CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by MA Board of Trades

Plumber Licensing in Massachusetts

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for plumber in Massachusetts, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Plumber in Massachusetts

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Preliminary/temporary license
  • Education: Specific course required
  • Examination: State exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters • Division of Professional Licensure

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $83,260 median (32% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Massachusetts

With a median salary of 83,260, Plumbers in Massachusetts earn 32% above the national median of $62,970. Massachusetts ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,805

Median annual salary

$83,260

Hourly estimate

$40.03
32% above national median

Difference: +$20,290

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$47,830
  • P2525th percentile$59,100
  • P50Median$83,260
  • P7575th percentile$105,630
  • P9090th percentile$140,500

State vs National Median

State: $83,260
National: $62,970

Total employment: 15,670 | Annual openings: N/A

Plumber Salary Ranking

#4 of 50 statesfor Plumber median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Illinois96,200
#2Oregon93,110
#3Minnesota83,280
#4Massachusetts83,260
#5Alaska83,090

Nearby States Comparison

Plumber licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Massachusetts$83,260Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
New Hampshire$62,030Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Vermont$60,550Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
New York$78,460Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Connecticut$73,080No educational requirementsState-approved exam6-24 months
Rhode Island$64,630Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Massachusetts50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Hampshire58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Vermont50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut70MediumDocumented experience may be required.
Rhode Island54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters • Division of Professional Licensure

1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA, 02114

Phone: 6177279952

Related Careers in Massachusetts

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Carpenter$71,110Degree required6-24 months
Electrician$82,120No educational requirements6-24 months
Elevator Installer$134,360Degree required6-24 months
HVAC Technician$76,990Specific course required6-24 months

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Plumbers in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Plumbers.

What education do you need to become a Plumber in Massachusetts?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Plumber licensure in Massachusetts.

What is the typical Plumber salary in Massachusetts?

The median annual salary for Plumbers in Massachusetts is 83,260. Salaries range from $47,830 (10th percentile) to $140,500 (90th percentile).

How does the Plumber salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?

Plumbers in Massachusetts earn 32% above the national median of $62,970, with a state median of 83,260.

How many Plumbers work in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts employs approximately 15,670 Plumbers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Plumber license to Massachusetts from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Plumbers in Massachusetts?

The licensing agency is Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters / Division of Professional Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/pl/.