Cosmetologist in Massachusetts

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

Median annual salary

$47,740

trending_up +35.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Massachusetts.

engineering

9,210

Jobs (MA)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$188

Licensing fees

schedule

6 months (minimum program length)

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Massachusetts

To become a licensed cosmetologist in Massachusetts, applicants must complete a 1000-hour training program at a Board-approved cosmetology school and have at least a 10th-grade education. Candidates must then pass both the written and practical examinations administered by Pearson VUE. The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering handles licensing, and licenses are renewed every two years on the licensee's birthday, with no continuing education required. Reciprocity is available for out-of-state licensees who meet equivalent standards.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $31,790

25th percentile $35,470

50th (median) $47,740

75th percentile $61,800

90th (experienced) $70,670

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 and 10th-grade education or equivalent
Exam	Pearson VUE Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($120)
Application fee	$68
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum age of 17 years old. Renewal is biennial on the licensee's birthday. A Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) acknowledgment form is required for application.

Source: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.6%

Faster than average

Annual openings

75,800

Nationwide per year

Total employment

575,200

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.68/1.00

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_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a cosmetologist 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 cosmetologist in Massachusetts? expand_more

Massachusetts requires cosmetologists to complete the required education (1000-hour training program and 10th-grade education or equivalent), pass the Pearson VUE Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and submit your application ($68 fee).

Is a cosmetologist license required in Massachusetts? expand_more

Yes, Massachusetts requires a state license to practice as a cosmetologist. The licensing body is Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. You must pass the Pearson VUE Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams.

How much do cosmetologists make in Massachusetts? expand_more

The median cosmetologist salary in Massachusetts is $47,740 per year. — 35% higher than the $35,250 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $31,790, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $70,670.

How much does it cost to become a cosmetologist in Massachusetts? expand_more

Between exam fee ($120) and application fee ($68), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How long does it take to become a cosmetologist in Massachusetts? expand_more

Most candidates in Massachusetts complete the process in 6 months (minimum program length), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.