Cosmetologist in Tennessee: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Tennessee employs 6,080 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $31,310 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Tennessee licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Tennessee (May 2025)
- Tennessee median pay
- $31,310 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $25,700
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $39,990
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $58,000
- Employed in Tennessee
- 6,080
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Tennessee markets:
- Nashville
- $34,430 (2,770 employed)
- Memphis
- $30,980 (1,000 employed)
- Knoxville
- $30,650 (910 employed)
- Chattanooga
- $30,380 (410 employed)
- Clarksville
- $29,900 (160 employed)
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 $31,310 median stretches to roughly $34,070 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Tennessee (2024–2034)
Tennessee is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +9.1%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,350 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Tennessee License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Cosmetologist — regulated by the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
- Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a Tennessee Board-approved cosmetology school, covering hair cutting and coloring, chemical services, skin care, nail care, and Tennessee cosmetology law.
- Pass the Tennessee Board written and practical state board examinations for cosmetology.
- Apply to the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners for your cosmetologist license. Renew every two years.
Official requirements: Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners →
Training in Tennessee
Nashville's booming population and vibrant salon culture create a strong cosmetology market. Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga also have active markets. Commission and booth rent structures are both common; Nashville's growing upscale salon market rewards client-building skills. Tennessee's 1,500-hour requirement is typical nationally.
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: People who are creative, social, and want a licensed practice with real self-employment potential once they build a clientele.
Think twice if: Standing all day, chemical exposure, irregular booth-rental income, and state-mandated training hours of 1,000–1,600 sound like barriers.
Why it's resilient: Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
First Steps
Check your state's required hours, compare licensed school costs, and ask about job placement rates before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cosmetologists make in Tennessee?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Tennessee is $31,310 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $25,700, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $58,000. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Tennessee?
Licensed Cosmetologist, overseen by the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a Tennessee Board-approved cosmetology school, covering hair cutting and coloring, chemical services, skin care, nail care, and Tennessee cosmetology law.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Tennessee?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Tennessee metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Tennessee metro areas, Nashville leads at $34,430, followed by Memphis ($30,980), Knoxville ($30,650). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Cosmetologist in Tennessee?
Real Tennessee options include Arnolds Beauty School, Austin's Beauty College Inc, Brillare Beauty Institute. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Tennessee?
Tennessee projects cosmetologists employment to change +9.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,350 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 39-5012. 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.