Solar Installer in Massachusetts: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Energy
Massachusetts employs 620 solar installers, with a statewide median of $59,180 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Massachusetts licensing picture, and where to train.
What Solar installers Earn in Massachusetts (May 2025)
- Massachusetts median pay
- $59,180 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $46,150
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $70,400
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $76,280
- Employed in Massachusetts
- 620
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $51,860 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for solar installers in major Massachusetts markets:
- Boston
- $59,400 (380 employed)
- Providence
- $53,700 (110 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Massachusetts
Prices in Massachusetts run about 6% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $59,180 median is worth closer to $55,936 once higher local prices are factored in.
Massachusetts License and Certification Requirements
No dedicated solar installer license — electrical connections require Journeyman Electrician (E-2) license — regulated by the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians — electrical work requires license.
- Massachusetts has no separate solar installer license. Mechanical racking work does not require a license. All electrical connections for solar installations must be made by or under a licensed Massachusetts Journeyman or Master Electrician.
- Earn NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) PV Installation Professional certification — the industry gold standard. Requires documented installation hours and passing exam.
- Massachusetts has one of the strongest solar markets in the country due to the SMART program (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target), net metering, and high electricity prices making solar economics favorable. Major installers include Sunrun, SunPower/Complete Solaria, and local Massachusetts solar companies.
Training in Massachusetts
Massachusetts' SMART incentive program and among-the-highest electricity rates in the continental US make it one of the best solar installation markets. Bristol Community College and vocational programs are developing solar installation curriculum. The state's solar-friendly policies have created a large number of installer jobs — wages are above average given the electrician licensing requirement for wiring work.
Where Solar installers Work in Massachusetts
Real Massachusetts power plants that employ solar installers include:
- New England Wind LLC — Florida
- Berkshire Wind Power Project — Lanesboro
- Sja Solar LLC-Solterra Monastery Csg — Spencer
- Barrett Pv — Oxford
- Future Generation Wind — Plymouth
- Stony Brook — Ludlow
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want fast entry into energy work and can handle roofs and outdoor labor.
Think twice if: You need high starting pay, indoor work, or stable hours from day one.
Why it's resilient: Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
First Steps
Find local installers hiring helpers and compare NABCEP-aligned training options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar installers make in Massachusetts?
The median wage for solar installers in Massachusetts is $59,180 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $46,150, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $76,280. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Solar Installer in Massachusetts?
No dedicated solar installer license — electrical connections require Journeyman Electrician (E-2) license, overseen by the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians — electrical work requires license. Massachusetts has no separate solar installer license. Mechanical racking work does not require a license. All electrical connections for solar installations must be made by or under a licensed Massachusetts Journeyman or Master Electrician.
Is being a Solar Installer a good career in Massachusetts?
Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
Which Massachusetts metros pay solar installers the most?
Among Massachusetts metro areas, Boston leads at $59,400, followed by Providence ($53,700). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Massachusetts statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2231. Licensing summary compiled from the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians — electrical work requires license (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Massachusetts wages · Massachusetts licensing/certification source
Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.