Cosmetologist in Massachusetts: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Massachusetts employs 9,600 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $37,290 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Massachusetts licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Massachusetts (May 2025)
- Massachusetts median pay
- $37,290 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $31,600
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $60,340
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $79,330
- Employed in Massachusetts
- 9,600
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Massachusetts markets:
- Cape Cod
- $46,520 (370 employed)
- Boston
- $37,430 (7,870 employed)
- Springfield
- $36,690 (410 employed)
- Worcester
- $36,430 (640 employed)
- Providence
- $31,200 (2,120 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Massachusetts
Prices in Massachusetts run about 6% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $37,290 median is worth closer to $35,246 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Massachusetts (2024–2034)
Massachusetts is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +3.5%, slower than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 2,250 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Massachusetts License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Cosmetologist (Hairdresser) — regulated by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering.
- Complete 1,000 hours of cosmetology training at a Massachusetts Board-approved cosmetology school, covering hair cutting and coloring, chemical services, skin care, nail care, and Massachusetts cosmetology law.
- Pass the Massachusetts Board written and practical state board examinations for cosmetology.
- Apply to the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering for your cosmetologist license. Renew every two years on your license birthday.
Official requirements: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering →
Training in Massachusetts
Massachusetts' 1,000-hour cosmetology requirement is lower than most states — programs can be completed in under a year full-time. Greater Boston has a thriving salon culture, particularly in affluent suburbs and upscale urban neighborhoods. Newbury Street salons, hotel salon operations, and suburban chain salons are the primary employers. Commission and booth rent are both common structures.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Massachusetts include:
- Alexander Academy — Certificate
- COLLECTIV Academy-Worcester — Certificate
- Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics — Certificate
- Charles H McCann Technical School — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who are creative, social, and want a licensed practice with real self-employment potential once they build a clientele.
Think twice if: Standing all day, chemical exposure, irregular booth-rental income, and state-mandated training hours of 1,000–1,600 sound like barriers.
Why it's resilient: Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
First Steps
Check your state's required hours, compare licensed school costs, and ask about job placement rates before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cosmetologists make in Massachusetts?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Massachusetts is $37,290 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,600, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $79,330. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Massachusetts?
Licensed Cosmetologist (Hairdresser), overseen by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. Complete 1,000 hours of cosmetology training at a Massachusetts Board-approved cosmetology school, covering hair cutting and coloring, chemical services, skin care, nail care, and Massachusetts cosmetology law.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Massachusetts?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Massachusetts metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Massachusetts metro areas, Cape Cod leads at $46,520, followed by Boston ($37,430), Springfield ($36,690). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Cosmetologist in Massachusetts?
Real Massachusetts options include Alexander Academy, COLLECTIV Academy-Worcester, Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts projects cosmetologists employment to change +3.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,250 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Massachusetts statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Massachusetts wages · Massachusetts licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.