Barber in Tennessee: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Licensed local services

Barbers in Tennessee earn a statewide median of $24,690, with wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Tennessee licensing picture, and where to train.

What Barbers Earn in Tennessee (May 2025)

Tennessee median pay: $24,690 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $22,850
Experienced (75th percentile): $31,930
Top earners (90th percentile): $43,620
Employed in Tennessee: Not published (BLS suppressed)
U.S. median (for comparison): $18.73/hr (May 2024)

What That Pay Is Worth in Tennessee

Prices in Tennessee run about 8% below the national average (cost-of-living index 91.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $24,690 median stretches to roughly $26,866 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Tennessee (2024–2034)

Tennessee is projected to grow barbers employment +7.7%, faster than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 150 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Tennessee License and Certification Requirements

Master Barber License (licensed barber) — regulated by the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.

Complete 1,500 hours of barber school training at a Tennessee Board-approved barber school, covering haircutting, shaving, facial treatments, sanitation, and Tennessee barber law.
Pass the Tennessee Board written and practical state board examinations for master barber.
Apply to the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners for your master barber license. Renew every two years.

Official requirements: Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners →

Training in Tennessee

Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga all have active barbershop markets with strong tipping culture and a mix of traditional barbershops and modern men's grooming studios. Tennessee's 1,500-hour barber requirement is higher than many states. Commission and booth rent structures are both common.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Tennessee include:

Arnolds Beauty School — Certificate
Austin's Beauty College Inc — Certificate
Brillare Beauty Institute — Certificate
Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers — Certificate / Associate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: Social, detail-oriented people who want a portable service skill.

Think twice if: Standing all day, variable income, or constant customer interaction sounds exhausting.

Why it's resilient: Barbering is personal, local, licensed, tactile, and built on repeat trust.

First Steps

Compare state barber-hour requirements and local school placement outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do barbers make in Tennessee?

The median wage for barbers in Tennessee is $24,690 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $22,850, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $43,620. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Barber in Tennessee?

Master Barber License (licensed barber), overseen by the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Complete 1,500 hours of barber school training at a Tennessee Board-approved barber school, covering haircutting, shaving, facial treatments, sanitation, and Tennessee barber law.

Is being a Barber a good career in Tennessee?

Barbering is personal, local, licensed, tactile, and built on repeat trust.

Where can I train to become a Barber in Tennessee?

Real Tennessee options include Arnolds Beauty School, Austin's Beauty College Inc, Brillare Beauty Institute. Most barbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Barber a growing career in Tennessee?

Tennessee projects barbers employment to change +7.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 150 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Tennessee statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5011. Licensing summary compiled from the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Tennessee wages · Tennessee licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.