Massachusetts Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in Massachusetts.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Massachusetts
Average Cost of Trade School in Massachusetts
Most trade programs in Massachusetts are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In Massachusetts, licensing rules and dense urban retrofit work can influence both training paths and the kinds of jobs available.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $5,088 higher than in-state on average.
| Massachusetts Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $6,183 |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $11,271 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Massachusetts
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Massachusetts Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Massachusetts trades are often structured: 6–24 months for initial credentials and 3–5 years for many apprenticeships, depending on required hours and education components.
- Licensing can be trade-specific and may involve documented experience, exams, and in some cases contractor licensing. Local permits/inspections frequently apply—verify requirements with Massachusetts licensing boards and your municipality.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in Massachusetts
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Massachusetts. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| 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.
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.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for Massachusetts students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
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.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has one of the strongest union presences in the country, particularly on public works, healthcare, transit, and large commercial construction projects. Non-union work exists but is more common in residential construction and smaller private-sector projects.
Union Apprenticeships in Massachusetts
Union apprenticeship programs are the primary pathway for many trades in Massachusetts, especially for work on prevailing-wage and public projects.
- IBEW Local 103 — Electrical apprenticeships serving Boston and surrounding metro areas.
- IBEW Local 7 — Electrical training covering Western Massachusetts.
- UA Local 12 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships based in Boston.
- SMART Local 17 — Sheet metal and HVAC fabrication training serving eastern Massachusetts.
- Carpenters Local 33 — Commercial carpentry apprenticeships supporting major Boston-area projects.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union trade routes exist primarily in residential construction, service HVAC, electrical contracting, and smaller commercial projects. These roles often emphasize direct hiring and employer-based training rather than formal apprenticeship structures.
Both paths can lead to solid careers, but union apprenticeships are often preferred in Massachusetts due to higher wages, benefits, and access to large-scale projects.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Highly structured apprenticeship with classroom and jobsite training | Employer-based, hands-on training |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage scales with scheduled increases | Pay increases based on employer and experience |
| Benefits | Comprehensive health insurance and pension plans | Benefits vary and may be limited |
| Project Types | Public works, hospitals, universities, transit | Residential and small commercial projects |
| Best Fit For | Workers targeting high-wage, long-term careers | Workers seeking flexible or residential-focused work |