Massachusetts Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Trade Industry Insights / Massachusetts Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Quick Takeaways on Trade Pay in Massachusetts
Massachusetts trade demand is driven by tightly regulated building codes, older multi-family housing, and constant renovation in dense metro areas. Retrofit, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC specialists often see stronger earning potential than new-build construction roles.
- Higher-paying paths on this page: Lineworker, CDL Truck Driver, AV Technician.
- Highest-paying trade in Massachusetts (from this table): Lineworker ($97,116)
- Typical mid-range trade pay: Median across listed trades is about $64,072 per year.
- Pay range across these trades: About $41,330 separates the highest vs lowest listed trades in Massachusetts.
- Most stable demand in Massachusetts: licensed service roles focused on upgrades, compliance, and long-term building performance.
- Best way to increase earnings: lean into code-heavy niches—specialists often out-earn generalists in dense markets.
- Top paying trades on this page: Lineworker ($97,116) · CDL Truck Driver ($81,453) · AV Technician ($75,399)
Job Outlook for Skilled Trades in Massachusetts
Demand is shaped most by tight urban environments, heavy regulation, and buildings that demand careful retrofit work, plus licensing rules, employer mix, and metro growth.
In Massachusetts, pay is closely tied to licensing depth and code knowledge, especially in dense markets with older infrastructure.
- Outlook: Strong (licensed & code-driven)
- What drives demand: tight urban environments, heavy regulation, and buildings that demand careful retrofit work.
- Where it’s hottest: major metros + fast-growing corridors (varies by trade).
- Biggest pay factors: experience, union coverage, licensing, overtime, and employer type.
Average Skilled Trade Pay in Massachusetts
Below is a snapshot of typical pay for popular trades in Massachusetts. Click a trade name to explore training paths, licensing steps, and career details.
Note: Some trades can rank high across many states due to national labor demand and standardized pay structures, but the exact pay levels still vary by state and metro area.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $29.17 | $1,167 | $5,055 | $60,685 |
| AV Technician | $36.25 | $1,450 | $6,283 | $75,399 |
| Carpenter | $28.36 | $1,136 | $4,922 | $59,069 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $39.16 | $1,566 | $6,788 | $81,453 |
| CNC Machinist | $26.82 | $1,073 | $4,649 | $55,786 |
| Construction | $28.48 | $1,139 | $4,937 | $59,238 |
| Concrete Finisher | $31.23 | $1,249 | $5,413 | $64,958 |
| Diesel Technician | $32.37 | $1,295 | $5,611 | $67,330 |
| Electrician | $34.23 | $1,369 | $5,934 | $71,202 |
| Heavy Equipment | $27.90 | $1,113 | $4,825 | $57,896 |
| HVAC Technician | $31.61 | $1,264 | $5,478 | $65,734 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $31.26 | $1,251 | $5,419 | $65,029 |
| Ironworker | $29.79 | $1,197 | $5,188 | $62,254 |
| Lineworker | $46.69 | $1,868 | $8,093 | $97,116 |
| Marine Mechanic | $32.27 | $1,291 | $5,591 | $67,154 |
| Mason | $30.33 | $1,215 | $5,266 | $63,186 |
| Plumber | $36.19 | $1,441 | $6,243 | $74,915 |
| Roofer | $26.88 | $1,075 | $4,659 | $55,910 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $28.48 | $1,140 | $4,938 | $59,259 |
| Welder | $27.31 | $1,092 | $4,734 | $56,806 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
About this table: wage data sources and methodology.
Why Massachusetts Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Massachusetts has one of the most active and stable trade job markets in the Northeast. Large public works projects, healthcare expansion, higher education construction, transit upgrades, and dense urban development drive sustained demand for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, pipefitters, welders, and carpenters—particularly in and around Greater Boston.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Greater Boston: Hospitals, universities, commercial high-rises, transit projects, and ongoing renovations.
- Cambridge: Life sciences, biotech facilities, and research campuses requiring specialized mechanical and electrical trades.
- Worcester: Manufacturing, healthcare construction, and regional infrastructure projects.
- Springfield / Western MA: Utilities, industrial facilities, and public works.
Major Employers and Contractors in Massachusetts
Tradespeople in Massachusetts commonly work with contractors and institutions tied to public infrastructure, healthcare, and higher education, including:
- Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) — Transit infrastructure and maintenance projects statewide.
- Gilbane Building Company — Major contractor on healthcare, university, and commercial construction projects.
- Suffolk Construction — Boston-based contractor involved in large commercial and institutional developments.
Ready to start a trade career in Massachusetts?
Compare accredited trade schools and registered apprenticeships across Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Trade Schools & Apprenticeships