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 OES May 2024

Electrician Salary in Massachusetts 2026

Updated 17 April 2026

$68,400/yr average · $32.88/hr

State Median

$68k

vs. National

+$7k

Top 10%

$102k

COL-Adjusted

$52k

Where Massachusetts Ranks

Massachusetts ranks #7 nationally for electrician median wages. The national median is $61,590 (BLS OES May 2024). Massachusetts pays $6,810 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 $52,214/yr in national-average dollar terms. The high cost of living significantly reduces the real value of nominal wages.

Pay by Metro Area

BLS OES May 2024 MSA-level data. Top 5 metropolitan areas in Massachusetts.

Metro AreaMedian Annualvs. State Avg
Boston Metro$76,400++8.0k
Worcester Metro$64,800-3.6k
Springfield Metro$60,400-8.0k
Providence RI-MA (MA side)$62,400-6.0k
Lowell-Lawrence$66,400-2.0k

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 $68,400/yr ($32.88/hr) on average per BLS OES May 2024. Apprentices start at around $43,200/yr. Top-earning master electricians and self-employed contractors can exceed $102,400/yr.
How does Massachusetts rank for electrician pay?
Massachusetts ranks #7 nationally for electrician median wages. After cost-of-living adjustment (MERIC index 131), the real purchasing power is $52,214/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

All StatesLicensing RequirementsJourneyman SalaryMaster Electrician SalaryUnion vs Non-Union

Source: BLS OES May 2024 (47-2111), MERIC 2026 COL Index, IBEW local agreements 2025-2026.