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

Cosmetologist Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median cosmetologist salary in Boston, MA is $53,322 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$53,322
vs State Avg
+$5,964
vs National
+$18,242
Cost of Living
152%

Cosmetologist Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median cosmetologist salary of $53,322, which is $5,964 above the Massachusetts state average of $47,358. Compared to the national median of $35,080, 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 $53,322 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Boston spans from $33,440 at the 10th percentile to $88,160 at the 90th percentile — a $54,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,480, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. 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.

Cosmetologist Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $36,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,480
+$12,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,720
+$18,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
+$28,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $33,440
25th Percentile $41,040
Median (50th) $53,322
75th Percentile $69,920
90th Percentile $88,160

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$56,128
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$38,588
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$36,834
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$34,378
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Boston

Education

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

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Boston

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Boston

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $53,322 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $33,440 (10th percentile) to $88,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,322, a cosmetologist 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 cosmetologist pay? ▼
Boston's median cosmetologist salary of $53,322 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $47,358. 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 cosmetologist salary of $53,322 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Boston? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Boston require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.