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Verified by TN Board of Personal Care

Barber Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for barber in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Barber in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $31,230 median (20% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #45 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Barber licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division of Regulatory Boards~Division of Regulatory Boards and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Tennessee

With a median salary of $31,230, Barbers in Tennessee earn 20% below the national median of $38,960. Tennessee ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,297

Median annual salary

$31,230

Hourly estimate

$15.01
20% below national median

Difference: -$7,730

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$20,110
  • P2525th percentile$22,240
  • P50Median$31,230
  • P7575th percentile$41,600
  • P9090th percentile$51,610

State vs National Median

State: $31,230
National: $38,960

Total employment: 280 | Annual openings: N/A

Barber Salary Ranking

#45 of 50 statesfor Barber median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Iowa$78,480
#2Washington$70,750
#3North Carolina$64,290
#4Colorado$56,690
#5Louisiana$49,850

Nearby States Comparison

Barber licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$31,230Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$48,930Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$44,760Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$64,290No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$47,630Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$27,850Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$24,110Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$24,700Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$44,390Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Kentucky68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Agency website unverified

Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards

Davy Crockett Tower 4th Floor, 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, 37243

Phone: 6157412515

Website Pending VerificationCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Tennessee

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Cosmetologist$29,170Specific course requiredVaries by board
Esthetician$36,090Specific course requiredVaries by board
Massage Therapist$49,670Degree required1-18 years
Nail Technician$30,030Specific course required1-2 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Barber in Tennessee?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Barbers in Tennessee?

Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Barbers.

What education do you need to become a Barber in Tennessee?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Barber licensure in Tennessee.

What is the typical Barber salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Barbers in Tennessee is $31,230. Salaries range from $20,110 (10th percentile) to $51,610 (90th percentile).

How does the Barber salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?

Barbers in Tennessee earn 20% below the national median of $38,960, with a state median of $31,230.

How many Barbers work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 280 Barbers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Barber license to Tennessee from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Barbers in Tennessee?

The licensing agency is Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division of Regulatory Boards / Division of Regulatory Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

How often do you renew a Barber license in Tennessee?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.