Maine’s Tastiest Takeout: 30 Spots Worth the Drive

You can see the entire list below. Many names will be well-known, 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.