Loading...
Loading...
Massachusetts barber license — 1,000 training hours, exam details, fees (~$468), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
68% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
1,000 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
~$468
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years (expires Dec 31 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
16 (implied) / 18 (alien apprentice) years old
Education Level
10th grade education or equivalent
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Massachusetts requires a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check as part of the licensing process.
Total Training Hours
1,000 hours
Barber school + mandatory 18-month apprenticeship for Master license
Apprenticeship Alternative
18 months apprenticeship required to upgrade from Apprentice Barber to Master Barber. Alien apprentice pathway: 24-month apprenticeship, age 18+.
Online Hours Allowed
Limited online theory hours may be permitted; practical hours must be in-person
Curriculum Includes
Massachusetts Barber Examination
Available in English, Vietnamese, Spanish, Portuguese, and Simplified Chinese.
Master Barber Practical Examination
Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills including haircutting, shaving, and sanitation procedures. Both exams cost $180 combined.
Haircutting, shaving with straight razor, trimming beards and mustaches, shampooing, styling, hair coloring, permanent waving, chemical hair relaxing, facials, and scalp treatments for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee (both tiers) | $66 |
Exam Fee Written ($90) + practical ($90), paid separately to PSI | $180 |
License Fee License fee (both tiers) | $20 |
Total Government Fees Apprentice path ($201) + Master path ($267) total from start to Master Barber | ~$468 |
Barber School Tuition: $8,000–$20,000
Varies by school and program; NOT a government fee
Title: Master Barber
The Master Barber license is the standard full barber license in Massachusetts. Candidates must complete 1,000 hours of training, pass the written and practical exams, and complete an 18-month apprenticeship under a licensed master barber. Every barbershop must have a licensed master barber supervising during hours of operation.
Reciprocity fee $225 for out-of-state master barbers with 2+ years experience.
Additional Requirements: Must submit verification of out-of-state license and proof of training hours meeting or exceeding Massachusetts requirements.
Barber and cosmetology are separate licenses in Massachusetts. Cosmetologists who wish to perform barbering services (including straight-razor shaving) must complete a 500-hour crossover program and obtain a separate barber license. The Board of Registration oversees both barbering and cosmetology under one combined board.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires Dec 31 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Fee
$40 (Apprentice) / $78 (Master)
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$57
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $78 (Barbershop license fee; shop must pass inspection before licensing)
Barbershops must be separately licensed. Shop must be completely set up with signage and ready for business. Must pass required town inspections and obtain required town permits and certificates before applying for a barbershop license. A licensed master barber must supervise during all operating hours.
Massachusetts is unique in requiring an 18-month apprenticeship under a licensed master barber on top of the 1,000-hour school requirement. The 'Master Barber' title is the default licensure level, not an advanced tier. Every barbershop must have a licensed master barber present during all hours of operation, making the master barber designation critical for shop ownership.
Massachusetts uses a TWO-TIER system: Apprentice Barber (1,000 hrs school + exam) → Master Barber (18 months apprenticeship + exam).
Total costs from start to Master Barber: approximately $468.
Alien apprentice pathway: 24-month apprenticeship, age 18+.
Exam available in English, Vietnamese, Spanish, Portuguese, and Simplified Chinese.
Late renewal fee: $57. If not renewed within 3 years, must retake practical exam.
Separate Board of Registration of Barbers historically, now merged with Cosmetology.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Massachusetts.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#4 of 36
Salary
#8 of 36
Cost
#23 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$38,570
25th percentile
Median
$48,990
+26% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$53,310
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
Note: BLS OEWS data reflects only base wages reported by employers. Barber income often includes tips and booth rental arrangements not captured in these figures.
Source: BLS OEWS – Barbers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.1%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+3,100
over 10 years
Annual Openings
8,400
per year (avg.)
76,000 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering — Licensing Requirements
Estimated total: 40–66 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
PSI scheduling for MA barber exams
Accessed 2026-02-26
Official barbershop licensing requirements
Accessed 2026-02-26
Information on crossover programs between barber and cosmetology
Accessed 2026-02-26
Massachusetts requires 1,000 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.