Barbering Schools in Tennessee

If you're ready to learn about barber schools and careers in Tennessee, you're in the right spot! Browse our directory of barbering schools in Tennessee, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barbering licensing requirements and job outlook.

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222 East Unaka Avenue
Johnson City, TN 37601

(423) 926-9095
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology
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Bakers Barber and Cosmetology College – Accredited

3983 Brainerd Road
Chattanooga, TN 37411

Barbers University School – Accredited

2826 Coleman Road
Memphis, TN 38128

Crown Cutz Academy – Accredited

809 North Roan Street
Johnson City, TN 37601

Douglas J Aveda Institute - Knoxville – Accredited

516 South Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902

Genesis Career College – Accredited

30 Rachel Drive
Nashville, TN 37214

Global Beauty and Barber Institute

907 Rivergate Parkway Suite B-1
Goodlettsville, TN 37072

Gould's Academy - Bartlett – Accredited

8000 U.S. Highway 64 Suite 108
Bartlett, TN 38133

Gould's Academy - Memphis – Accredited

1203 Ridgeway Road Suite 203
Memphis, TN 38119

Last Minute Cuts School of Barbering and Cosmetology

2195 South Third Street
Memphis, TN 38109

Master's Barber & Styling College – Accredited

14665 D Lebanon Road
Old Hickory, TN 37138

Mr Wayne's School of Unisex Hair Design – Accredited

170 South Willow Avenue
Cookeville, TN 38501

Paul Mitchell The School Knoxville – Accredited

8380 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919

Queen City College – Accredited

1594 Fort Campbell Boulevard
Clarksville, TN 37042

Sandra Academy of Salon Services – Accredited

907 Main Street
New Tazewell, TN 37825

Students 2 Masters Barber College – Accredited

1750 Frayser Boulevard Suite A
Memphis, TN 38127

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Memphis – Accredited

550 Alabama Avenue
Memphis, TN 38105

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Ripley – Accredited

127 Industrial Drive
Ripley, TN 38063

The Master Academy of Barbering – Accredited

4700 Western Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37921

Urban Beauty Barber Institute – Accredited

3250 Coleman Road
Memphis, TN 38128

Vibe Barber College – Accredited

880 Thomas Street
Memphis, TN 38107
Accredited School

You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.

Barbering Schools Near Me

Check out the Barbering schools these cities in Tennessee have to offer.

How to Become a Barber in Tennessee

Tennessee Barbering Careers At a Glance
  • 1,500 education hours or 750 apprenticeship hours are required to become licensed.
  • You must renew your license every 2 years.
  • 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
  • The average salary for barbers in Tennessee is $28,610.
  • There is a predicted 8% job increase between 2021–2031 for barbers nationally.

To become a barber in Tennessee, you must complete a state-approved barber program, pass the theory and practical exams, and apply and pay for your Master Barber license.

Specifically, you must:

  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Have a 10th-grade education or a score of 38% on the GED or HiSET exams
  • Complete 1,500 training hours in a Master Barber program or a 750-hour apprenticeship
  • Complete domestic violence training
  • Pass theory and practical exams
  • Apply for a license and pay the $60 application fee

What to Expect From a Barber Program in Tennessee

1,500 Education Hours

Required to earn a barbering license

In Tennessee, all Master Barber programs must provide 1,500 training hours in subjects including shaving, cutting hair, sanitation, and more.

Specifically, barber programs will be split into the following areas, with at least one hour of theory work per day:

General (240 hours)

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Barber law, rules, and regulations
  • Business management and salesmanship
  • Chemical theory, manicure, and nail care
  • Chemistry
  • Hair cutting, styling, and setting
  • Hairpieces
  • History and fundamentals
  • Job search prep
  • Makeup and skin care
  • Massage and facial treatments
  • Shaving
  • Skin, scalp, and hair
  • Skin, scalp, and hair disorders

Chemical (360 hours)

  • Coloring, bleaching, and toning
  • Manicures
  • Perms
  • Relaxers

Physical (900 hours)

  • Facials and makeup
  • Hair care and scalp care
  • Haircutting
  • Hairpieces
  • Hairstyling
  • Manicures
  • Shampooing
  • Shaving

All applicants (including license renewals) must also complete approved Barbicide training on domestic violence. The class can be taken online or in person, takes 20 minutes, and is free.

Tennessee Barber Licensing Requirements

To become a licensed barber in Tennessee, you must complete 1,500 training hours, pass the theory and practical exams, and pay exam fees.

Both exams are administered by PSI Services LLC. Once you complete your training hours, you can register for your exams online, via mail, or via telephone and need to pay a $70 fee per exam.

You must pass the theory portion before you can schedule your practical test. You have three years to pass and qualify for your license. Once you pass both exams, you have six months to apply for licensure.

On the day of either exam, you must arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time and bring two valid, signed photo IDs.

Theory Exam

The theory exam is taken via computer at the following PSI locations:

  • Chattanooga
  • Johnson City
  • Jackson
  • Knoxville
  • Memphis
  • Nashville

The exam consists of 100 questions; you have two hours to complete it. You must achieve at least 70% to pass, and you receive your results on-screen as soon as you finish. It's split into the following areas:

  • Sanitation, Disinfection, and Safety: 25%
  • Shampooing and Conditioning Hair: 5%
  • Hair coloring: 12%
  • Nail Care/Skin Care: 6%
  • Licensing and Regulations: 13%
  • Haircutting and Hair Styling: 25%
  • Chemical Waving and Relaxing Services: 14%

Practical Exam

Once you've passed your theory exam, you can schedule your practical. This can be taken in person at the following PSI locations:

  • Knoxville
  • Memphis
  • Nashville

You must achieve a grade of at least 70% to pass. The exam is split into the following scored areas, which you have three hours and 10 minutes to complete:

  • Pre-exam Set Up and Disinfection: 4%
  • Hair cutting: 13%
  • Shampoo: 9%
  • Shaving: 21%
  • Facial Treatment: 8%
  • Plain Manicure: 9%
  • Permanent Waving: 12%
  • Virgin Color Application: 9%
  • Thermal Hair Styling: 12%
  • Disinfection: 4%

ADA Accommodations

Testing candidates needing accommodations per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 can submit their requests online. You may need to describe your disability, provide supporting documentation from a licensed professional, and submit contact information for your relevant medical authority.

Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Tennessee?

750 Apprenticeship Hours

Required to earn a barbering license

Yes, you can earn your Master Barber license in Tennessee via apprenticeship.

Master Barber apprenticeships in Tennessee work in the same way as cosmetology apprenticeships. You must enroll in an apprenticeship program as a student before you start your studies and complete 750 classroom hours, then pass the theory exam.

You can then begin an apprenticeship with a salon or mentor pre-approved by your school. Your mentor must have at least 10 years of experience as a licensed Master Barber, and you should be learning from them one-on-one.

Tennessee Barber License Reciprocity

If you're already licensed in another state, you may be able to transfer your barber license for use in Tennessee via reciprocity.

If the state you're licensed in has the same educational requirements as Tennessee, you can request that your licensing state sends a License Certification History to the State Board, along with:

  • Initial Out of State License application
  • Valid photo ID
  • Proof of work experience (if applicable)
  • Transcript of education hours (not required for Georgia applicants)
  • A $100 fee

If you originally spent fewer hours in school than Tennessee requires, you need to submit proof that you have either:

  • Practiced as a licensee for at least one of the last three years, or
  • Practiced as a licensee for at least three of the previous five years

You must also have completed a 12th grade education or passed the GED and barber theory and practical exams. If you don't meet these requirements, your application may be passed to the Board for approval.

Barber License Renewal in Tennessee

2 Years

License renewal period

0 Hours

Continuing education required

All Tennessee Master Barber licenses must be renewed every two years, and there are no continuing education requirements.

To renew your license, you must send a renewal application via the State Board portal and pay a $60 fee. If your renewal is late, you must pay an extra $60 fee, and your license won't be renewed until you pay. If your license has expired for over three years, it's considered invalid, and you must retake your exams.

Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Tennessee

$28,610

Average yearly salary for barbering in Tennessee

As of May 2022, the mean salary earned by barbers in Tennessee is $28,610 per year, or $13.76 per hour. The lowest paid 10% of Tennessee barbers bring home $23,800 or less per year, while the highest 10% can earn $34,420 or more.

While we don't have exact data for job growth predictions in Tennessee, the overall trend for barber jobs nationwide is on the up, with an expected rise of 8% between 2021-2031.

The top-paying areas for barbers in Tennessee are Chattanooga, TN-GA, at $32,680, and Memphis, TN-MS-AR, at $28,160 per year.

Contact the Tennessee State Board of Barbering

Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners

Resources for Barbers in Tennessee

Tennessee Beauticians, Barbers and Nail Technicians' Association
Advocating for the beauty industry throughout the state.

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Barbering
Tennessee

How to Become a Barber in Your State