Plumber in Cambridge, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Cambridge Stands

For a plumber considering a move to Cambridge, understanding the local compensation landscape is the first step. The data paints a clear picture of a market that pays slightly above the national average, reflecting the area's high cost of living and steady demand for skilled trades.

The median salary for a plumber in Cambridge is $65,554 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $31.52. This sits comfortably above the national average of $63,350 per year. While the difference may seem modest, in a city where the cost of living index is 111.6 (US avg = 100), every dollar counts. The local job market is tight but viable, with approximately 236 plumber jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth for plumbers in Massachusetts is projected to be 6%, a figure that aligns with national trends but is buoyed by the state's aging housing stock and ongoing construction in Greater Boston.

To break this down further, here’s how salary typically progresses with experience in the Cambridge area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $58,000	Apprenticeship completion, basic license, ability to work on residential service calls.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$60,000 - $75,000	Journeyman license, experience with complex systems (e.g., modern PEX, cast iron), some commercial work.
Senior (8-15 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Master plumber license, project management, specialization (e.g., medical gas, backflow).
Expert/Owner (15+ years)	$90,000 - $120,000+	Business ownership, high-end residential/commercial contracts, teaching/consulting.

How Cambridge Compares to Other MA Cities:
Cambridge's plumber salaries are competitive within the state but not the highest. Boston proper often commands a premium (median ~$68,000), driven by union contracts and high-rise construction. Conversely, cities like Worcester or Springfield have lower medians (around $58,000-$62,000) but also a significantly lower cost of living. The Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area overall has a slightly higher median than the city of Cambridge alone, due to the inclusion of suburbs with large commercial projects.

Insider Tip: The $65,554 median is a solid baseline, but your actual earnings are heavily influenced by your license type and employer. Union plumbers (Local 12, 51, etc.) working on municipal or large commercial jobs in Kendall Square can see total compensation (wages + benefits) exceed $85,000. Conversely, a plumber focused on small residential repairs in North Cambridge might earn closer to the lower end of the mid-level range.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning a median salary of $65,554 in Cambridge requires a pragmatic look at disposable income. Here’s a monthly breakdown for a single plumber, accounting for taxes and the city's high housing costs.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,463 ($65,554 / 12)
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,200 - $1,400 (varies by withholdings)
• Net Monthly Pay (Take-Home): ~$4,063 - $4,263
• Average 1BR Rent (Citywide): $2,377/month
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Insurance, Savings: $1,686 - $1,886

This remaining amount is manageable but leaves little room for error. A single plumber earning the median can afford a 1BR rental, but ownership of a home within Cambridge city limits is a significant challenge. The median home price in Cambridge is over $1.2 million, far out of reach for a median-income individual without substantial savings or a dual-income household.

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a $65,554 salary, a standard mortgage is out of the question within Cambridge. However, with a 10-year job growth of 6% and potential for wage advancement into the senior/expert levels (earning $80,000+), homeownership in more affordable neighboring suburbs like Somerville, Medford, or Everett becomes a realistic long-term goal. The key is to plan for career progression and explore condo/townhouse options in the metro area, not the city itself.

Where the Jobs Are: Cambridge's Major Employers

The Cambridge job market for plumbers is driven by a mix of institutional employers, commercial developers, and high-end residential firms. Here are the key players:

1. University & College Facilities (Harvard, MIT): These are the most stable employers. They maintain vast, historic, and complex plumbing systems. Hiring is often through their in-house facilities management or through contracted union shops. Expect a focus on preventive maintenance and specialized work (e.g., lab plumbing, steam systems). They seek journeyman and master plumbers with institutional experience.
2. Mass General Brigham (Brigham and Women's Hospital, Spaulding Rehab): While not in Cambridge proper, these major healthcare employers are in the metro area and offer some of the highest-paying plumbing jobs due to strict medical gas and backflow requirements. Union affiliation is common and highly valued.
3. Commercial Developers & Construction Firms: Companies like The Davis Companies, BioMed Realty (manages many life-science buildings in Kendall Square), and Skanska USA Building are constantly involved in new construction and renovation. These jobs are often project-based, unionized, and pay top-tier wages. Hiring trends point to sustained demand for plumbers skilled in modern, high-tech systems for labs and offices.
4. Specialized Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors: Local firms like Crown Plumbing & Heating, A. O. Smith, and Paul J. O'Connell Co. serve the high-end residential and commercial market. They handle everything from historic brownstone renovations to new condo developments. Working here provides a broad skill set and client interaction.
5. City of Cambridge Municipal Services: The city’s Public Works department hires plumbers for municipal buildings, water/sewer line maintenance, and public facility repairs. These are civil service positions with excellent benefits and job security, but the hiring process can be slow and competitive.
6. Property Management Companies: Large firms managing Cambridge’s many apartment buildings and commercial properties (e.g., The Bozzuto Group, GNManagement) need reliable plumbers for ongoing maintenance and tenant turnover. This is a steady, year-round source of work, often for independent contractors or small shops.

Hiring Trends: The explosion of life-science and tech office construction in Kendall Square and the Port has created a boom in commercial plumbing work. Conversely, the aging housing stock in neighborhoods like Cambridgeport and Riverside ensures steady demand for residential service plumbers. The most in-demand plumbers will be those who can bridge both worlds and hold a Massachusetts Journeyman or Master Plumber's License.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has a rigorous, state-mandated licensing system to ensure public health and safety. The process is straightforward but requires time and investment.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Apprenticeship: Complete a 4-5 year apprenticeship program (typically 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 600 hours of classroom instruction). The Massachusetts Department of Career Services oversees approved programs. Many are run through the District Council of Eastern Massachusetts (union) or non-union shops.
2. Journeyman License: After completing the apprenticeship, you must pass the state’s journeyman plumber examination. This requires 5 years of experience (which includes the apprenticeship).
3. Master Plumber License: To work independently or run a business, you need a Master Plumber License. This requires at least 2 years as a licensed journeyman and passing the master plumber exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship Tuition: Varies. Union apprenticeships are often free or have low fees, covered by the union. Non-union programs can cost $3,000 - $8,000 over 4 years.
• Exam Fees: Approximately $100-$150 per exam (journeyman or master).
• License Fees: Around $50-$100 annually.
• Total Timeline to Master License: A minimum of 6-7 years from starting an apprenticeship (4-5 years apprenticeship + 2 years as a journeyman).

Insider Tip: The Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters is the governing body. Their website is the ultimate resource. Start your apprenticeship search via the Massachusetts State Department of Labor or directly with union JATC (Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee) programs. Getting licensed is non-negotiable for any serious career in Cambridge.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Cambridge impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown for a plumber earning the median salary of $65,554.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Plumber-Friendly Perks
Cambridgeport	Residential, family-friendly, older housing stock. Central to many service calls. Bike-friendly commute to most jobs.	$2,200 - $2,500	High demand for residential repair work. Close to the Charles River for downtime.
North Cambridge (Port)	Gentrifying, diverse, mix of single-family and triple-deckers. Close to Davis Square (Somerville) for nightlife.	$2,100 - $2,400	Good access to commercial jobs in the Port and Kendall Square. More affordable than Mid-Cambridge.
East Cambridge (Kendall)	Urban, tech-centric, high-density. Walk/bike to major commercial employers.	$2,700 - $3,200+	Pro: Ultra-short commute to top commercial jobs. Con: Rent is extreme; difficult on a median salary.
Riverside	Quiet, residential, close to the river and Harvard Square. A mix of old and new homes.	$2,300 - $2,600	Stable residential market. Good for building a client base. Easy commute via bus or bike.
West Cambridge (Agassiz)	Upscale, academic, very expensive. Primarily single-family homes and townhouses.	$2,500 - $3,000+	Lower housing cost for plumbers than the rent suggests for the neighborhood. Good for service calls in affluent homes.

Recommendation: For a plumber starting out, North Cambridge (Port) or Cambridgeport offer the best balance of affordability, lifestyle, and proximity to the types of housing stock that generate steady work. Avoid committing to a lease in Kendall or West Cambridge until your salary moves into the mid-to-senior level ($75,000+).

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career in plumbing in Cambridge has a strong long-term outlook, but advancement requires proactive steps.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Installer: Certification in installing and maintaining medical gas systems in hospitals and labs can add $5-$10/hour to your wage.
• Backflow Prevention: A specialized license for testing and installing backflow prevention devices is in high demand for commercial and institutional properties. This is a lucrative side business.
• Hydronic Heating & Geothermal: Expertise in modern, efficient heating systems is increasingly valuable for high-end residential and green building projects.
• Pipefitting: For those on a commercial track, pipefitting for industrial or lab settings (welding, etc.) has a higher pay grade.

Advancement Paths:

1. Technical Route: Journeyman → Master Plumber → Plumbing Inspector (city/state) or Code Consultant.
2. Management Route: Senior Plumber → Project Manager (in a contracting firm) → Estimator or Operations Manager.
3. Business Ownership: The ultimate goal for many. With a Master Plumber license, you can start your own company. The Cambridge market supports small, specialized firms that offer high-quality service.

10-Year Outlook:
The 6% job growth is solid, but the real opportunity lies in the service and renovation market. Cambridge’s historic homes (many built before 1920 with cast iron plumbing) will require ongoing, specialized work. Furthermore, the push for energy-efficient and water-conserving systems (especially in the water-scarce Merrimack River watershed) will create demand for plumbers skilled in green technologies. Plumbers who adapt to these trends will see their earning potential far exceed the median of $65,554.

The Verdict: Is Cambridge Right for You?

Pros and Cons for a Plumber in Cambridge:

Pros	Cons
Above-National-Average Pay: $65,554 median, with clear paths to $90,000+.	Extreme Cost of Living: Rent is $2,377/month for a 1BR; home ownership is a distant dream.
Strong, Diverse Job Market: Steady residential work + booming commercial sector (Kendall Square).	High Competition: You need a MA license to be competitive. Union jobs are coveted.
Stable Long-Term Demand: Aging infrastructure and historic homes ensure steady work.	Traffic & Commute: While bike-friendly, driving with a work van in Cambridge can be frustrating.
Career Growth & Specialization: Opportunities in medical gas, green tech, and business ownership.	Regulatory Environment: MA has strict codes and licensing. Can feel bureaucratic.
Vibrant City Life: Access to culture, education, and a young, dynamic population.	Weather: New England winters mean outdoor work can be challenging, though commercial work is often indoors.

Final Recommendation:
Cambridge is an excellent choice for a plumber who is career-focused, skilled, and willing to specialize. It’s not the place for an entry-level plumber to get rich quickly, but for a journeyman or master plumber with a few years of experience, it offers a stable, well-paying career with a high ceiling. The key is to get licensed, target the right employers (commercial or high-end residential), and be prepared to start with a roommate or live in a slightly less expensive adjacent neighborhood. If you value a challenging, urban environment and can handle the financial squeeze, Cambridge will reward your trade skills handsomely.

FAQs

Q1: Is it worth getting a Massachusetts plumber's license if I'm already licensed in another state?
A: It depends. Massachusetts does not have reciprocity with any other state. If you have significant experience (typically 5+ years), you can apply to take the journeyman or master exam directly, though you'll need to document your hours and training. For most, completing an apprenticeship in MA is the most straightforward path, but it does add years to your timeline.

Q2: How competitive are union vs. non-union jobs in Cambridge?
A: Very. Union jobs (Local 12, 51, etc.) offer higher wages and better benefits, especially on large commercial projects. They are competitive to get into. Non-union residential and small commercial jobs are more accessible and provide faster entry into the field, but wages and benefits are typically lower. Many plumbers work non-union early in their career and move to union jobs later.

Q3: What’s the best way to find an apprenticeship in Cambridge?
A: Start with the Massachusetts Department of Labor's apprenticeship listing. Contact the District Council of Eastern Massachusetts for union apprenticeships. Also, reach out directly to larger local plumbing contractors (like Crown Plumbing) to ask if they sponsor apprentices. Be persistent—it’s a competitive process.

Q4: Do plumbers in Cambridge need to be familiar with specific local building codes?
A: Absolutely. While the state has a plumbing code, Cambridge has its own Supplementary Building Regulations that can be more stringent, especially regarding historic preservation, water conservation, and energy efficiency. A plumber who understands both state and local codes is highly valuable. The city’s Inspectional Services Department is the local authority.

Q5: Is it feasible to commute to Cambridge from outside the city to save on rent?
A: Yes, and many do. The MBTA commuter rail and subway lines connect Cambridge to suburbs like Lowell, Woburn, and beyond. However, if you're working on residential service calls, a commute to first job site in Cambridge from a distant suburb can be inefficient. For commercial jobs, a long commute might be acceptable. Weigh the $500-$800/month you might save on rent against the cost and time of commuting.