Massachusetts · Eastern Time
508 Area Code
Area code 508 is in Massachusetts, serving central and southeastern Massachusetts, including Worcester, Cape Cod and the islands. It is in the Eastern Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 774, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 508 area code?
508 is a Massachusetts area code covering central and southeastern Massachusetts, including Worcester, Cape Cod and the islands. In the wider directory it sits in the Northeast region.
Cities in the 508 area code
- Worcester
- New Bedford
- Brockton
- Fall River
- Framingham
- Taunton
- Plymouth
- Attleboro
- Barnstable
- Marlborough
- Shrewsbury
- Milford
- Falmouth
- Dartmouth
Counties served by 508
Worcester County, Bristol County, Plymouth County, Barnstable County, Middlesex County, Norfolk County, Dukes County and Nantucket County.
508 overlay codes and dialing
The 508 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 508, 774. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 508. Because more than one code covers the same ground, 10-digit dialing is mandatory — you must dial the area code for every local call. New phone lines may be assigned any of these codes.
History of the 508 area code
508 went into service on July 16, 1988, created when it was split from 617. It serves Worcester and the surrounding part of Massachusetts, and today shares its territory with overlay code 774. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 508 a scam or spam risk?
508 is a legitimate geographic area code, not a premium or toll line, so a call from it costs you nothing extra. That said, scammers frequently spoof real local area codes to look familiar on caller ID. A genuine 508 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Worcester, MA or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Massachusetts area codes
Explore more
See every code in Massachusetts, compare codes across the Northeast region, or view all Eastern Time codes. You can also browse the 5XX block or the complete numeric list of US area codes.
New to how this all works? Start with how area codes work, then read up on overlays, 10-digit dialing, and spam & scam-risk codes. To check another number, use the area code lookup tool.
Quick answers
508 area code FAQ
Where is the 508 area code?
The 508 area code is in Massachusetts, covering central and southeastern Massachusetts, including Worcester, Cape Cod and the islands, in the Northeast region.
What cities are in the 508 area code?
Cities in the 508 area code include Worcester, New Bedford, Brockton, Fall River, Framingham, Taunton, Plymouth, Attleboro, Barnstable and Marlborough.
What time zone is 508 in?
508 is in the Eastern Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 508 area code?
508 shares its territory with 774. Both codes (508, 774) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 508 area code start?
508 went into service on July 16, 1988.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 508?
Yes. Because 508 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 508 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 508 is a standard geographic area code, so calling it costs the same as any local or long-distance call on your plan. Toll-free calls use 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.