Trade Careers in Massachusetts
Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
- 🔧 Why Trade Careers Are Growing in Massachusetts
- ⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in Massachusetts
- 🧰 Massachusetts Apprenticeships & Schools
- 🏫 Trade Schools in Massachusetts
- 🏛️ Massachusetts Licensing Agencies
- 📈 Massachusetts Trade Career Outlook
- ✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in Massachusetts?
- 📚 Citations
Massachusetts's skilled trades are vital to the state's innovation-driven economy, supporting clean energy, biotech manufacturing, transportation, and construction. From Boston to Worcester and Springfield, trained trade workers are in high demand.
Whether you're graduating high school or seeking a new career path, here's how to launch a successful skilled trade career in Massachusetts.
🔧 Why Trade Careers Are Growing in Massachusetts
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Aging Infrastructure | Roads, bridges, buildings, and transit systems need modernization |
| Green Energy Commitment | State is investing heavily in offshore wind, solar, and energy retrofits |
| Workforce Grants Available | Programs like MassHire and SNAP Path to Work fund training |
| Apprenticeships Expanding | Strong union presence and growing demand for registered apprenticeships |
“Massachusetts needs trained workers to support its economic and energy future.” - Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development1
⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in Massachusetts
| Trade | Avg. Salary2 | Training Time | License Required? | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $83,740 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Electrician Guide |
| HVAC Technician | $66,410 | 6-24 months | ✅ Yes | HVAC Guide |
| Plumber | $82,030 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Plumber Guide |
| Welder | $57,250 | 6-18 months | ❌ Optional (certs) | Welder Guide |
| Solar Installer | $56,180 | 3-12 months | ❌ Optional (some NABCEP) | Solar Guide |
| Carpenter | $61,230 | 6-24 months | ❌ No | Carpenter Guide |
| Mold Inspector | $53,490 | 1-6 months | ❌ No (Voluntary cert) | Mold Guide |
🧰 Massachusetts Apprenticeships & Schools
Massachusetts offers a robust network of union apprenticeships, vocational high schools, and public trade programs across the state.
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Paid, hands-on training tied to state-licensed trades and unions |
| Vocational Schools | 6-24 months | Offered at technical high schools and regional vocational institutes |
| Community Colleges | 12-24 months | Certificate and associate degree programs in trades and energy fields |
“Apprenticeships combine paid work with classroom instruction, offering a debt-free path to a career.” - MassHire Workforce Board3
🏫 Trade Schools in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has more than 40 vocational-technical high schools, plus trade programs at public and private colleges across the state.
🎓 Tip: Eligible students may qualify for tuition-free programs through MassReconnect and MassHire Career Centers.
Why Attend Trade School in Massachusetts?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| High Regional Wages | Trades pay well above national averages in MA |
| Clean Energy Growth | Solar, offshore wind, and energy efficiency training funded |
| Job Security | Strong employer demand across industries |
| Urban & Regional Access | Training centers across all regions of the state |
| Workforce-Funded Options | Many grants available for eligible adults |
Explore Accredited Schools
🏛️ Massachusetts Licensing Agencies
| Trade | Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Board of State Examiners of Electricians |
| Plumber | Board of Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters |
| HVAC Technician | Sheet Metal and Refrigeration Licensing via Division of Occupational Licensure |
| Solar Installer | May require electrical license if installing wiring |
| Mold Inspector | No state license; ACAC or NORMI certification recommended |
📈 Massachusetts Trade Career Outlook
| Trade | Median Salary2 | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $83,740 | 9% |
| HVAC Technician | $66,410 | 10% |
| Plumber | $82,030 | 7% |
| Welder | $57,250 | 3% |
| Solar Installer | $56,180 | 20% |
| Carpenter | $61,230 | 2% |
| Mold Inspector | $53,490 | 6% |
✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is one of the top states for launching a career in the trades. Whether you're focused on clean energy, construction, or skilled mechanical work, there are funded training programs and strong wage opportunities across the state.
📚 Citations
-
MA Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development - https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-labor-and-workforce-development ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (MA): https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩
-
MassHire Apprenticeship Programs - https://www.mass.gov/service-details/masshire-apprenticeship-programs ↩
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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