Certifications & licenses in Massachusetts
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths for 28 professional credentials in MA. Data from BLS OEWS and primary state licensing sources.
What's different about Massachusetts
Licensing landscape in Massachusetts
As of 2024, Massachusetts requires 650 hours of education for licensure but does not mandate a practical or written state exam.
Board of Registration of Massage Therapy
To become a journeyman plumber, the state requires 550 hours of education and 6,800 hours of work experience as an apprentice as of 2024.
Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters
A Class 1 Cosmetology license requires 1,000 hours of training and passing both a practical and written exam in 2024.
Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering
Initial EMT certification in 2024 requires successful completion of a 150-hour training course and passing the National Registry of EMTs exam.
Office of Emergency Medical Services
Metro concentration of certified careers
Cost-of-living adjusted earnings in Massachusetts
A $75,000 MA salary has roughly the purchasing power of a $50,100 salary in an average-cost-of-living state.
Regional comparison: Massachusetts vs. neighbors
| State | Median annual wage | vs MA |
|---|---|---|
| MA | $46,680 | — |
| NH | $47,870 | +3% vs MA |
| VT | $47,130 | +1% vs MA |
| RI | $46,440 | -1% vs MA |
| CT | $44,790 | -4% vs MA |
| NY | $48,590 | +4% vs MA |
| State | Required training hours | vs MA |
|---|---|---|
| MA | 650 hours | — |
| NH | 750 hours | +100 hours |
| VT | — | no statewide requirement |
| RI | 800 hours (eff. 2025) | +150 hours |
| CT | 750 hours | +100 hours |
| NY | 1,000 hours | +350 hours |
Healthcare in Massachusetts
14 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Required | $46,680 |
| Dental Assistant | Required | $57,980 |
| EMT | Required | $50,230 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Required | $80,220 |
| Medical Assistant | No | $49,460 |
| Medical Coder | No | $60,350 |
| Paramedic | Required | $66,340 |
| Pharmacy Technician | Required | $46,470 |
| Phlebotomist | No | $50,170 |
| Radiology Technologist | Required | $103,620 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Required | $104,550 |
| Respiratory Therapist | Required | $102,170 |
| Surgical Technologist | No | $80,870 |
| Dental Hygienist | Required | $100,640 |
Skilled Trades in Massachusetts
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | Required | $63,030 |
| Electrician | Required | $79,420 |
| HVAC Technician | Required | $77,300 |
| Plumber | Required | $93,880 |
| Welder | No | $62,570 |
Personal Care & Wellness in Massachusetts
4 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Trainer | No | $64,620 |
| Barber | Required | — |
| Cosmetologist | Required | $37,290 |
| Massage Therapist | Required | $63,390 |
Professional & Business in Massachusetts
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Required | $99,460 |
| Notary Public | Required | — |
| Paralegal | No | $77,640 |
| Insurance Agent | Required | $79,300 |
| Real Estate Agent | Required | — |