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Verified by MA Board of Personal Care

Esthetician Licensing in Massachusetts

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for esthetician in Massachusetts, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Esthetician in Massachusetts

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering • Division of Professional Licensure

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $45,600 median (10% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #17 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Massachusetts eligibility requirements for Esthetician licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering~Division of Professional Licensure and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Massachusetts

With a median salary of $45,600, Estheticians in Massachusetts earn 10% above the national median of $41,560. Massachusetts ranks #17 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,805

Median annual salary

$45,600

Hourly estimate

$21.92
10% above national median

Difference: +$4,040

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$34,620
  • P2525th percentile$41,310
  • P50Median$45,600
  • P7575th percentile$53,520
  • P9090th percentile$74,670

State vs National Median

State: $45,600
National: $41,560

Total employment: 1,000 | Annual openings: N/A

Esthetician Salary Ranking

#17 of 50 statesfor Esthetician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Maine$73,500
#2Washington$64,880
#3Vermont$61,060
#4North Dakota$52,510
#5Nebraska$52,010

Nearby States Comparison

Esthetician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Massachusetts$45,600Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
New Hampshire$44,190Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Vermont$61,060Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New York$45,770Specific course requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Connecticut$45,470Specific course requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Rhode Island$38,310Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Massachusetts68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Hampshire68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Vermont68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New York78HighBoard-specific review required.
Connecticut78HighBoard-specific review required.
Rhode Island68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering • Division of Professional Licensure

1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA, 02114

Phone: 6177279940

Related Careers in Massachusetts

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$48,990Degree requiredVaries by board
Cosmetologist$47,740Degree requiredVaries by board
Massage Therapist$59,470Specific course requiredVaries by board
Nail Technician$34,180Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Esthetician in Massachusetts?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Estheticians in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Estheticians.

What education do you need to become a Esthetician in Massachusetts?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Esthetician licensure in Massachusetts.

What is the typical Esthetician salary in Massachusetts?

The median annual salary for Estheticians in Massachusetts is $45,600. Salaries range from $34,620 (10th percentile) to $74,670 (90th percentile).

How does the Esthetician salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?

Estheticians in Massachusetts earn 10% above the national median of $41,560, with a state median of $45,600.

How many Estheticians work in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts employs approximately 1,000 Estheticians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Esthetician license to Massachusetts from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Estheticians in Massachusetts?

The licensing agency is Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering / Division of Professional Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/hd/.

How often do you renew a Esthetician license in Massachusetts?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.