How to Become A Solar Installation Technician in Massachusetts
Massachusetts employs approximately 620 solar installation technicians according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $59,180 1. Nationally, solar installation technician employment is projected to grow 42.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 4,100 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a solar installation technician in Massachusetts, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Solar Installation Technician in Massachusetts
How do I become a solar installation technician in Massachusetts? Massachusetts does not require a state license for solar installation technicians, but employers typically expect industry certifications such as NABCEP PV Associate Certification and OSHA 10/30 Safety Certification. Complete a training program to prepare.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Massachusetts? No state license is required, but certifications such as NABCEP PV Associate Certification and OSHA 10/30 Safety Certification are expected by most employers.
What do solar installation technicians earn in Massachusetts? The median annual wage for solar installation technicians in Massachusetts is $59,180 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $46,150 and experienced professionals can earn $76,280 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Massachusetts): $59,180 per year 1
Solar Installation Technician Certification Options in Massachusetts
Massachusetts does not require a state license to work as a solar installation technician. However, industry certifications can strengthen your resume and may be required by employers.
Common certifications for solar installation technicians include:
- NABCEP PV Associate Certification
- OSHA 10/30 Safety Certification
For more information, visit the NABCEP - Board of Certified Energy Practitioners 3. Contact training programs in Massachusetts for details on certification preparation courses.
Solar Installation Technician Apprenticeship Information in Massachusetts
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Massachusetts’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Training 4.
Contact Information:
- Office: Division of Apprentice Training, Department of Workforce Development
- Address: 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114
- Phone: (617) 626-5442
- Email: [email protected]
Solar Installation Technician Wages by Metro Area in Massachusetts
Solar Photovoltaic Installers Wages by Metro Area in Massachusetts
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), solar photovoltaic installers wages in Massachusetts vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton | 380 | $59,400 | $63,190 | $46,150 | $76,500 |
| Providence-Warwick | 110 | $53,700 | $61,340 | $42,860 | $106,610 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Solar installation technicians in Massachusetts
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest solar installation technician employment within Massachusetts according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton | 380 | $59,400 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for solar installation technicians in Massachusetts? Massachusetts currently employs approximately 620 solar installation technicians 1. Nationally, solar installation technician employment is projected to grow 42.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Massachusetts? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Massachusetts. You can also contact the Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Training for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do solar installation technicians earn in Massachusetts compared to the national average? The median annual wage for solar installation technicians in Massachusetts is $59,180, which is $7,320 above the national median of $51,860 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NABCEP - Board of Certified Energy Practitioners: https://www.nabcep.org/ ↩︎
Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Training: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2017/01/oi/all-active-sponors.xlsx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |