Personal Care & Fitness Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Barber Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median barber salary in Boston, MA is $54,325 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$54,325
vs State Avg
+$6,076
vs National
+$18,585
Cost of Living
152%

Barber Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median barber salary of $54,325, which is $6,076 above the Massachusetts state average of $48,249. Compared to the national median of $35,740, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $54,325 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,740. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for barbers in Boston spans from $34,960 at the 10th percentile to $94,240 at the 90th percentile — a $59,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,000, while senior barbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,160. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Barber Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level barber earns around $38,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,000
+$13,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,240
+$19,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,160
+$30,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $34,960
25th Percentile $42,560
Median (50th) $54,325
75th Percentile $72,960
90th Percentile $94,240

Barber Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$57,184
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$39,314
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$37,527
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$35,025
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Barber in Boston

Education

Most barber positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

HaircuttingShavingClient ConsultationSanitationStylingBusiness Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, barber employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Barber Jobs in Boston

Browse open barber positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Barber Salary in Boston

How much does a Barber make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median barber salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $54,325 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $35,740. Salaries range from $34,960 (10th percentile) to $94,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Barber make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,325, a barber in Boston earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for barber pay? ▼
Boston's median barber salary of $54,325 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $48,249. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a barber salary of $54,325 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a barber in Boston? ▼
Most barber positions in Boston require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Haircutting, Shaving, Client Consultation, Sanitation. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.