Cosmetologist in Tennessee

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

Median annual salary

$29,170

trending_down -17.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Tennessee.

engineering

5,240

Jobs (TN)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$200

Licensing fees

schedule

9-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Tennessee

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Tennessee, individuals must complete 1,500 hours of training at a cosmetology school and have at least two years of high school education or a GED. Applicants must pass both a written and practical examination administered by PSI. The application fee for an initial license is $60, and the examination fee is $140. Licenses must be renewed every two years, and a one-time domestic violence awareness training is required. Tennessee offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet the state's requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $21,790

25th percentile $26,980

50th (median) $29,170

75th percentile $46,040

90th (experienced) $72,460

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 and at least two years of high school or a GED.
Exam	NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by PSI) ($140)
Application fee	$60
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum age is 16. Applicants must complete a one-time domestic violence awareness training.

Source: Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.6%

Faster than average

Annual openings

75,800

Nationwide per year

Total employment

575,200

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.68/1.00

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_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a cosmetologist career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a cosmetologist in Tennessee? expand_more

To become a cosmetologist in Tennessee, you need to complete the required education (1500-hour training program and at least two years of high school or a GED.), pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by PSI), and submit your application ($60 fee).

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

You cannot practice as a cosmetologist in Tennessee without a state license from Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. The required exam is the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by PSI).

What is the average cosmetologist salary in Tennessee? expand_more

The median cosmetologist salary in Tennessee is $29,170 per year. That's 17% below the national median of $35,250. Wages range from $21,790 (10th percentile) up to $72,460 (90th percentile).

How much does it cost to become a cosmetologist in Tennessee? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($140) and application fee ($60) plus your education and training.

How quickly can I become a cosmetologist in Tennessee? expand_more

In Tennessee, becoming a cosmetologist generally takes 9-12 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.