Cosmetologist / Massachusetts
2026 data Massachusetts board official source

Massachusetts Cosmetologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides hair, skin, and nail care services. Required in all 50 states.

What the Massachusetts data shows for Cosmetologists

To practice as a cosmetologist in Massachusetts, the state licensing board requires 1,381 documented education or training hours, a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. The regulation sits under Massachusetts's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

Upfront cost is $75, with renewal running $25 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 3 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Massachusetts doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

For cosmetologists, the reciprocity picture is: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Ease Score

C+
Licensing Ease Score
63/100
Cosmetologist · Massachusetts

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
1,381 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$130
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B
$33/yr
$66 every 2 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,381 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$130
Renewal Fee
$66
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
3 wks
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
16 years
Compare fees across all states for Cosmetologist →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Cosmetologist All Massachusetts licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Massachusetts licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts requires 1381 education/training hours, passing an exam (State Cosmetology Board Exam), and an initial fee of $130. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in Massachusetts? ▼
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Massachusetts, you must meet the state's requirements including 1381 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Massachusetts licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Massachusetts from another state? ▼
Cosmetologist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Varies by state — check with state board. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Massachusetts licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Massachusetts require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
Massachusetts does require a background check before issuing a cosmetologist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in Massachusetts? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Massachusetts is $75. The renewal fee is $25 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 3 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Cosmetologist license processing take in Massachusetts? ▼
In Massachusetts, license processing for cosmetologists typically takes approximately 3 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this cosmetologist license

Cosmetologist in Massachusetts, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a cosmetologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Massachusetts's cosmetologist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Cosmetologist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state cosmetologist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Massachusetts's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Massachusetts overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Massachusetts licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.