Massachusetts · Eastern Time
978 Area Code
Area code 978 is in Massachusetts, serving northeastern Massachusetts including Lowell, Lawrence, the North Shore and Fitchburg. It is in the Eastern Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 351, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 978 area code?
978 is a Massachusetts area code covering northeastern Massachusetts including Lowell, Lawrence, the North Shore and Fitchburg. In the wider directory it sits in the Northeast region.
Cities in the 978 area code
- Lowell
- Lawrence
- Haverhill
- Peabody
- Methuen
- Salem
- Beverly
- Leominster
- Fitchburg
- Billerica
- Chelmsford
- Andover
- Gloucester
- Newburyport
Counties served by 978
Middlesex County, Essex County and Worcester County.
978 overlay codes and dialing
The 978 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 351, 978. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 978. 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 978 area code
978 went into service on September 1, 1997, created when it was split from 508. It serves Lowell and the surrounding part of Massachusetts, and today shares its territory with overlay code 351. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 978 a scam or spam risk?
978 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 978 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Lowell, 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 9XX 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
978 area code FAQ
Where is the 978 area code?
The 978 area code is in Massachusetts, covering northeastern Massachusetts including Lowell, Lawrence, the North Shore and Fitchburg, in the Northeast region.
What cities are in the 978 area code?
Cities in the 978 area code include Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Peabody, Methuen, Salem, Beverly, Leominster, Fitchburg and Billerica.
What time zone is 978 in?
978 is in the Eastern Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 978 area code?
978 shares its territory with 351. Both codes (351, 978) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 978 area code start?
978 went into service on September 1, 1997.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 978?
Yes. Because 978 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 978 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 978 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.