Barber in Massachusetts
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Massachusetts.
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a barber in Massachusetts
To become a licensed Master Barber in Massachusetts, individuals must complete a 1,000-hour training program at a state-approved barber school or through an apprenticeship. Applicants must then pass both the written theory and practical examinations administered by PSI. A criminal background check is required, and the minimum age for licensure is 16. The license must be renewed every two years, with no continuing education hours required.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Massachusetts. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Massachusetts requirements
| Licensing body | Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 1000-hour training program |
| Experience | 1,000.0 hours |
| Exam | PSI Master Barber theory and practical tests (Written and Practical) ($180) |
| Application fee | $20 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Massachusetts accepts out-of-state training and current licenses; an exam is required only if the license is expired.Reciprocal states: Massachusetts accepts training from other states if the study requirements are the same (1,000 hours) and the license is current. If the license is expired, the practical exam must be taken. A $225 license fee is required for reciprocity applicants. Out-of-country applicants must take the written theory exam. |
| Notes | Minimum age of 16. Requires a criminal background check. The initial license issued is a 'Master Barber' license. Apprentice licenses are also available. |
Source: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Massachusetts? See whether Massachusetts recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Barber license reciprocity guide.
workspace_premium Massachusetts license tiers
Massachusetts offers multiple tiers of barber licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | N/A |
| Master Barber | 1,000 |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleMassachusetts license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Barber head-to-head
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