Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Personal Care
Nail Technician Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nail technician in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Nail Technician in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 1-2 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 5
Be at least seventeen years of age, not owe any money to a barbering school, and meet education and examination requirements.
- 6
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 7
A tenth grade education and satisfactory completion of a course in a registered barber school or college of not less than 340 hours of continuous instruction of not more than 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.
- 8
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
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
$30,030 median (13% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#41 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Be at least seventeen years of age, not owe any money to a barbering school, and meet education and examination requirements.).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division of Regulatory Boards~Division of Regulatory Boards and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $30,030, Nail Technicians in Tennessee earn 13% below the national median of $34,660. Tennessee ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-2 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$30,030Hourly estimate
$14.4413% below national median
Difference: -$4,630
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNail Technician Salary Ranking
#41 of 50 statesfor Nail Technician median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kentucky | $60,950 |
| #2 | Maine | $49,430 |
| #3 | Washington | $47,840 |
| #4 | Alaska | $46,040 |
| #5 | New Mexico | $42,840 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nail Technician licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $30,030 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1-2 months |
| Kentucky | $60,950 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $36,970 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $34,810 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $26,500 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 1-17 years |
| Alabama | $27,980 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 19 years |
| Mississippi | $42,370 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $27,780 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $38,950 | Specific course 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 | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 19 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- 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 |
| Cosmetologist | $29,170 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Esthetician | $36,090 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Massage Therapist | $49,670 | Degree required | 1-18 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Nail Technician in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-2 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Nail Technicians in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Nail Technicians.
What education do you need to become a Nail Technician in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Nail Technician licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Nail Technician salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Nail Technicians in Tennessee is $30,030. Salaries range from $17,090 (10th percentile) to $49,180 (90th percentile).
How does the Nail Technician salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Nail Technicians in Tennessee earn 13% below the national median of $34,660, with a state median of $30,030.
How many Nail Technicians work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 1,280 Nail Technicians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Nail Technician license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Nail Technicians 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 Nail Technician license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.