The 978 area code serves northeastern Massachusetts, covering the Merrimack Valley and North Shore. Created in 1997 when it split from the 508 area code, 978 anchors historic mill cities such as Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill along with coastal Gloucester and the Fitchburg-Leominster corridor to the west.

Quick Summary of the 978 Area Code

Area Code978
StateMassachusetts (MA)
RegionNortheastern Massachusetts / Merrimack Valley
Major CitiesLowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Fitchburg, Andover, Methuen, Gloucester, Leominster
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – EST / EDT
Dialing Format10-digit dialing required

Geographic Coverage

The 978 area code blankets a broad arc of northern Massachusetts, from the Merrimack Valley cities of Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Methuen, and Andover, west through Fitchburg and Leominster, and east to the North Shore fishing port of Gloucester. It borders New Hampshire to the north and shares overlay territory with the 351 area code across the same footprint.

Time Zone

The 978 area code observes Eastern Time (ET). Clocks follow Eastern Standard Time (UTC−5) in winter and shift to Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4) from mid-March through early November. If you are coordinating a call from the West Coast, remember that this region is three hours ahead of Pacific Time, so a 9:00 AM call in California reaches a 978 number at 12:00 PM local time.

Tip: Business hours across the 978 region generally run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

How to Dial a 978 Number

Because area code 978 operates as part of an overlay, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for every local and long-distance call. You must dial the full 10-digit number (978 + the seven-digit line number) even when calling a neighbor across the street. For international callers, dial your country’s exit code, then +1 (the North American country code), then 978, followed by the seven-digit local number.

Scam Alerts for the 978 Area Code

Like every U.S. area code, 978 has been used by scammers who spoof local numbers to appear trustworthy. Residents in Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Fitchburg, Andover, Methuen, Gloucester, Leominster should stay alert to the following common tactics:

Scam TypeWhat to Watch For
IRS / Tax ScamsCallers claiming you owe back taxes and threatening arrest unless you pay immediately.
Utility Shut-offFake Eversource or National Grid reps demanding payment to avoid disconnection.
Bank Fraud AlertsRobocalls impersonating your bank about “suspicious activity” to phish account details.
Grandparent ScamA caller posing as a relative in trouble asking for emergency wire transfers.

If you receive a suspicious call from a 978 number, take these steps to protect yourself:

  1. Do not share personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or passwords over the phone.
  2. Hang up and verify by calling the organization back using an official number from its website.
  3. Report the call to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
  4. Block the number and consider registering with the National Do Not Call Registry.

Red Flag: Legitimate agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, or your utility company (Eversource or National Grid) will never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Any 978 caller making such a demand is a scammer.

Nearby & Related Area Codes

Massachusetts is served by several area codes. If you are researching 978, these neighboring and overlay codes are worth knowing:

You can also browse our full directory of Massachusetts area codes for more regional guides.

History and Economy of the 978 Region

The 978 area code was carved out of the 508 area code in 1997 as eastern Massachusetts outgrew its original numbering plan. Just four years later, in 2001, the 351 overlay was added on top of 978 to keep pace with continued demand for landlines, fax lines, and mobile numbers. The region has a deep industrial heritage: Lowell and Lawrence were among the birthplaces of the American Industrial Revolution, powered by the mills along the Merrimack River. Today that legacy has given way to a diversified economy – high-technology and defense firms line the Interstate 495 corridor, the Route 128 tech belt reaches its northern edge here, and Gloucester remains one of the oldest working fishing ports in the nation. This mix of historic mill cities, suburban communities, and coastal towns is why 978 numbers appear across such a wide swath of northern Massachusetts.

Looking Up a 978 Number

If you want to identify who is calling from a 978 number, start with a reverse phone lookup service or simply search the full 10-digit number online. Many businesses list their 978 numbers publicly, so a quick search often reveals a legitimate caller. For unknown numbers, let the call go to voicemail – genuine callers usually leave a message, while robocallers and scammers rarely do.

↑ See the complete list of All US Area Codes by State – every area code across all 50 states in one directory.

Explore Neighboring States

Researching area codes just across the state line? Start with these codes in the states that border Massachusetts:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the 978 area code located?

The 978 area code covers northeastern Massachusetts, including the Merrimack Valley (Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill), the Fitchburg-Leominster area, and North Shore communities such as Gloucester.

Do I need to dial 10 digits for 978?

Yes. Because 978 shares an overlay with the 351 area code, you must dial all 10 digits for every local call.

What time zone is the 978 area code in?

The 978 area code is in the Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT).

Is a call from 978 a scam?

Not necessarily – 978 is a legitimate Massachusetts area code. But scammers do spoof 978 numbers, so verify unexpected calls before sharing any information.

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