Plumber in Somerville, MA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for plumbers considering a move to Somerville, Massachusetts.

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The Salary Picture: Where Somerville Stands

As a plumber in Somerville, you're entering a robust regional market, but the pay is slightly below the national average. The median salary for plumbers in the area is $65,554/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $31.52/hour. This is modestly higher than the national average of $63,350/year, reflecting the higher cost of living in the Greater Boston area. The job market is active, with approximately 160 plumbing jobs available in the immediate metro area, supported by a 10-Year Job Growth projection of 6%. This growth is fueled by ongoing residential redevelopment, aging infrastructure in older neighborhoods, and consistent demand from commercial entities.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, actual earnings vary significantly with experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the region:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities & Context
Entry-Level	$50,000 - $58,000	Apprentice work, assisting journeymen, learning code, and mastering basic repairs. Most start in service companies or large construction firms.
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	$65,000 - $78,000	Licensed to work independently, handle complex installations, and often lead small crews. This is where the median $65,554 sits.
Senior-Level	$80,000 - $95,000+	Project management, specialized systems (medical gas, fire suppression), mentoring apprentices, and often working for union or high-end commercial firms.
Expert/Owner	$100,000+	Business owners, master plumbers, or niche consultants. Earnings are variable but can be substantial with a solid client base.

Comparison to Other MA Cities

Somerville's salary is competitive within the state. It outperforms smaller cities but trails major hubs. For context:

• Boston: Median ~$72,000 (higher due to density and commercial projects).
• Worcester: Median ~$62,000 (slightly lower cost of living).
• Springfield: Median ~$60,000. Somerville’s proximity to Boston and its intense redevelopment drive keeps demand and wages firm.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding your net income is critical. Somerville has a high cost of living, primarily driven by housing. The average 1BR Rent is $2,064/month, and the city’s Cost of Living Index is 111.6 (US avg = 100), meaning you pay about 12% more for everyday expenses than the national average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Plumber Earning Median Salary)

Assumptions: Single filer, no dependents, standard deductions, MA state tax (5%), federal tax, FICA. This is an estimate; consult a tax professional.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$5,463	($65,554 annual ÷ 12)
Taxes (Federal, State, FICA)	~$1,150	Approx. 21% effective rate.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$4,313
Rent (1BR Avg)	$2,064	Your largest expense.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Varies by season; higher in winter.
Food & Groceries	$450	Somerville has grocery prices ~10% above avg.
Transportation (MBTA/Car)	$200	MBTA monthly pass is $90; car adds insurance, gas, parking.
Health Insurance	$300	Often employer-subsidized, but plan for this co-pay.
Misc/Entertainment	$500	Leftover for savings, debt, or leisure.
Remaining Buffer	~$549	Tight, but manageable with careful budgeting.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

With a net take-home of ~$4,313 and a median single-family home price in Somerville exceeding $900,000, buying a home as a single plumber on this salary is extremely challenging. A 20% down payment ($180,000) is prohibitive, and a mortgage payment would likely exceed your entire monthly budget. However, it’s not impossible with a dual-income household, years of aggressive saving, or looking at condos in the $500k-$600k range (though these are scarce). Many plumbers live in more affordable neighboring cities like Chelsea, Everett, or Malden and commute to Somerville for work.

Where the Jobs Are: Somerville's Major Employers

Somerville’s plumbing job market is a mix of residential service, commercial construction, and institutional maintenance. The city’s constant redevelopment (e.g., Assembly Row, Union Square) and aging housing stock create steady demand.

1. City of Somerville Public Works: Maintains municipal infrastructure, including water mains, sewer lines, and public facilities. Stable, unionized employment with excellent benefits. Hiring is cyclical but often includes apprenticeships.
2. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA): While based in Boston, the MBTA has facilities in Somerville (e.g., the Wellington Depot). They employ plumbers for station and facility maintenance. It's a large, institutional employer with strong union representation (AFSCME).
3. Tufts University: A major employer with a vast campus in Medford and Tufts Medical Center in Boston. They have an in-house facilities team for plumbing maintenance across dorms, labs, and clinical spaces. Look for "Facilities Technician" or "Plumber" postings on their career site.
4. Brigham and Women's Hospital & MIT (nearby): While not in Somerville proper, these world-class institutions are major employers within a 10-15 minute drive. They require specialized plumbers for medical gas systems, lab setups, and high-pressure steam systems. This is a path to higher pay ($85k+).
5. Local Construction Firms (e.g., Shawmut Design & Construction, Consigli): These large regional firms hire plumbers for high-end residential and commercial projects in Somerville and the greater Boston area. Work is project-based but offers experience on complex builds.
6. Residential Service Companies (e.g., Liberty Plumbing, Boston Standard): Boston-area firms often service Somerville homes. They offer steady, year-round work handling repairs, installations, and emergency calls. Pay is often commission-based for service techs, which can be lucrative for motivated plumbers.
7. Union Contractors (Local 12): The Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 12 covers the Boston area. Many of the largest commercial/industrial plumbing jobs in Somerville (e.g., at the new Innovation District buildings) are done by signatory contractors. Joining the union provides access to these high-wage projects.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest for licensed journeymen with experience in modern PEX systems, hydronic heating, and commercial backflow prevention. There's a steady need for residential service plumbers as the housing stock ages.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has a strict licensing process to protect public health and safety. You cannot work independently without a license.

1. Apprenticeship (4 Years): Complete a state-approved apprenticeship program (8,000 hours of on-the-job training) OR work under a licensed master plumber for 4 years. This is the foundational step.
2. Journeyman Exam: After your apprenticeship, you must pass the Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber Exam. This tests knowledge of the state plumbing code, safety, and practical applications.
   • Cost: Exam fee is ~$150. Apprenticeship programs may have tuition (e.g., $1,000-$2,000/year).
   • Timeline: The exam is offered several times a year in Boston.
3. Master Plumber License: To pull permits and run your own business, you need a Master Plumber license. This requires 2 years as a licensed journeyman and passing a more advanced exam.

Insider Tip: The fastest path to employment is starting as an apprentice with a union contractor. The Local 12 JATC (Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee) offers a structured program, pays you while you learn, and leads directly to union journeyman status, which commands the highest wages in the region.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

While plumbers often work city-wide, where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Somerville is dense and walkable, but parking can be a nightmare.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why a Plumber Might Choose It
Davis Square	Vibrant, central, young professionals. Easy Red Line access.	$2,200+	Great for social life; central for service calls. Parking is tough.
Assembly Row	Modern, retail-focused, near I-93. Car-friendly.	$2,300+	Newer builds, easy highway access for commuting to jobs in other cities.
Teele Square	Residential, family-friendly, slightly quieter.	$1,900+	More affordable, easier street parking for a work van. Good access to Medford.
Magoun Square	Up-and-coming, diverse, good local food scene.	$1,950+	Central location, less expensive than Davis, good mix of residential and commercial.
Livingston Street Area (West Somerville)	Residential, near Tufts University.	$2,000+	Quiet, good value, close to Tufts jobs. Limited parking.

Insider Tip: If you have a work van, prioritize neighborhoods with easier parking like Teele or parts of West Somerville. Parking tickets in Somerville are frequent and costly for commercial vehicles without a permit.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Growth is linear but can accelerate with specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Plumbers with certifications in medical gas, fire protection systems, or backflow prevention can earn 15-25% more than generalist journeymen. Green technology expertise (solar thermal, greywater systems) is also in demand.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Journeyman to Foreman: Manage a crew on construction sites.
  2. Journeyman to Service Manager: Oversee a residential/commercial service company.
  3. Journeyman to Master Plumber: Start your own business. This is where earnings can exceed $100,000+, but it involves significant risk and administrative work.
  4. Union Path: Work on high-profile projects (e.g., the new Somerville High School, biotech labs) which pay premium union wages and benefit packages.

10-Year Outlook

The 6% job growth is reliable. The demand will be driven by:

• Infrastructure: Aging water/sewer systems in Cambridge and Somerville need replacement.
• Green Energy: Incentives for heat pumps and efficient systems will require plumbers for installation.
• Residential Market: As long as homes are being renovated and converted (a common practice in Somerville), plumbing work is guaranteed.

The Verdict: Is Somerville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, diverse job market with public, private, and institutional employers.	High cost of living makes housing and general expenses challenging on a single salary.
High earning potential for union and specialized plumbers.	Competitive housing market; renting is the only realistic option for most.
Vibrant urban environment with excellent public transit (if not driving).	Parking and traffic can be a major headache for service plumbers with work vans.
Proximity to Boston offers access to even more career and training opportunities.	Saturation of entry-level jobs; credentials and experience are essential for top pay.

Final Recommendation: Somerville is an excellent choice for a licensed journeyman plumber with a few years of experience, especially if you join a union or specialize in commercial systems. It's a difficult market for a brand-new apprentice unless you have a secure apprenticeship lined up. The city offers a dynamic career environment but demands a strategic financial plan—be prepared to share housing or live in a nearby more affordable city. For the right candidate, the professional opportunities outweigh the cost challenges.

FAQs

Q: Is it better to work for a union or non-union shop in Somerville?
A: Union jobs (Local 12) typically pay higher ($75-$90+/hr with benefits) and offer more structured training, but are competitive to get into. Non-union shops offer more flexibility and can be a faster path to a service career. For commercial/industrial work, the union is dominant.

Q: Can I get a job as a plumber without formal apprenticeship?
A: Yes, but you must work under a licensed master plumber and log 4 years (8,000 hours) of documented experience before you can take the journeyman exam. A formal apprenticeship is more structured and often preferred by employers.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for plumbers new to Somerville?
A: Housing. Finding affordable, convenient housing with parking for a work van is the top logistical hurdle. Many plumbers live in Chelsea or Everett and commute in.

Q: Are there opportunities for side work?
A: Yes, but be careful. Massachusetts law requires a license for all plumbing work, even side jobs. However, many plumbers do small repairs for friends and neighbors. The biggest risk is getting caught without a license, which can lead to fines and jeopardize your main job.

Q: How do I find an apprenticeship?
A: Contact the Massachusetts State Division of Professional Licensure for approved programs, or directly reach out to the Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 12 JATC. Also, check job boards for "plumbing apprentice" listings from local contractors like E.J. O'Connell or N.E. Mechanical.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure, Zillow rent data, City-Data.com cost of living indices, and local union and employer websites.