Massachusetts licenses estheticians through the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering, which operates under the Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL). Massachusetts officially uses the spelling “aesthetician” in its regulations, though the license is functionally the same as an esthetician license in other states. You need a Massachusetts aesthetician license to perform facials, skin care treatments, waxing, makeup application, and other esthetic services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Massachusetts requires 600 hours of approved training — doubled from 300 hours in 2019 — plus a written theory exam administered through PSI Services. The total cost including the exam and application fee is approximately $223. Most people complete the full process in 4 to 7 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Massachusetts Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Aesthetician — Type 7 (entry-level) or Type 6 (supervisory) |
| Governing Agency | Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering (under DOL) |
| Statutory Authority | MGL Chapter 112, Sections 87T–87JJ; 272 CMR |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours at a Board-approved school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No — Massachusetts does not offer an apprenticeship pathway |
| Minimum Age | Not specified by statute (schools typically require 16 or 18) |
| Education Prerequisite | 10th grade education or equivalent |
| Exam Required | Written theory exam only (PSI Services) — practical exam eliminated October 2023 |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fee | $155 (paid to PSI) |
| License Application Fee | $68 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $223 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Every 2 years on your birthday | $68 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | Massachusetts eLicensing Portal |
| Board Website | mass.gov — Board of Cosmetology and Barbering |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in a Massachusetts aesthetician program, confirm you meet these baseline requirements:
- Age: Massachusetts statutes do not specify a minimum age for aesthetician licensure, though most approved schools require applicants to be at least 16 or 18 years old
- Education: Completion of the 10th grade or equivalent education
Massachusetts does not automatically disqualify applicants based on criminal history. The Board evaluates criminal backgrounds on a case-by-case basis under the state’s CORI review process.
Step 2: Complete 600 Hours of Esthetics Training
You must complete 600 hours of aesthetician training at a Board-approved school. Full-time programs typically take 4 to 7 months. The curriculum must cover:
- Facial treatments and skin analysis
- Makeup application and color theory
- Hair removal (waxing, tweezing, threading)
- Skin care science, anatomy, and physiology
- Sanitation, sterilization, and infection control
- Product chemistry and ingredient knowledge
- Massachusetts laws and regulations
- Business management and professional ethics
No Apprenticeship: Massachusetts does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for aestheticians. All training must be completed at an approved school program.
At 600 hours, Massachusetts falls near the national average for esthetician training requirements. The state doubled its requirement from 300 hours in 2019. See where all states fall in our esthetician hours by state comparison chart.
Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exam
After completing your 600 hours, you must pass the written theory exam administered by PSI Services. Massachusetts eliminated its practical exam effective October 2, 2023, so only the written portion is required.
How to register:
- Complete your training program and receive your school completion certificate
- Register for the exam through the PSI Exams website or by calling PSI
- Pay the $155 exam fee to PSI
- Schedule your exam at a PSI testing center
Written Exam Details:
- Computer-based multiple-choice format
- Covers esthetics theory, skin care science, anatomy, sanitation, safety, and Massachusetts laws
- A passing score of 75% is required
- Results are available immediately after completing the exam
Retake Policy: If you fail the exam, you may retake it by re-registering through PSI and paying the exam fee again. There is no limit on the number of retake attempts.
Step 4: Apply for Your Massachusetts Esthetician License
After passing the written exam, apply for your aesthetician license through the Massachusetts eLicensing portal. The application fee is $68.
You will need to provide:
- Proof of completing 600 hours at an approved school
- Passing exam score (PSI sends results to the Board automatically)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Payment of the $68 application fee
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. New aesthetician applicants receive a Type 7 license, which authorizes you to perform all esthetics services in any licensed establishment.
Type 6 (Supervisory) License: After gaining at least 2 years of experience as a licensed Type 7 aesthetician, you may apply for a Type 6 (supervisory) license. A Type 6 license is required to supervise other aestheticians and manage an esthetics practice.
License Renewal
Massachusetts aesthetician licenses expire every two years on your birthday. The Board sends renewal notices before expiration.
To renew:
- Renew online through the Massachusetts eLicensing portal
- Pay the $68 renewal fee
- No continuing education is required
Massachusetts does not require continuing education for aesthetician license renewal. You simply pay the renewal fee and update your information.
Late Renewal: If your license expires, you may still renew within a grace period by paying an additional late fee. If your license has lapsed for an extended period, you may need to retake the licensing exam or provide evidence of continued practice in another state.
Transferring Your Esthetician License to Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers licensure by endorsement for aestheticians licensed in other states. You must hold an active aesthetician or esthetician license in good standing from another state with substantially equivalent training requirements.
To apply for endorsement:
- Submit your application through the eLicensing portal
- Request that your current state send official license verification directly to the Board
- Provide proof of your original training hours
- Pay the applicable endorsement fee
If your original state’s training requirements are substantially equivalent to Massachusetts’ 600-hour standard, you may qualify for endorsement without taking the Massachusetts exam. If requirements are not equivalent, you may be required to take the written theory exam.
If you are considering a move between states, compare requirements with neighboring states like New York (600 hours) or Pennsylvania (300 hours).
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Massachusetts provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
Expedited Processing: The Board prioritizes license applications from active-duty military members, veterans, and their spouses.
Military Spouse Provisions: Under Massachusetts law, military spouses who hold a valid aesthetician license from another state and are relocated to Massachusetts due to military orders may receive expedited licensure by endorsement.
SCRA License Portability (2023): The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), amended in January 2023, allows servicemembers and their spouses to use professional licenses from their home state when relocated due to military orders. To qualify, you must provide a copy of your military orders and hold an active license in good standing from another state.
Scope of Practice
A Massachusetts aesthetician license authorizes you to perform:
- Facial treatments and skin analysis
- Makeup application
- Hair removal by waxing, tweezing, and threading
- Eyelash and eyebrow services (tinting, extensions, lifts, lamination)
- Body treatments (wraps, scrubs, exfoliation)
- Microdermabrasion
- Dermaplaning
Advanced Services Permitted with Additional Training: Massachusetts permits licensed aestheticians to perform certain advanced services after completing additional training hours:
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Permitted for hair removal and photofacials with 16 additional hours of device-specific training
- Microdermabrasion: Permitted with additional training as specified by the Board
- Dermaplaning: Permitted with additional training as specified by the Board
May 2025 Scope Policy Update: The Board issued a policy clarification in May 2025 stating that working in a medical setting does not expand an aesthetician’s scope of practice. Aestheticians working in medical spas or dermatology offices remain bound by the same scope limitations as those working in traditional esthetics settings.
Services outside scope: Aestheticians may not perform services that penetrate beyond the epidermis, prescribe or administer medications, perform laser treatments (unless specifically permitted with training), or diagnose skin conditions. If you want a broader scope of practice, a cosmetology license covers both skin care and hair/nail services. Learn more in our cosmetology vs esthetician guide.
Recent Legislation
Training Hours Increase (2019): Massachusetts doubled the aesthetician training requirement from 300 hours to 600 hours. This change brought the state closer to the national average and applies to all applicants who began training after the effective date.
Practical Exam Elimination (October 2, 2023): The Board eliminated the practical exam for all license types, including aestheticians. Only the written theory exam is now required.
Scope of Practice Clarification (May 2025): The Board issued a policy update clarifying that working in a medical setting does not expand an aesthetician’s licensed scope of practice.
Massachusetts Esthetician Salary and Job Outlook
According to BLS data, skincare specialists in Massachusetts earn a median annual salary of approximately $40,000 to $50,000. The Boston metro area tends to offer higher wages due to the concentration of medical spas, luxury hotels, and high-end salons. Tips typically add 15–20% to base compensation, and those specializing in advanced services like IPL or medical aesthetics can earn considerably more.
Massachusetts is among the higher-paying states for estheticians. See how it compares in our easiest states for esthetician licensing comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in Massachusetts?
You need 600 hours of aesthetician training at a Board-approved school. Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 7 months. Massachusetts does not offer an apprenticeship pathway.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Massachusetts?
State fees total approximately $223: $155 for the PSI exam and $68 for the license application. School tuition varies by program. This does not include the cost of tuition.
Why does Massachusetts spell it “aesthetician” instead of “esthetician”?
Massachusetts uses the traditional spelling “aesthetician” in its official regulations. The two spellings refer to the same profession. If you transfer your license from Massachusetts to another state, your credentials will be recognized regardless of the spelling difference.
Does Massachusetts still require a practical exam for estheticians?
No. Massachusetts eliminated the practical exam for all license types effective October 2, 2023. You now only need to pass the written theory exam administered by PSI Services with a score of 75% or higher.
Does Massachusetts require continuing education for estheticians?
No. Massachusetts does not require continuing education for aesthetician license renewal. You simply pay the $68 biennial renewal fee on your birthday.
Can an esthetician perform IPL in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts permits licensed aestheticians to perform IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments for hair removal and photofacials after completing 16 additional hours of device-specific training.
Can I transfer my esthetician license from another state to Massachusetts?
Yes, through endorsement. Your original state must have substantially equivalent training requirements to Massachusetts’ 600-hour standard. You must provide official license verification from your current state.
For a comparison of esthetician licensing requirements across all states, see our complete esthetician licensing guide.
Official Resources
- Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering (official website)
- Online License Application (eLicensing Portal)
- PSI Exams (exam registration)
- Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL)
- Board Contact: mass.gov — Board of Cosmetology and Barbering