plumber salary in massachusetts (2026)
Massachusetts plumbers earn a median of $76,700 per year in 2026 — +30% versus the national median of $59,000. The gap reflects massachusetts's market dynamics: biotech, universities, highest union density.
But Massachusetts isn't one market. Wages vary significantly across metros. Here's the full breakdown.
plumber salary by city in massachusetts
Salary varies considerably across Massachusetts metros, driven by construction activity, industrial sector concentration, and union density.
| city | median salary | vs. MA median | key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Boston | $85,550 | +12% | biotech, universities, finance, union-dominant |
| 2 Worcester | $64,900 | -15% | healthcare, manufacturing, education |
| 3 Springfield | $59,000 | -23% | healthcare, manufacturing, logistics |
| 4 Cambridge | $82,600 | +8% | MIT, Harvard, biotech, pharma |
| 5 Lowell | $61,950 | -19% | tech, university, manufacturing |
| 6 Brockton | $57,820 | -25% | healthcare, commercial, residential |
| 7 Quincy | $67,850 | -12% | commercial, healthcare, financial services |
Massachusetts market note: Boston's biotech and pharma construction boom shows no sign of stopping. Lab and cleanroom construction requires specialized trade skills that command premium rates.
what moves your salary in massachusetts
taxes and take-home pay
Massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax. Boston-area wages are among the highest in the nation, but so is the cost of living.
union vs. non-union
Massachusetts has extremely high union density — Boston is one of the most organized construction markets in America. Union wages dominate commercial work.
licensing
To work legally as a licensed plumber in Massachusetts, you'll need to meet requirements set by the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs. This typically includes documented apprenticeship hours, passing a written trade exam, and ongoing continuing education. Each license level unlocks higher-paying work — especially the jump to journeyman, which allows independent work on permitted jobs.
how massachusetts compares to other states
| state | median salary | vs. massachusetts | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $83,800 | +9% | 9.3% state income tax |
| New York | $78,200 | +2% | NYC drives wages up; high COL |
| Illinois | $76,500 | 0% | Chicago union rates |
| Massachusetts | $76,700 | — | Boston wages; high COL |
| National median | $59,880 | -22% | BLS OEWS 2024 |
| Texas | $58,900 | -23% | no state income tax |
| Florida | $52,400 | -32% | no state income tax, lower COL |
is plumber a good career in massachusetts right now?
Boston's biotech and pharma construction boom shows no sign of stopping. Lab and cleanroom construction requires specialized trade skills that command premium rates. BLS projects 9% job growth for plumbers nationally through 2032, and Massachusetts tracks at or above that rate given its market conditions.
Hardhat's AI survival score for plumbers is 76/100 — the physical, site-specific, judgment-intensive nature of this work makes it genuinely difficult to automate. The job is not going anywhere.
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How much does a Plumber make in Massachusetts?
Plumbers in Massachusetts earn a median of $76,700 per year in 2026, ranging from around $56,758 for apprentices to $118,885 or more for licensed journeymen and contractors.
What city in Massachusetts pays plumbers the most?
Boston pays the highest plumber salaries in Massachusetts — around $85,550 median — driven by biotech, universities, finance, union-dominant.
Do you need a license to be a plumber in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts requires licensure through the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs. Requirements include documented experience, passing a written trade exam, and in many cases continuing education hours.
Is there demand for plumbers in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts's plumber market is driven by biotech, universities, highest union density. BLS projects 9% national job growth through 2032, and Massachusetts consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Massachusetts?
Typically 4–5 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs.
plumber salary in other states
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