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How to become a licensed plumber in Massachusetts. State-level licensing required. 9,000 apprenticeship hours required. Total initial fees: $83. Verified 2026-04-03. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Plumber
Governing Authority
Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (under Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure)
Official website →Yes
State Licensed?
9,000
Apprentice Hours
3
License Levels
$83
Total Fees
12 hrs
CE Hours
Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR)
Code Version
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Get My Free RoadmapRegulation Status
VerifiedState Licensed
Yes
Regulation Level
state
License Types Available
State-Level Licensing Required
Regulated by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (under Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure)
Apprenticeship Program
9,000
Total Hours
5 yrs
Duration
550
Classroom Hours
8,450
OJT Hours
Registered Apprenticeship Program Required
Browse approved plumber training programs in Massachusetts.
Experience Required
Registration required; no prior experience
No exam required
Additional Requirements
Experience Required
6,800 hours of practical work as a licensed apprentice under direct supervision of a MA licensed master plumber (or MA licensed journeyman employed by a master plumber); plus 300 clock hours of plumbing and gas-fitting theory from board-approved provider over no less than 4 years
Exam required
Additional Requirements
Experience Required
Minimum 1 year (1,700 hours) as licensed journeyman — NOTE: conflicting data across sources (1 year minimum requirement vs 4-year clock from date of MA Journeyman licensure for exam eligibility). Flag for manual verification.
Exam required
Additional Requirements
Exam Information
VerifiedJourneyman Exam
RequiredMaster Exam
RequiredExam Provider
PSI
Plumbing Code Version
Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR)
Closed Book Exam
Passing Score
70%
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Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Insurance Required
Bonding Required
Not sure if you need a plumber license? Check whether your state requires one.
Massachusetts has 39% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 746 residents.
Massachusetts is one of the most saturated plumbers markets in the country.
Massachusetts ranks #1 out of 51 states by plumbers per capita.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Apprentice Registration Apprentice registration fee | $14 |
Journeyman License Application: $31 separate | $52 |
Master License Application: $31 separate | $78 |
Total Initial Fees Journeyman: application ($31) + license ($52) = $83; Master: application ($31) + license ($78) = $109 | $83 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (licenses eligible for renewal February 1st of every even-numbered year; deadline May 1st of same year)
Renewal Period
12
CE Hours Required
—
Renewal Fee
Continuing Education Required
Regulatory Board
Biennial renewal
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Licenses
Transfer Type
Endorsement
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Most states require plumbers to pass the local exam or apply for endorsement when transferring an out-of-state license. Requirements vary by state.
Use our reciprocity lookup tool to compare license transfer options across all 50 states.
Massachusetts requires 6,800 hours practical + 300 hours theory for journeyman; exams are CLOSED BOOK (unusual); combined plumber and gas fitter board; CORI check required; limited reciprocity.
Exams are CLOSED BOOK — 2 parts, both closed book (notable since many states are open book)
Journeyman requires 6,800 hours practical + 300 clock hours theory over 4+ years
CONFLICTING master experience data: 1 year minimum requirement vs 4-year clock from MA Journeyman licensure date — flagged for manual verification
Combined plumber and gas fitter licensing board — exams cover both
CE: 12 hours per biennial renewal (journeyman and master)
CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check required — notarized
Apprentice must enroll in education program within 9 months of license issuance
After 6 failed exam attempts, must petition the Board to retake
Valor Act fee reductions for military/spouses/veterans
Online portal: Massachusetts eLIPSE
Uses Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR)
Limited reciprocity — most out-of-state candidates must still take MA exam
Plumber Schools in Massachusetts
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#46 of 51
Salary
#4 of 51
Cost
#43 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152)
Entry Level
$59,100
25th percentile
Median
$83,260
+32% vs. national avg ($62,970)Experienced
$105,630
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
15,670 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters" includes pipefitters and steamfitters in addition to plumbers. Wages for plumbers specifically may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+5.4%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+27,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
39,200
per year (avg.)
510,500 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Plumbing Career Ladder+17% salary growth potential
You are here
Plumber (Journeyman)
$83,260
Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam
You are here
Plumber (Journeyman)
Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam
$83,260
Master plumber license + contractor license
$97,480
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 264–274 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters
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Plumber requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (you) | $320 | 264–274 wks | |
| Connecticut | $265 | 212–222 wks | → |
| Maine | $210 | 212–222 wks | → |
| New Hampshire | $225 | 212–222 wks | → |
| New York | — | 212–222 wks | → |
Massachusetts ranks #2 out of 45 for lowest plumber licensing fees ($83). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours · Fewest Apprenticeship Hours
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Accessed 2026-03-06
Accessed 2026-03-06
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