MASSACHUSETTS CAREER DATA PROFILE

Pipefitter Career Guide in Massachusetts

Explore pipefitter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Massachusetts.

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Pipefitter in Massachusetts Snapshot
Median Salary $93,880
Hourly Wage $45.14
Job Growth +11% (2022–2032)
License Required

How to Become a Pipefitter in Massachusetts

Pipefitters normally complete an approved apprenticeship and progress through apprentice, journeyperson, and master licensing levels. Training includes industrial piping, welding, steam, hydronics, process systems, rigging, and code compliance.

Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.

Pipefitter Salary in Massachusetts

The salary figure shown on this page represents the Massachusetts median wage for pipefitter workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.

Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.

Massachusetts Median $93,880
Hourly Wage $45.14
National Median $62,970

Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in Massachusetts is approximately $30,910 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Pipefitters in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Department of Fire Services – Pipefitters Licensing

Official Website: https://www.mass.gov/pipefitters-license-exam-and-renewal-information

License Types:

  • Apprentice Pipefitter Registration
  • Journeyperson Pipefitter License
  • Master Pipefitter License
  • Journeyman Plumber License
  • Master Plumber License
  • Journeyman Gas Fitter License
  • Master Gas Fitter License

Authority Notes:

Massachusetts has a specific pipefitter licensing system. Plumbing and gas-fitting scopes require separate credentials administered through the appropriate state licensing board.

Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.

CAREER PREPARATION

Pipefitter Training Requirements in Massachusetts

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

Massachusetts pipefitters performing regulated pipefitting work must complete approved training and obtain the appropriate state license.

  • Register as an apprentice pipefitter and work under a licensed journeyperson or master pipefitter.
  • Complete the prescribed classroom education and documented supervised employment hours.
  • Study industrial piping, welding, steam and hydronic systems, blueprint reading, rigging, codes, and safety.
  • Pass the state examination before advancing to journeyperson or master pipefitter status.
  • Complete continuing education, license renewal, welding, brazing, and project-specific certification requirements.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Pipefitter Training Providers in Massachusetts

Provider City Program Website
Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology – Construction and Mechanical Trades Boston View Program
Massachusetts Bay Community College – Engineering and Skilled Trades Wellesley Hills View Program
Springfield Technical Community College – Mechanical Engineering Technology Springfield View Program
Greater Lawrence Technical School – Plumbing and Welding Andover View Program

Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.

PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Pipefitter Apprenticeship Programs in Massachusetts

Pipefitters Apprenticeship

Organization: UA Local 537

Program Website

Plumbers and Gasfitters Apprenticeship

Organization: UA Local 12

Program Website

Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship

Organization: UA Local 4

Program Website

Registered Apprenticeship Program

Organization: Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Pipefitter Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

Massachusetts directly licenses pipefitters who work on specified industrial and commercial piping systems. Plumbing and gas-fitting work is regulated separately through the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Pipefitter Job Outlook in Massachusetts

+11% (2022–2032) Projected Employment Growth
2022 - 2032 Projection Period

Biotechnology, hospitals, universities, energy facilities, advanced manufacturing, laboratories, and major construction projects should sustain strong demand for licensed Massachusetts pipefitters.

Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.

CAREER QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pipefitter salary in Massachusetts?

The statewide median wage for pipefitters in Massachusetts is approximately $93,880 per year, or $45.14 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does Massachusetts require pipefitter licensing?

Yes. Massachusetts requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt pipefitter work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Massachusetts Department of Fire Services – Pipefitters Licensing.

How long does it take to become a pipefitter in Massachusetts?

The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.

Are pipefitters in demand in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts projects pipefitter employment to grow by approximately 11% from 2022 to 2032. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.

DATA TRANSPARENCY

Career Data Sources

State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.

  1. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
  2. Massachusetts Wages for Pipefitter (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Massachusetts Pipefitter Wages
  3. Massachusetts Pipefitter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Massachusetts Pipefitter Employment Trends
  4. Massachusetts Department of Fire Services – Pipefitters Licensing — Licensing authority. Massachusetts Department of Fire Services – Pipefitters Licensing
CAREER DISCOVERY

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STATE CAREER GUIDES

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