Licensing Guides
Massachusetts Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Massachusetts
Plumbing, MA
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Massachusetts
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Massachusetts?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Massachusetts?
Does My Massachusetts Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Massachusetts?
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Massachusetts?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Massachusetts?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Massachusetts employs 15,670 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In Massachusetts, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is slightly higher at 7% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Massachusetts in July 2025 totaled 170,500, an increase of 400 (0.2%) from July 2024 and an increase of 4,200 or 3% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and in some cases, from locality to locality. In Massachusetts, licensing is uniform statewide and begins at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Massachusetts
Is a license required for plumbers in Massachusetts? Yes, and it is mandated from the very beginning.
In the state of Massachusetts, you must be licensed to legally perform plumbing work. The state licenses every level of this workforce — apprentice, journeyman, and master. Massachusetts regulates plumbers through the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Massachusetts
What are the types of plumber licenses in Massachusetts?
There are three plumber licenses issued in Massachusetts:
Apprentice — A person learning the trade who is registered with the Board and works under the direct supervision of a master or journeyman plumber.
Journeyman — Can only perform plumbing work as an individual.
Master — May perform plumbing work as an individual, a firm, or a corporation, and can employ journey plumbers and apprentices.
Each has specific requirements to test for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice
Must fill out an application and pay a $14 fee.
Must be enrolled as a secondary student in a public comprehensive high school career/vocational technical school program; or
Be employed by a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed master plumber.
Must agree to a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check.
Must begin their education program within nine months of the initial issuance of their apprentice license.
Journeyman
Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Fill out the application and pay a $31 application fee.
Provide proof of having completed at least 6,800 hours of work experience as a licensed apprentice working as an employee under the direct supervision of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed master plumber or under the direct supervision of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed journeyman plumber who is in the employ of a master plumber.
Provide proof of having successfully completed 300 clock hours of education in plumbing and gas-fitting theory, culminating in a school- or instructor-designed examination to ensure competency. This education must take place over a period of no less than four years and must be from an approved provider.
Must agree to a CORI check.
Pass a journeyman examination.
Pay $52 license fee.
Master
Must work a minimum of one year as a journey-level plumber.
Must complete 100 hours of advanced plumbing theory education.
Fill out the application and pay a $31 application fee.
Must agree to a CORI check
Pass a master-level examination.
Pay $78 license fee.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Massachusetts
Enroll as a secondary student in a public comprehensive high school career/vocational technical school program; or
Be employed by and work under the supervision of a master plumber.
Apply for your Commonwealth of Massachusetts Apprentice Plumber license and begin your education program within nine months of the initial issuance of apprentice license.
Complete at least 6,800 hours of practical work experience as a licensed apprentice working as an employee under the direct supervision of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed master plumber or under the direct supervision of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed journeyman plumber who is in the employ of a master plumber. Complete 300 clock hours of plumbing and gas-fitting theory from a board-approved provider, culminating in a school- or instructor-designed examination.
Apply for your Commonwealth of Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber license and pass the state-mandated journeyman exam.
Complete at least one year (minimum of 1,700 hours) of practical experience as a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed journeyman plumber actively engaged in installing, repairing, or maintaining plumbing and gas-fitting systems, apparatus, devices, fixtures, or other appliances typical to the discipline of the plumbing and gas-fitting industry.
Complete 100 hours of advanced plumbing theory.
Apply for your Commonwealth of Massachusetts Master Plumber license and pass the state-mandated exam.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbers License in Massachusetts
There are many benefits to getting your Massachusetts plumbing license:
Most important, it is required by law in Massachusetts to be licensed through the state to legally perform plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed master plumbers can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Plumber in Massachusetts?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Massachusetts is $87,390, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate- and senior-level plumbers. In Massachusetts, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $57,200
Intermediate (2-4 years): $74,300
Senior (4-7 years): $80,500
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Massachusetts?
How you get started in the field determines your upfront costs. If you begin in one of the approved career/vocational technical programs while in high school, you may complete a maximum of the first three tiers, comprising 330 hours of educational theory credit from that program without paying tuition. When you start working for a licensed master plumber, you’ll need to pay the apprentice plumber application fee of $14 and license renewal fee of $40 every two years.
Tuition costs for the required five-tier plumbing education will vary from program to program at community or technical colleges. They can run from $1,000 to $2,000 per year. At Minuteman Technical Institute, qualified applicants can complete the first tier for free, and tiers two through five cost $975 each.
Apprenticeship programs are operated on a voluntary basis by employers, employer associations, or management and labor groups (unions), and have different costs associated with them. All have some fees for books and tools, but much of the cost is absorbed by the provider, meaning the individual employer, employer association, or union, if you maintain good grades. There are also testing and application fees.
Journeyman plumber fees:
License/application: $31
PSI testing: $80
License: $52
Renewal: $52
Master plumber fees:
License/application: $31
PSI testing: $80
License: $78
Renewal: $78
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Massachusetts
The path to a plumber’s license in Massachusetts typically takes five years. It’s very straightforward — learn, test, get licensed.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You can begin while you are still a high school student by enrolling in a public comprehensive high school career/vocational technical school program; or you can start as an entry-level employee for a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed master plumber. You’ll need to apply for your Commonwealth of Massachusetts Apprentice Plumber license and pay the $14 license/application fee. Begin your education program within nine months of getting that initial apprentice license.
Then you’ll need to complete at least 6,800 hours of practical work experience as a licensed apprentice working as an employee under the direct supervision of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed master plumber or under the direct supervision of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed journeyman plumber who is in the employ of a master plumber. You’ll also need to complete education requirements — 300 clock hours of plumbing and gas-fitting theory from a Board-approved provider and pass the school- or instructor-designed examination.
APPLY FOR JOURNEYMAN LICENSE: Once you’ve met those requirements and have the appropriate documentation, you can apply for your Commonwealth of Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber license. The application to become a licensed journeyman plumber in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is available online through the Massachusetts E-Licensing and E-Permitting Portal, eLIPSE. You will complete it by paying the $31 license/application fee and including the following information:
A passport photo
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: Once your application for examination is accepted, you can register to take the exam. It is administered by PSI Exams. You will need to pay $80 directly to PSI to take the test. After receiving a passing score on the exam, you’ll pay the $52 license fee at the test center to receive your license.
APPLY FOR MASTER LICENSE: Before you can apply for examination for a master plumber license, you must complete at least one year (minimum of 1,700 hours) of practical experience as a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed journeyman plumber engaged in or working at the business of journeyman plumbing — installing repairing, or maintaining plumbing and gas-fitting systems, apparatus, devices, fixtures, or other appliances typical to the discipline of the plumbing and gas-fitting industry only. You’ll also need to successfully complete the 110-hour tier five of the five-tier Plumber Educational Program as approved by the Board, unless already completed as an apprentice. Again, the application to become a licensed master plumber in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is available online through the eLIPSE platform. You will complete it by paying the $31 license/application fee and including the following information:
Statement of Experience and Education Verification Form complete with your Journeyman Plumber license number, signed by an official at your school and your plumbing instructor
Notarized CORI form
A passport photo
For veterans: A copy of your DD form 214
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: Once your application for examination is accepted by the Board, you can register to take the exam and pay PSI its $80 fee. After receiving a passing score on the exam, you’ll pay a $78 master license fee at the test center to receive your master plumber's license.
CONSIDER OPENING YOUR OWN PLUMBING BUSINESS: You may work indefinitely as a licensed master or journeyman plumber, OR you can apply for a Plumbing Corporation or Plumbing Business license. To apply for a Plumbing Corporation license you'll need:
A completed plumbing license application filled out by a master plumber of record who will serve as an officer of the corporation, which includes:
A stamped copy of the Articles of Organization from the Secretary of State for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which certifies your business as a Limited Liability Corporation. If you haven't already, you can file online for Articles of Organization through the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbers License in Massachusetts?
It takes five years to complete the entire five-tier Plumber Educational Program as approved by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters before being permitted to test for your journeyman plumber license. However, you will be working as an apprentice during that time, allowing you to earn while you learn. Your wage will be a percentage of a journeyman’s wage and will increase each year as you progress in your training and education. Once you become a journeyman plumber, it takes another year before you can test for a master plumber license.
Massachusetts Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must know plumbing code. There are many programs to get the training you need to become a plumbing professional in Massachusetts, and they are located all over the state.
Training can begin during high school. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers career/vocational technical education that counts toward the required education of licensed plumbers. The Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters allows an applicant who, as a secondary school student, successfully completes/graduates from a public comprehensive high school career/vocational technical school to be granted a maximum of the first three tiers, comprising 330 hours of educational theory credit from that program. Additionally, secondary students may accrue a maximum of 1,700 hours of experience credit while enrolled in a Board-approved Massachusetts public comprehensive high school career/vocational technical school program. The education and experience standards outlines that those hours may be accrued:
In a shop or laboratory facility at the school where students are under the direct supervision of one or more licensed plumbers who meet the educator licensing requirements of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education;
In a Board-approved, off-campus construction and/or maintenance project overseen by the school; or
After obtaining an apprentice license, in a school-arranged co-op employment relationship with a master plumber.
All plumbing apprentices are required to get the five-tier education that is approved by the Board. You can find those Board-approved programs throughout the state. If you begin the process after high school, there are technical college programs, union, and nonunion apprenticeships or private employer programs that are approved. Here’s a list and links to a few of them:
United Association Union of Plumbers, Pipefitters, Welders, & Service Techs:
Harold Brothers Training Institute, Weymouth
Minuteman Technical Institute, Lexington
Southeastern Technical Institute, South Easton
Apprenticeship: A formal apprenticeship is sometimes referred to as “The Other Four-Year Degree,” because it’s like college for the trades. The Massachusetts Building Trades unions and their contractor partners operate over 30 joint apprenticeship training centers (JATCs) across Massachusetts and, according to the website, many of the apprentice programs offer college credit, too. There are also opportunities through the Merit Apprenticeship Program of the Massachusetts Associated Builders and Contractors, the largest construction trade association in the Commonwealth, representing over 460 local general contractor, subcontractor, supplier, and associate companies. Earning a spot as an apprentice in one of these programs is the equivalent of getting a full-ride scholarship to college.
Apprentices will be paid a percentage of the journeyman wage rate and will receive periodic wage increases as they meet program requirements.
Tuition: The cost of tuition at a vocational school or college depends on the program you choose and can vary widely. The cost of the Five Tier Plumbing Program at The Peterson School is $9,350. The estimated expenses of the Plumbing Apprenticeship Program at Southeastern Technical Institute is $3,700.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit, because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in Massachusetts, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
To be licensed as a journeyman plumber or master plumber in Massachusetts you must take an examination. To be approved for examination by the State Board of Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters, you must have the required or equivalent apprenticeship experience and education. Once your application for examination is approved, the Board will notify PSI, a third-party testing service, and PSI will contact you to schedule the exam.
The Candidate Information Bulletin provides you with information about the examination and application process. The exams are conducted at the Massachusetts PSI examination centers in Auburn, Boston, Fall River, Lawrence, Springfield, and in Cranston, Rhode Island.
All of the examinations are closed book and based on state plumbing code. There’s a written and practical exam for each the journeyman and master level.
Journeyman/Master Plumber Part I - Written: 80 questions, 160-minute time limit
Subject areas:
General regulations, inspections, and permits
Gas piping, equipment, and appliances
Venting
Traps and cleanouts
Fixtures, equipment, and clearances
Water heaters
Piping, valves, and controls
Water supply
Hangers and supports
Drain, waste, and vent
Separators, interceptors, and grease traps
Joints and connections
Journeyman/Master Plumber Part II - Practical: 40 questions, 160-minute time limit
Subject areas:
Isometric analysis
General trade calculations
Gas piping
Gas venting
A score of 70% is required to pass any of the exams. You will be told onsite if you have passed or failed. The license fee is charged to the candidate at the test center upon passing the examination. Be prepared to pay this fee at the test center to obtain your license. Payment may only be in the form of a card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover), money order, cashier's check, or company check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. Make the money order or check payable to PSI.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in Massachusetts?
The Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters issues plumbing licenses in the state. The Board is overseen by the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure.
Does My Massachusetts Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
No, Massachusetts does not have reciprocity agreements with any other states for plumbing licenses.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Massachusetts?
While Massachusetts doesn’t have reciprocity agreements with other states, the Board will recognize another state’s license if the issuing jurisdiction’s requirements for obtaining and maintaining the license are substantially equivalent to the requirements in Massachusetts. The applicant must also be able to demonstrate through documentation that the out-of-state license has been active for at least three years immediately preceding the date of application to the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Massachusetts
The Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL) offers licensing benefits to active duty and reserve members of the military, relocated military spouses, and veterans pursuant to the Veterans’ Access, Livelihood, Opportunity and Resources Act (VALOR Act) and the VALOR Act II.
Under the original VALOR Act, DOL and its 39 professional licensing boards offer the following benefits to qualified individuals:
Each of DOL’s 39 boards of registration accepts relevant education, training, and service completed by an applicant for licensure as a member of the armed forces or the military reserves, toward the qualifications required for licensure.
The license of a member of the military who is on active duty will remain valid until they are released from active duty, and for 90 days thereafter.
DOL expedites the licensure process for active duty service members and military spouses who are licensed in other states and have left employment there to accompany a spouse relocated to the Commonwealth due to a military transfer.
Under VALOR Act II, DOL will also waive the Commonwealth’s portion of the initial licensure fee for veterans and individuals who qualify for benefits through one of the categories listed above. Applicants are advised that they may still be required to pay fees charged by private vendors who assist DOL in processing license applications or administering exams.
To apply for any of these benefits, interested parties must self-identify as an active duty/reserve member of the military, military spouse, or veteran, by downloading and completing the appropriate affidavit form listed below and returning it to the appropriate DOL licensing board along with other requested documents:
Active Duty Military Affidavit form
Relocated Military Spouse Affidavit form
Veteran Affidavit form
For more information, contact the Valor Act office.
In addition, new regulations for the Uniform State Plumbing Code went into effect in 2023. See mass.gov for FAQs on the new regulations.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Massachusetts?
Yes, the PHCC of Massachusetts offers a few scholarships for plumbing apprentices, including:
PHCC of Massachusetts Scholarship: For individuals pursuing a career in the plumbing, heating, cooling industry who are enrolling in a full-time degree or certificate program at a four-year college, two-year community college, technical college, Massachusetts trade school, or certified apprentice program.
McGlame-Wordell Scholarship: For PHCC of Massachusetts contractor members’ children and grandchildren who are pursuing a career in the plumbing, heating, cooling industry and are enrolled in a full-time degree or certificate program at a four-year college, two-year community college, technical college, Massachusetts trade school, or certified apprentice program
Richard J. Bilo Memorial Scholarship: For individuals pursuing a career in the plumbing, heating, cooling industry who are enrolled in a Massachusetts trade school or Board-certified apprentice program for plumbing and/or gas fitting tier training.
In addition to scholarships, plumbing students in Massachusetts can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Massachusetts community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Massachusetts?
Your plumbing license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Massachusetts through the Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL)’s eLIPSE platform. Users can search by name, city, zip code, or license number.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Massachusetts?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a Massachusetts plumbing licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with Commonwealth regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the Board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Massachusetts plumbing license regulations you can refer to the General Provisions Governing The Conduct Of Plumbing And Gas Fitting Work Performed In The Commonwealth.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Massachusetts?
Performing plumbing work in Massachusetts without a license is illegal. According to the General Laws of the Commonwealth, operating without a license incurs a civil penalty up to $1,000 for the first offense, and up to $2,500 for a subsequent offense.
Continuing Education
Massachusetts law requires 12 hours of continuing education to renew journeyman and master plumber licenses. The Board provides a list of approved continuing education providers on its website.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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