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Massachusetts needs more plumbers. So much so that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) job search website,CareerOneStop, projects employment in the field to grow by 25% in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts over the next decade when the growth rate nationally is only expected to be 2%.
The Bay State has what you need to learn how to become an expert in this swelling workforce and the constant and growing demand for talented plumbing professionals means you can feel confident that the time you put into learning the trade will pay off.
More good news is that Massachusetts has the fifth highest annual mean wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters nationwide, according to the BLS.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. There are thousands of plumbing jobs in Massachusetts posted on Indeed.com and Zip Recruiter.
We’ve got the information you need about training to find your place in the plumbing industry in Massachusetts.
Accredited Massachusetts Plumbing Programs
According to the BLS, “Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn on the job through an apprenticeship. Some attend a vocational-technical school before receiving on-the-job training. Most states require plumbers to be licensed.”
Massachusetts licenses journeyman plumbers and master plumbers. Even trainees must be registered with the state. Everyone who wants to join this skilled workforce is required to complete an apprenticeship which includes 150 hours of classroom instruction each year for four to five years. The Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure issues all the professional licenses and the state regulates plumbers through the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (BOE). The-BOE, has established and implemented a formal academic plumbing and gas-fitting education program known as the “Tier Program.” It is comprised of 5 tiers with each building upon the previous tier. Tier-1 classes DO NOT require an apprentice license, but to register for Plumbing Tiers II, III, IV & V at any of the approved schools, students need to upload a copy of their apprentice card and be employed by a licensed master plumber. There are also formal union or non-union apprenticeships that follow this curriculum for plumbing systems and gas systems.
There is a list of Authorized Plumbing and Gas Fitting Theory Schools in Massachusetts on the state website.
Since the state of Massachusetts requires this curriculum, you most likely will not choose to get a post-secondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge base before beginning as an apprentice or to help you compete for your first choice of apprenticeship, there are a couple of programs intended to prepare you.
Career and Technical Education is offered in high schools throughout the state to give you a head start on a plumbing apprenticeship. These programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. They are all Chapter 74 programs which means the program will provide all the training required to begin entry-level work in the field including hands-on training.
If you’ve already left high school, the Southeastern Technical Institute offers a ten-month program designed to develop the entry-level practical skills needed to get started in the plumbing trade. On its website it says the training will include traditional and current plumbing practices in residential and commercial settings according to industry standards and the Massachusetts Plumbing Code. The Peterson School offers a Basic Plumbing course that is theory only and does not include hands-on training but is designed to prepare you apply for a job in the plumbing industry.
All of these are intended to help you find that first job or apprentice opening so you can begin the four-to-five-year process of hands-on training and 150 hours per year of classroom instruction in the “Tier Program.”
Plumbing Degrees & Certificates
As you weigh the benefit of getting some formal training at a technical or community college, you will want to speak with people in the field in your state. Since Massachusetts requires an approved apprenticeship to become a licensed plumber, you will want to be sure to satisfy that requirement and not waste time or money along the way. That being said, sometimes the apprentice openings can be very competitive, and you may need a little classroom training — a certificate or endorsement — to be selected for the apprenticeship you want.
In terms of college education or trade school programs for plumbers in Massachusetts, the time it takes to complete them and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common plumbing programs in Massachusetts are:
Certificate Program – three to six months
Diploma/Degree Program – one to two years
Typically, the longer the program, the more it costs. Many plumbing professionals have some post-secondary training. However, very few choose to get a four-year bachelor’s degree unless they’re seeking a related engineering or building construction degree. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree at one of the four-year universities in Massachusetts like:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge
Olin College in Needham
Boston University in Boston
Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester
Tufts University in Medford
Northeastern University in Boston
University of Massachusetts in Amherst
University of Massachusetts in Lowell
As stated earlier, in many cases but not always, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages, but if your interest lies in being a plumber or having your own plumbing business, a degree is not necessary.
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Typical Courses in Technical College Programs
Plumbing programs at technical colleges and training centers are all intended to prepare students for careers in plumbing, pipefitting, and related fields. All combine theory and the practical skills needed to do the job. Most develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The classes for a certificate or degree closely align or match with the classroom instruction required for approved apprenticeships.
Among the classes for a Plumbing Technology certificate or degree are:
Introduction to Plumbing Technology
Plumbing Codes
Blueprint reading
Drain, Waste and Venting Systems
Water Supply and Distribution Systems
Plumbing Fixtures and Appliance Installation
Other programs might add intermediate and advanced plumbing concepts, pipe fabrication, and welding technology fundamentals among other courses. Many include Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification too.
Program graduates have the qualification of an apprentice plumber or pipefitter and are prepared to enter the workforce and continue learning under the direction of a licensed plumber.
School Selection Criteria
There are a lot of things to consider when picking the school or training program that is right for you.
Cost
Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Massachusetts community colleges on average is $4,424 per year for in-state students and $9,401 for out-of-state students. Some programs listed here can be quite affordable. For instance, the Plumbing Apprenticeship Program through Southeastern Technical Institute is $740 per year. It is that 5-year tiered program that builds upon the previous year. Tuition for the entire program is $3,700. There will be some variations in fees at each school, so be sure to review all the costs involved. Apprenticeships are often paid for by your employer or the union.
There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your chosen occupational field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.
Program Length
As noted above, you can choose to begin by getting a certificate or jump right into an apprenticeship. USDOL apprenticeships for plumbing are at least four years long and union apprenticeships are five years. Those credentials are recognized nationwide, so they can travel with you if you move to another state later in your career.
Benefits
There are many benefits to getting formal education if you want to join the plumbing profession. Plumbing is complicated work so that required classroom instruction that’s part of an approved apprenticeship is vital to ensuring that you are properly prepared to do the job safely. Many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or degree over one without credentials. Some trade school training can also give you an edge in the selection process for an apprenticeship. Having some basic knowledge helps you to hit the ground running and secure your place in a shop full of professionals. Technical training is also usually rewarded with higher starting pay and life-long earnings.
Online vs in-person
You may choose to get pre-apprenticeship plumbing training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you.
Online programs are ideal for people looking for entry-level plumbing jobs. Penn Foster and Ashworth College are two of the most recognizable online plumbing programs. Bob Vila’s website and the CPA Accounting Institute for Success each list them at the top of their posts about the Best Online Courses for Plumbing.
Again, these courses would just give you a possible advantage in getting an apprenticeship position, but you must complete an approved apprenticeship to earn a plumber’s license in Massachusetts.
You can, however, take the Tier Program curriculum through online classes for an apprenticeship through The Plumbing Academy, Inc. (TPA) based out of Middleton, MA. TPA teaches “LIVE” online eLearning sessions to accompany the work experience that you’re getting on-the-job.
Level of difficulty
Plumbing certificate programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the plumbing industry in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Curriculum includes an understanding of mathematics and physics. Plumbers must learn to do a lot of different things to be successful including how to follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair plumbing systems, troubleshoot issues at residences or commercial properties, new installations involve running all water, gas and sewage lines, how and when to use different material pipes and how to fit them together properly, plumbing code and record keeping of work performed. And, of course, especially in residential work, customer service is key.
School Comparison: At a Glance
As explained above, the state of Massachusetts Board of Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters created a curriculum which is required for all apprentice plumbers to complete to be permitted to test for a Journeyman Plumbing License and Master Plumber License. They have listed all authorized plumbing and gas fitting theory schools in Massachusetts including vocational or technical high schools throughout the state, private trade schools and community colleges. Students do not need a state-issued apprentice card to begin instruction. Plumbing Tier I students can attend without an apprentice card but will need to have an apprentice card before they can sign up for Tier II. You will need to upload a copy of your apprentice card at the time of registration for Plumbing Tiers II, III, IV & V. The courses will prepare you to sit for the Massachusetts State Examination for the Journeyman & Master Plumbing Licenses.
Massachusetts Career and Technical Education offered in high schools throughout the state is a great place to start if you know early on that this is the career path you’d like to take. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers a plumbing program that is state approved (Chapter 74) at various technical schools statewide. The Chapter 74 designation means the program will provide all the training required to begin entry-level work in the field including hands-on training. There are more than 30 regional vocational technical high schools that offer this Plumbing program on the BOE list of Authorized Plumbing and Gas Fitting Theory Schools in Massachusetts. Check with your high school CTE coordinator to find the nearest program if it is not offered at your school. Some also offer the tier classes as adult nighttime classes like Keef at Night which offers all five tiers in four years to adults at the Keefe Regional Technical School in Framingham. Tuition is $978. “Assabet After Dark” is associated with Assabet Valley Regional Technical School offered through Assabett Community Education in Marlborough. Tier 1 costs $4,000-$6,000 and tiers 2-5 cost $950 each.
On that authorized list there are also other schools that are not high schools including private career training centers and community colleges.
Cape Cod Plumbing School in Hyannis/Barnstable (no website but listed on indeed) | 3 years | $2,000
Coastal Career Academy in Fall River | Tier 1 through 5 | $900/tier
Gould Construction Institute — Education & Training Affiliate of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Massachusetts | Tier 1 through 5 | $1,405/year
Greater Lawrence Technical School — Adult Technical Program in Andover Plumbing Apprenticeship Training | Tier 1 through 5 | $850/year
Greenfield Community College Foundations of Plumbing | Online | 145 hours | $2,145
Harold Brothers Training Institute, LLC in Weymouth Plumbing Apprenticeship Training | Tier 1-5 | $1,200/year
Masters Plumbing School in Sandwich Plumbing Tier 1-4 | 24 weeks/110 hours/tier | $695/tier Plumbing Tier 5 | 24 weeks/110 hours/tier | $900 Online Program Tier 1-5 | 24 weeks/110 hours/tier | $695 tier 1-4 | $900 tier 5
The Peterson School in Woburn, Westwood, Worcester Basic Plumbing | 15 weeks/90 hours | $1,450 Plumbing Tier 1 | 27.5 weeks/110 hours | $1,850 Plumbing Tier 2-5 | 27.5 weeks/110 hours | $1,750
The Plumbing Academy in Middleton Plumbing Apprenticeship Training | Tier 1-5 | $1,500/tier
Southeastern Technical Institute in South Easton Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs | Tier 1-5 | $740/tier
The BOE also listed two local union training centers: Local 12 Training Center in Boston Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs | 5 years 200 hours/year | Cost paid by union fund.
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 104 in Holyoke Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs | 5 years 248 hours/year | Cost paid by union fund.
Many of these schools also offer exam prep courses.
Steps for Enrollment in Massachusetts
Every college and apprentice school has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with you visiting the school or organization’s website and applying for admission online. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents In general, the application process has the following steps:
Complete your application.
Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.
Apply for Financial Aid
Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.
Have an apprentice card and be employed by a master plumber before beginning Tier 2.
If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the Local Union or non-union trade organization chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.
Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.
Plumbing Career Requirements in Massachusetts
As mentioned earlier, Massachusetts requires an educational element in the training of plumbing professionals before they are licensed to legally perform plumbing work in the state. The state requires everyone who wants to join this workforce to complete an apprenticeship which combines a minimum of 6,800 hours of hands-on work experience under a licensed plumber and at least 550 hours of classroom instruction for a journeyman license and then complete an additional year (1,700 hours) of practical experience and the fifth tier of classroom instruction if not already completed to obtain a master plumber license. The Uniform Plumbing Code and the Massachusetts Plumbing Code are a part of the curriculum.
To keep your license current in Massachusetts you will need 12 hours of Board approved continuing education in the two-year renewal period.
For a detailed explanation of Massachusetts’s plumber licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Massachusetts Plumbing License.
Salaries for Plumbers in Massachusetts
Before paying for technical education and getting started in the plumbing field you’ll want some idea of what you can expect in terms of the return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as a plumbing professional in Massachusetts? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median plumber salary in Massachusetts for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years: $52,000
Intermediate 2-4 years: $63,100
Senior 4-6 years: $67,900
For more information about plumber salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.
Industry Apprenticeships
State Authorized union apprenticeships are offered in Massachusetts through the United Association local union chapters — LU 12 in Boston and LU 104 in Springfield. Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.
The non-union trade organization, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Massachusetts, has a state authorized apprenticeship through an affiliation with the Gould Construction Institute. Again, apprentices work for member contractors to gain the required work experience aspect of the apprenticeship and receive wage increases with the successful completion of each tier.
The state also has a website dedicated to registered apprenticeships for job seekers.
Some companies will hire applicants who have had no previous training and provide the training themselves — creating an in-house apprenticeship. A typical model of that is pairing a new employee with an experienced, licensed plumber for the hands-on part of training and then requiring new hires to attend classes at night at a local community college or sometimes taught through the company itself. You can find these opportunities on job boards or the state apprenticeship website, and all will prepare you for the license exam. Your employer will have to sign up to be an apprentice sponsor on the Mass.gov website.
Other School Options
There are training programs throughout the state. In addition to all those already mentioned here are a few more where you can get the training you need to become a plumbing professional.
Central Massachusetts Technical School serving Boston, Worcester, and Springfield
Minuteman Technical Institute in Lexington offers adult education for Plumbing Code Tier 1. It is a 15-week program.
Whittier Tech Evening Education in Haverhill offers all five tiers of the plumbing program for adults.
BMC (Building Mass Careers) Apprenticeship Program offers a variety of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs including plumbing.
You can find the training you need to excel in a plumbing career in Massachusetts. The opportunities are all around you!
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