Plumber Career Guide in Massachusetts
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Massachusetts.
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How to Become a Plumber in Massachusetts
Journeyman candidates generally complete a registered apprenticeship with several years of supervised work and board-approved classroom instruction before taking the state examination.
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.
Plumber Salary in Massachusetts
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Massachusetts median wage for plumber 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.
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.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Massachusetts
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 PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in Massachusetts
Massachusetts plumbers must register and complete approved practical and classroom training before qualifying for journeyman licensure.
- Register as an apprentice and work under the direct supervision required by Massachusetts regulations.
- Complete the board-required years and hours of supervised plumbing employment.
- Complete approved classroom education in plumbing code, mathematics, drainage, venting, water supply, gas systems, and safety.
- Pass the examination for journeyman or master plumber licensure.
- Renew the license and complete required continuing education and code-update instruction.
Plumber Training Providers in Massachusetts
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology | Boston | View Program |
| Porter and Chester Institute | Worcester | View Program |
| North Shore Community College | Danvers | View Program |
| Springfield Technical Community College | Springfield | 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 OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in Massachusetts
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires plumbers to hold an apprentice registration or an appropriate journeyman or master plumber license. Plumbing businesses must operate under a master plumber.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Massachusetts
Massachusetts projects employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, from approximately 16,650 to 17,730 jobs, with about 1,500 openings annually.
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 QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the plumber salary in Massachusetts?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Massachusetts is approximately $93,880 per year, or $45.13 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Massachusetts require plumber licensing?
Yes. Massachusetts requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure — Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
How long does it take to become a plumber 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 plumbers in demand in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,500 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
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.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Massachusetts Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Massachusetts Plumber Wages
- Massachusetts Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Massachusetts Plumber Employment Trends
- Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure — Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters — Licensing authority. Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure — Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters