Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MA Board of Trades
Welder Licensing in Massachusetts
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for welder in Massachusetts, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Welder in Massachusetts
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
Experience: Affidavit or referral required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
An application for a license to engage in the private detective business or a license to engage in the business of watch, guard or patrol agency shall be filed with the colonel of the state police on forms furnished by him, and statements of fact therein shall be under oath of the applicant.
- 6
Application shall include a certification by each of three reputable citizens of the commonwealth residing in the community in which the applicant resides or has a place of business, or in which the applicant proposes to conduct his business, that he has personally known the applicant for at least three years, that he has read the application and believes each of the statements made therein to be true, that he is not related to the applicant by blood or marriage, and that the applicant is honest and of good moral character.
- 7
No such license shall be granted to any person who has been convicted in any state of the United States of a felony.
- 8
No person convicted of a violation of section ninety-nine or ninety-nine A of chapter two hundred and seventy-two of the general laws shall be granted a license and any license previously granted to such person shall be revoked.
Exam and processing details
- State-approved exam
Continuing education and program notes
- certification by each of three reputable citizens of the commonwealth residing in the community in which the applicant resides or has a place of business, or in which the applicant p
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State Police • Certification Unit
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$61,710 median (21% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#6 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Application shall include a certification by each of three reputable citizens of the commonwealth residing in the community in which the...).
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Affidavit or referral required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Experience: Affidavit or referral required.; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of State Police~Certification Unit and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Massachusetts
With a median salary of $61,710, Welders in Massachusetts earn 21% above the national median of $51,000. Massachusetts ranks #6 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,805Median annual salary
$61,710Hourly estimate
$29.6721% above national median
Difference: +$10,710
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWelder Salary Ranking
#6 of 50 statesfor Welder median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | $76,970 |
| #2 | Alaska | $75,140 |
| #3 | Wyoming | $66,070 |
| #4 | Connecticut | $64,520 |
| #5 | Washington | $61,730 |
Nearby States Comparison
Welder licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $61,710 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Hampshire | $57,700 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Vermont | $57,520 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $57,230 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $64,520 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Rhode Island | $57,000 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 64 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New Hampshire | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Rhode Island | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of State Police • Certification Unit
485 Maple Street, Danvers, MA, 01923
Phone: 9785386128
Related Careers in Massachusetts
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $87,270 | Degree required | 1-3 years |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $57,470 | Degree required | 1-3 years |
| Carpenter | $71,110 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $79,220 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Welder in Massachusetts?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Welder salary in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for Welders in Massachusetts is $61,710. Salaries range from $46,760 (10th percentile) to $85,680 (90th percentile).
How does the Welder salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
Welders in Massachusetts earn 21% above the national median of $51,000, with a state median of $61,710.
How many Welders work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employs approximately 3,080 Welders according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Welder license to Massachusetts from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Welders in Massachusetts?
The licensing agency is Department of State Police / Certification Unit. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/eopss/law-enforce-and-cj/law-enforce/prof-stds/cert-unit/.
How often do you renew a Welder license in Massachusetts?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.