How much does a Cosmetologist license cost in Massachusetts?

Getting a Cosmetologist license in Massachusetts costs $210 upfront (exam fee $95, application fee $65, license fee $50). Renewal runs $55 every 2 years.

How much do licensed cosmetologists earn in Massachusetts?

Licensed cosmetologists in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $39,100/year, compared to $27,600/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a Cosmetologist license in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts requires 16 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a Cosmetologist license.

Cosmetologist Licenses › Massachusetts

Cosmetologist License Cost in Massachusetts 2026: $210 Fees, $39K Salary

Getting a Cosmetologist license in Massachusetts costs $210 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.2 months.

Cosmetologist License in Massachusetts — Key Numbers

$210

Upfront Cost

$39K

Median Salary (Licensed)

$55

Renewal (every 2 yrs)

0.2 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Cosmetologist License Cost Breakdown — Massachusetts

Exam fee $95

Application fee $65

Initial license fee $50

Total upfront $210

Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $55

CE hours required per cycle 16 hours

Salary without license (Massachusetts) $27,600/yr

Salary with license (Massachusetts) $39,100/yr

5-year net ROI $57K

Licensing body: Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Cosmetologist License in Massachusetts — What to Know

Massachusetts cosmetology licensing requires significant education hours — most states in this tier require 1,000–1,500 hours of cosmetology school before the state board exam. The $39K median covers licensed cosmetologists; top stylists at independent salons or booth renters in Massachusetts's metro areas earn considerably more. Massachusetts's licensing board requires both a practical and written exam. School tuition ($6,000–$18,000) is the real upfront cost — the license fees themselves are minor.

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Other License Costs in Massachusetts

Real Estate Agent → Registered Nurse → General Contractor →

← All states: Cosmetologist License Costs

All certifications in Massachusetts · Payback period by state

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