CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by TN Board of Personal Care

Esthetician Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for esthetician 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 Esthetician 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

    $36,090 median (13% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #42 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Esthetician 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 $36,090, Estheticians in Tennessee earn 13% below the national median of $41,560. Tennessee ranks #42 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

$36,090

Hourly estimate

$17.35
13% below national median

Difference: -$5,470

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$22,230
  • P2525th percentile$30,180
  • P50Median$36,090
  • P7575th percentile$53,880
  • P9090th percentile$81,470

State vs National Median

State: $36,090
National: $41,560

Total employment: 1,400 | Annual openings: N/A

Esthetician Salary Ranking

#42 of 50 statesfor Esthetician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Maine$73,500
#2Washington$64,880
#3Vermont$61,060
#4North Dakota$52,510
#5Nebraska$52,010

Nearby States Comparison

Esthetician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$36,090Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$26,360Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$35,860Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$46,120Varies by state boardState exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$42,340Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Alabama$35,710Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$42,010Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$37,250Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$49,410Specific course 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
Barber$31,230Specific course requiredVaries by board
Cosmetologist$29,170Specific 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 Esthetician 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 Estheticians in Tennessee?

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

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

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

What is the typical Esthetician salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Estheticians in Tennessee is $36,090. Salaries range from $22,230 (10th percentile) to $81,470 (90th percentile).

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

Estheticians in Tennessee earn 13% below the national median of $41,560, with a state median of $36,090.

How many Estheticians work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 1,400 Estheticians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Esthetician 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 Estheticians 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 Esthetician license in Tennessee?

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