How to Become A Cosmetologist in Massachusetts
Massachusetts employs approximately 9,600 cosmetologists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $37,290 1. The state’s concentration of cosmetologist jobs is 1.34x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 75,800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a cosmetologist in Massachusetts, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Cosmetologist in Massachusetts
How do I become a cosmetologist in Massachusetts? Massachusetts requires credentials such as BARBER, COSMETOLOGIST (HAIRDRESSER) LICENSE. The licensing authority is the Board of Registration of Barbers - Division of Professional Licensure 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Massachusetts? Yes. Massachusetts has licensing or registration requirements for cosmetologists. The Board of Registration of Barbers - Division of Professional Licensure oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do cosmetologists earn in Massachusetts? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in Massachusetts is $37,290 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $31,600 and experienced professionals can earn $79,330 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Board of Registration of Barbers - Division of Professional Licensure
- Median wage (Massachusetts): $37,290 per year 1
- Exam requirement: State exam required
Cosmetologist License Requirements in Massachusetts
The Board of Registration of Barbers - Division of Professional Licensure oversees cosmetologist licensing in Massachusetts 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| BARBER | Any person desiring to obtain a certificate of registration shall make application to the board therefor, pay to the secretary thereof a fee, as determined annually by the commissioner of administrati… |
| COSMETOLOGIST (HAIRDRESSER) LICENSE | Complete a basic 1000 hour course in a licensed cosmetology school. |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Exam: State exam required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Cosmetologist Wages by Metro Area in Massachusetts
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Wages by Metro Area in Massachusetts
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists wages in Massachusetts vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton | 7,870 | $37,430 | $49,010 | $31,600 | $78,850 |
| Providence-Warwick | 2,120 | $31,200 | $40,070 | $31,200 | $65,430 |
| Worcester | 640 | $36,430 | $49,580 | $31,200 | $93,210 |
| Springfield | 410 | $36,690 | $49,780 | $31,200 | $91,030 |
| Barnstable Town | 370 | $46,520 | $54,480 | $31,240 | $97,620 |
| Pittsfield | 140 | $35,550 | $46,040 | $31,200 | $91,440 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Cosmetologists in Massachusetts
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest cosmetologist employment within Massachusetts according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton | 7,870 | $37,430 |
| Worcester | 640 | $36,430 |
| Springfield | 410 | $36,690 |
| Barnstable Town | 370 | $46,520 |
| Pittsfield | 140 | $35,550 |
Explore More Trades in Massachusetts
- Electrician in Massachusetts
- Plumber in Massachusetts
- HVAC Technician in Massachusetts
- Welder in Massachusetts
- Carpenter in Massachusetts
- Solar Installation Technician in Massachusetts
- Auto Mechanic in Massachusetts
- CNC Machinist in Massachusetts
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Massachusetts
- Medical Assistant in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cosmetologists in Massachusetts? Massachusetts currently employs approximately 9,600 cosmetologists 1. Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a cosmetologist in Massachusetts with an out-of-state license? Contact the Board of Registration of Barbers - Division of Professional Licensure for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Massachusetts? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Massachusetts.
How much do cosmetologists earn in Massachusetts compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in Massachusetts is $37,290, which is $2,040 above the national median of $35,250 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Board of Registration of Barbers - Division of Professional Licensure - Licensing Information: http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/br/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |