Independent salary reference. Not affiliated with BLS, IBEW, NECA, or any electrical contractor. All wage figures cite the source; individual earnings vary by employer, certifications, and market.
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BLS OEWS May 2025

Electrician Salary in Massachusetts 2026

Updated 22 June 2026

$79,420/yr median · $38.18/hr

State Median

$79k

vs. National

+$16k

Top 10%

$128k

COL-Adjusted

$61k

Electrician Salary Range in Massachusetts

The full wage spread for electricians (occupation 47-2111) in Massachusetts, from the lowest-paid 10% to the highest-paid 10%. All three figures are reported directly by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program (May 2025).

10th percentile

$47k

$46,990/yr

Lowest-paid 10%

Median (50th)

$79k

$79,420/yr

Typical electrician

90th percentile

$128k

$128,210/yr

Highest-paid 10%

$46,990$79,420 median$128,210

An electrician in the bottom 10% of Massachusetts earners makes about $46,990/yr, while the top 10% earn $128,210/yr or more — a range of $81,220. The 10th-percentile figure is a real BLS wage observation (it typically reflects apprentices and newly-licensed journeymen), distinct from the modelled apprentice-entry estimate shown in the experience table below.

Where Massachusetts Ranks

Massachusetts ranks #6 nationally for electrician median wages. The national median is $63,190 (BLS OEWS May 2025). Massachusetts pays $16,230 above the national average.

Massachusetts's cost-of-living index is 131 (MERIC 2026, where 100 = US average). After adjustment, the purchasing power of an electrician's salary here is equivalent to $60,626/yr in national-average dollar terms. The high cost of living significantly reduces the real value of nominal wages.

Pay by Metro Area

Estimated median pay for the top 5 metropolitan areas in Massachusetts, modelled from the state median and regional cost differentials (not BLS metro estimates).

Metro AreaMedian Annualvs. State Avg
Boston Metro$76,400-3.0k
Worcester Metro$64,800-14.6k
Springfield Metro$60,400-19.0k
Providence RI-MA (MA side)$62,400-17.0k
Lowell-Lawrence$66,400-13.0k

Pay by Experience Level

LevelHourlyAnnual
Apprentice (Year 1)$18 - $24/hr$37,000 - $50,000
Apprentice (Year 4-5)$26 - $36/hr$54,000 - $75,000
Journeyman (Employee)$33 - $48/hr$69,000 - $100,000
Master Electrician (Employee)$40 - $56/hr$83,000 - $116,000
Self-Employed Contractor$100 - $185/hr billed$100,000 - $280,000 net

Massachusetts Licensing Requirements

Licensing AuthorityMassachusetts Department of Public Safety (DPS) - Board of State Examiners of Electricians
Journeyman Requirement3 years (6,000 hours) OJT under licensed electrician + pass Journeyman Electrician exam
Master Requirement1 year (2,000 hours) as licensed journeyman + pass Master Electrician exam. Master Electrician license required for electrical contracting in MA.
Fee$175 journeyman application and exam; $225 master application and exam (DPS fee schedule 2026)
ReciprocityLimited; Massachusetts has individual agreements with some states - check with DPS

See full 50-state licensing matrix at electriciansalary.com/licensing

Union Presence in Massachusetts

IBEW Locals: IBEW Local 103 (Boston - one of the most active IBEW locals in New England), Local 223 (New Bedford), Local 96 (Worcester), Local 7 (Western MA)

Union share: approximately 32% of electricians in Massachusetts are union.

Union electricians in Massachusetts typically earn 20-35% more in total compensation than non-union electricians, when wages, health insurance, pension, and annuity are included.

Full IBEW wage scale breakdown and union vs non-union analysis

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is one of the most active states for clean energy electrical work. The state's offshore wind mandate (42 TWh by 2050) is creating significant demand for transmission and grid electrical construction. Boston's biotech and life sciences construction sector (Kendall Square / Seaport) requires hospital-grade and cleanroom electrical specialists. The state's aging housing stock creates consistent residential rewire and panel upgrade work.

Major Employers in Massachusetts

National GridEversource EnergyGilbane Building Company (electrical subs)Turner Construction (electrical subs)IEC New England members

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do electricians make in Massachusetts?
Electricians in Massachusetts earn a median of $79,420/yr ($38.18/hr) per BLS OEWS May 2025. Apprentices start at around $43,200/yr and top-earning master electricians and self-employed contractors can exceed $128,210/yr (these apprentice and top-end figures are estimates, not BLS).
What is the salary range for electricians in Massachusetts?
BLS OEWS May 2025 puts the wage range at $46,990/yr (10th percentile, lowest-paid 10%) to $128,210/yr (90th percentile, highest-paid 10%), with a median of $79,420/yr — a spread of $81,220.
How does Massachusetts rank for electrician pay?
Massachusetts ranks #6 nationally for electrician median wages. After cost-of-living adjustment (MERIC index 131), the real purchasing power is $60,626/yr.
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Massachusetts?
3 years (6,000 hours) OJT under licensed electrician + pass Journeyman Electrician exam. For master level: 1 year (2,000 hours) as licensed journeyman + pass Master Electrician exam. Master Electrician license required for electrical contracting in MA..
Are union electricians better paid in Massachusetts?
Yes. IBEW Local 103 (Boston - one of the most active IBEW locals in New England), Local 223 (New Bedford), Local 96 (Worcester), Local 7 (Western MA) operate in Massachusetts, with approximately 32% of electricians in Massachusetts are union. Union electricians earn 20-35% more in total compensation when wages, health insurance, pension, and annuity are included.
What is the job outlook for electricians in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is one of the most active states for clean energy electrical work. The state's offshore wind mandate (42 TWh by 2050) is creating significant demand for transmission and grid electrical construction. Boston's biotech and life sciences construction sector (Kendall Square / Seaport) requires hospital-grade and cleanroom electrical specialists. The state's aging housing stock creates consistent residential rewire and panel upgrade work.

Related Pages

State 10th-percentile, median, and 90th-percentile (top 10%) wage figures: BLS OEWS May 2025 (47-2111). COL index: MERIC 2026. Metro, apprentice, and contractor figures are modelled estimates (not BLS). IBEW local agreements 2025-2026.

Updated 2026-04-27