Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Personal Care
Cosmetologist Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for cosmetologist in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Cosmetologist in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$29,170 median (17% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#44 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Cosmetologist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 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 $29,170, Cosmetologists in Tennessee earn 17% below the national median of $35,250. Tennessee ranks #44 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$29,170Hourly estimate
$14.0217% below national median
Difference: -$6,080
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCosmetologist Salary Ranking
#44 of 50 statesfor Cosmetologist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $58,920 |
| #2 | Hawaii | $52,000 |
| #3 | Vermont | $49,640 |
| #4 | South Dakota | $49,050 |
| #5 | Maine | $48,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
Cosmetologist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $29,170 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $32,170 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $37,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $36,140 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $30,790 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $29,660 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $28,360 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $26,450 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $30,390 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 68 | Medium | State-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
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $31,230 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Esthetician | $36,090 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Massage Therapist | $49,670 | Degree required | 1-18 years |
| Nail Technician | $30,030 | Specific course required | 1-2 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Cosmetologist 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 Cosmetologists in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Cosmetologists.
What education do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Cosmetologist licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Cosmetologist salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Cosmetologists in Tennessee is $29,170. Salaries range from $21,790 (10th percentile) to $72,460 (90th percentile).
How does the Cosmetologist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Cosmetologists in Tennessee earn 17% below the national median of $35,250, with a state median of $29,170.
How many Cosmetologists work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 5,240 Cosmetologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist 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 Cosmetologists 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 Cosmetologist license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.