Barber in Tennessee

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TN. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$31,230

trending_down -19.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Tennessee.

engineering

280

Jobs (TN)

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$240

Licensing fees

route How to become a barber in Tennessee

To become a licensed Master Barber in Tennessee, individuals must complete a 1500-hour training program and pass both the theory and practical portions of the PSI Barber Examination. The licensing body is the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, and while a high school diploma was previously required, this is no longer enforced. Reciprocity is available for licensees from other states that have substantially similar requirements, with an application fee and verification of an active license.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $20,110

25th percentile $22,240

50th (median) $31,230

75th percentile $41,600

90th (experienced) $51,610

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Tennessee. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Tennessee requirements

Licensing body	Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
State license	Required
Education	1500-hour training program
Experience	1,500.0 hours
Exam	PSI Barber Examination (Theory and Practical) ($140)
Application fee	$100
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Applicants must be at least 16 years old. As of August 5, 2020, the requirement for a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET equivalence is no longer enforced. Reciprocity is available for licensees from other states with comparable requirements; a $100 fee applies, and proof of an active license and a 12th-grade education or equivalent is required. Five years of work experience may substitute for barbering school hours for reciprocity applicants. The exam consists of a theory and practical portion, each costing $70.

Source: Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.1%

Faster than average

Annual openings

8,400

Nationwide per year

Total employment

76,000

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.73/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleTennessee license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a barber career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a barber in Tennessee? expand_more

To become a barber in Tennessee, you need to complete the required education (1500-hour training program), gain 1,500.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the PSI Barber Examination (Theory and Practical), and submit your application ($100 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a barber in Tennessee? expand_more

You cannot practice as a barber in Tennessee without a state license from Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. The required exam is the PSI Barber Examination (Theory and Practical).

What is the average barber salary in Tennessee? expand_more

barbers in Tennessee earn a median of $31,230 annually. That's 20% below the national median of $38,960. New barbers start around $20,110; seasoned professionals can reach $51,610.

What are the fees to become a barber in Tennessee? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($140) and application fee ($100) and required training.