How much do solar installers make in Massachusetts in 2026?

The median solar installer in Massachusetts earns $59,180 per year, which works out to $28.45 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. That number sits comfortably above many entry-level construction trades in the state, reflecting steady residential and commercial demand driven by Massachusetts' strong net metering policies and state-level solar incentives.

The bottom quarter of earners — workers earlier in their careers or with fewer specialized skills — come in at $49,550 annually, or about $23.82 per hour. The top quarter clears $70,400 a year, roughly $33.85 per hour. That's a $20,850 spread from the 25th to the 75th percentile, which tells you there's real room to grow as you build experience, add certifications, and move into lead installer or crew foreman roles.

Massachusetts runs hot for solar work in spring and summer when daylight hours are long and homeowners pull permits fastest. Many installers pick up significant overtime during the April-through-September stretch. If your shop pays time-and-a-half beyond 40 hours and you're logging 50-hour weeks through the busy season, that extra 10 hours per week can add several thousand dollars to your annual take. The BLS median doesn't capture overtime, bonuses, or per-diem pay, so actual take-home for a busy installer can exceed the figures shown here.

Geography within Massachusetts matters more than many workers expect. Installers working the Greater Boston metro — including suburban markets like Newton, Brookline, and Wellesley, where high home values and solar-friendly HOA policies drive volume — tend to see stronger wages and steadier year-round work than those in more rural parts of the Pioneer Valley or the Cape Cod seasonal market. Companies based in Worcester or Springfield may offer lower base pay but sometimes compensate with vehicle allowances or tool stipends that don't show up in BLS wage data.

On the licensing side, Massachusetts requires electrical work tied to solar installations to be performed or directly supervised by a licensed electrician. Installers who hold or are working toward an electrician's license — even a journeyman-level credential — are significantly more valuable to employers because they can handle the final hookup and meter connection without waiting on a separate crew. That licensing path takes time, but workers who complete it often jump directly into the upper quartile or beyond.

Certifications also shift your pay. NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) credentials, particularly the PV Installation Professional certification, are widely recognized by commercial contractors and larger residential firms in Massachusetts. Employers hiring for commercial rooftop or ground-mount projects frequently list NABCEP as preferred or required, and those roles tend to pay closer to or above the 75th percentile.

Some solar installers in Massachusetts work under collective bargaining agreements. If you're covered by a union contract, your pay scale and benefits are set by that agreement — check the specific terms directly with your local rather than relying on the BLS figures here, which blend both union and non-union workers across the state.

Company size also plays a role. Large national installers operating in Massachusetts set wages on regional pay bands and may offer 401(k) matching and health benefits, while smaller regional shops sometimes pay a higher base hourly rate but offer thinner benefits. Total compensation — not just the hourly number — is what to compare when you're weighing offers.

All figures on this page come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2025. BLS collects data from employer payroll records, which means it captures base wages reliably but misses overtime, tips, bonuses, and the value of non-wage benefits.