Barber in Massachusetts

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$48,990

trending_up +25.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Massachusetts.

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$200

Licensing fees

schedule

6 months minimum

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

10th percentile (entry) $38,340

25th percentile $38,570

50th (median) $48,990

75th percentile $53,310

90th (experienced) $53,310

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
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

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

10-year growth

+4.1%

Faster than average

Annual openings

8,400

Nationwide per year

Total employment

76,000

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.73/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleMassachusetts license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a barber career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a barber in Massachusetts? expand_more

The path to barber licensure in Massachusetts: complete the required education (1000-hour training program), gain 1,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the PSI Master Barber theory and practical tests (Written and Practical), and submit your application ($20 fee).

Is a barber license required in Massachusetts? expand_more

You cannot practice as a barber in Massachusetts without a state license from Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. The required exam is the PSI Master Barber theory and practical tests (Written and Practical).

What do barbers earn in Massachusetts? expand_more

barbers in Massachusetts earn a median of $48,990 annually. This exceeds the $38,960 national median by 26%. New barbers start around $38,340; seasoned professionals can reach $53,310.

What are the fees to become a barber in Massachusetts? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($180) and application fee ($20) and required training.

What's the timeline to become a barber in Massachusetts? expand_more

In Massachusetts, becoming a barber generally takes 6 months minimum, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.