Personal Care & Fitness Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Cosmetologist Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median cosmetologist salary in Cambridge, MA is $56,128 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$56,128
vs State Avg
+$8,770
vs National
+$21,048
Cost of Living
160%

Cosmetologist Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median cosmetologist salary of $56,128, which is $8,770 above the Massachusetts state average of $47,358. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $56,128 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Cambridge spans from $35,200 at the 10th percentile to $92,800 at the 90th percentile — a $57,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,400, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $38,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,400
+$14,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,600
+$21,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,000
+$33,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $35,200
25th Percentile $43,200
Median (50th) $56,128
75th Percentile $73,600
90th Percentile $92,800

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$53,322
Pop. 675,647
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 Cambridge

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Cambridge 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 Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $56,128 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $92,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,128, a cosmetologist in Cambridge earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Cambridge's median cosmetologist salary of $56,128 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $47,358. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $56,128 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Cambridge? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Cambridge 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.