LicenseCompass

BARBER License in Massachusetts

Quick Answer

To become a licensed barber in Massachusetts, you need barber school training, a physician's health certificate, and must pass the state board exam. Reduced fees for military families.

Education Required
1000 hours
Exam
Massachusetts State Board Exam
Total Cost
$275 (est.)
Timeline
6-9 months (including barber school)
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Biennial

Requirements

BARBER license in Massachusetts

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
State exam required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
Fees are reduced and expedited processing is available for military and spouses

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$50
Exam Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
$50
Total Estimated Cost
$275

Licensing Agency

Board of Registration of Barbers~Division of Professional Licensure

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your BARBER license in Massachusetts. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$50
Exam FeeEst.$75
Total Estimated Cost$125

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Massachusetts licensing board.

BARBER Salary in Massachusetts

Entry Level

$38,340

Median

$48,990

Experienced

$53,310

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed BARBER in Massachusetts.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    State exam required — Massachusetts State Board Exam

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$50.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 6-9 months (including barber school).

BARBER Licensing in Massachusetts: What to Know

Massachusetts requires a certificate from a registered physician confirming freedom from infectious/contagious diseases. Applicants must pay a fee and appear at a Board meeting for examination. CE is required for renewal. No criminal record prohibitions. Massachusetts offers reduced fees and expedited processing for military and spouses. The Board of Registration of Barbers under the Division of Professional Licensure handles licensing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a BARBER license cost in Massachusetts?
The estimated total cost is $275, including application fees, exam fees ($75), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a BARBER license in Massachusetts?
The process typically takes 6-9 months (including barber school), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a BARBER license in Massachusetts?
You need to pass the Massachusetts State Board Exam. State exam required

Considering another state?

Compare BARBER requirements across states.

View all states →

Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.