Esthetician Schools in Tennessee

If you’re considering working in the field of esthetics, the state of Tennessee may be the perfect place to launch your career. Browse our directory of esthetician schools in Tennessee, or skip ahead to learn about the state's esthetician licensing requirements and job outlook.

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1765 Galleria Boulevard
Franklin, TN 37067

(615) 567-5417
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy

248 Northgate Mall Drive
Chattanooga, TN 37415

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

7106 Moores Lane Suite A
Brentwood, TN 37027

(615) 353-8333
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

568 Colonial Road
Memphis, TN 38117

(901) 761-1888
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

755 Chancery Street
Mcminnville, TN 37110

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy

222 East Unaka Avenue
Johnson City, TN 37601

(423) 926-9095
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology
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Austin's Beauty College – Accredited

585 South Riverside Drive
Clarksville, TN 37040

Brillare Beauty Institute – Accredited

1605 Professional Park Drive Northwest
Cleveland, TN 37312

Douglas J Aveda Institute - Knoxville – Accredited

516 South Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902

Elite College of Cosmetology – Accredited

459 North Main Street
Lexington, TN 38351

Franklin Hair Academy School of Cosmetology – Accredited

595 Hillsboro Road Suite 325
Franklin, TN 37064

Genesis Career College – Accredited

30 Rachel Drive
Nashville, TN 37214

Genesis Career College - Cookeville – Accredited

880-A East 10th Street
Cookeville, TN 38501

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

Kingsport Academy of Hair Design – Accredited

2617 East Center Street
Kingsport, TN 37664

Love Beauty School – Accredited

1161 Murfreesboro Highway
Manchester, TN 37355

Paul Mitchell The School Murfreesboro – Accredited

1720 Old Fort Parkway Suite L200
Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Paul Mitchell The School Nashville – Accredited

235 East Main Street Suite 200
Hendersonville, TN 37075

Premier Cosmetology Academy – Accredited

3410 West Market Street
Johnson City, TN 37604

Queen City College – Accredited

1594 Fort Campbell Boulevard
Clarksville, TN 37042

Sandra Academy of Salon Services – Accredited

907 Main Street
New Tazewell, TN 37825

Shear Perfection Academy of Cosmetology – Accredited

5620 Nolensville Pike
Nashville, TN 37211

Tennessee Institute of Cosmetology – Accredited

2438 East Andrew Johnson Highway
Morristown, TN 37814

Tennessee School of Beauty of Knoxville – Accredited

4704 Western Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37921

The Hair Academy - Fayetteville – Accredited

513 College Street West
Fayetteville, TN 37334

The Ivy Institute Of Esthetics – Accredited

5200 Park Avenue Suite 100
Memphis, TN 38119

The Salon Professional Academy - Nashville – Accredited

2710 Old Lebanon Road Suite 6
Nashville, TN 37214

Urban Beauty Barber Institute – Accredited

3250 Coleman Road
Memphis, TN 38128
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.

Esthetician Schools Near Me

Check out the Esthetics/Skin Care schools these cities in Tennessee have to offer.

How to Become a Esthetician in Tennessee

Tennessee Esthetician Careers At a Glance
  • 750 education 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 for estheticians in Tennessee is $28,200.
  • There is a predicted 10% job increase between 2018 - 2028 for estheticians.

If you’re considering esthetician school in Tennessee, it’s helpful to know that the state calls its skin care specialist licensees aestheticians. Although the terms aesthetician and esthetician are often used interchangeably, some entities distinguish them by the specific type of work they do, with aestheticians working in clinical or paramedical settings and estheticians working in salons and spas. However, the careers are the same when it comes to licensing in Tennessee.

An esthetician in Tennessee may massage, clean, stimulate, exercise, or beautify the skin. They also apply makeup and artificial eyelashes, perform facials and remove superfluous hair.

The requirements to become an esthetician in Tennessee stipulate that applicants:

  • Be 16 years of age
  • Complete two years of high school or earn a score above 38% on the GED or HiSET
  • Complete 750 hours of theory and practice in an esthetics training program
  • Pass the written and practice exams
  • Apply for a license and pay the $60 fee

Additionally, all Tennessee beauty professionals are required to complete the approved domestic violence training. Expect to take the training at your beauty school and keep the certificate for at least two years. You may need the certificate to renew your license later as well.

Tennessee Esthetics Careers

$28,200

Average yearly salary for esthetics in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the outlook for estheticians is bright, with 10% projected employment growth for skin care specialists in the state through 2028.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), estheticians in Tennessee made a yearly average salary of $28,200 or $13.56 hourly in 2021.

However, salaries vary significantly based on industry, and you may earn more than average by working in a physician or health practitioner’s office. Wages can also vary based on geographic location.

The highest-paying metro and nonmetropolitan areas for estheticians in Tennessee are:

Location 2021 Median Salary
Chattanooga, TN-GA $28,820
East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area $28,650
Memphis, TN-MS-AR $28,350
Johnson City, TN $28,120
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA $23,000

Table information sourced from O*Net (2022)

State License Requirements

750 Education Hours

Required to earn a esthetics license

To become an esthetician and earn your license from the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, you must first complete at least 750 hours of practice and theory education in an approved esthetics program at a cosmetology school.

Unlike some other states, Tennessee doesn’t allow licensed estheticians to perform manicures or pedicures. The board offers a separate manicurist license that requires 600 training hours if you want to perform nail artistry.

Can I Apprentice as an Esthetician in Tennessee?

Tennessee doesn’t currently offer apprenticeships for estheticians. However, there are apprenticeships available for aspiring cosmetologists if you want to focus on haircare in addition to skin care.

Tennessee Esthetician Licensing Requirements

After you complete at least 750 hours of training, you can pursue licensure through the state.

First, you must pass the written (theory) and practical exams. After graduation, your school sends pre-approval to the testing vendor, letting them know you’re eligible for testing. You can then register for the exams by contacting the testing vendor, PSI, online.

The written theory and law test comes with a $70 fee that you pay upon registration. Expect to register for the written test through PSI and take the exam onsite at any of the seven testing centers. The written exam takes 90 minutes to complete on a computer and is available in Vietnamese, Spanish, or English. Make sure to select the language you prefer at registration.

The practical exam takes 105 minutes to complete and requires another $70 fee paid to PSI upon registration. However, the exam takes place entirely in person and is only available at three Tennessee locations.

On the date of your exams, make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early to sign in and bring two forms of identification with you. You also need a supply kit for the practical exam. If you’re late, you won’t be admitted—late arrivals must reschedule and pay the exam fee again.

PSI also offers online practice tests and information about taking your tests to help you prepare. If you fail either exam, you must pay a $70 retake fee.

You may request Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations by filling out the Exam Accommodations Request Form when you create your PSI account or after registering for your exams. You must submit documentation to support your request, such as:

  • A description of the disability and limitations related to testing
  • Your desired accommodation or modification
  • The name, title, phone number, and signature of your doctor or specialist

After the exams, you should receive your score immediately. Your scores may show on the screen right after the test, but you’ll receive official scores by email within 24 hours of completing your exam. In Tennessee, a passing score is over 70%.

Tennessee Esthetician Licensure Reciprocity

If you obtained an esthetician license in another state and completed at least 750 hours of training, you may be eligible for a reciprocal license in Tennessee. The state board evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis.

To apply for reciprocity, you need to request a license certification history form from every state you have held a license and register through the CORE portal. You may need to submit a photo ID, proof of work experience (tax returns or a letter from your employer), and education transcripts along with the application. You must also pay a $100 fee.

Esthetician Specialties in Tennessee

In addition to esthetician licenses, Tennessee offers licensure for natural hair stylists, hair braiders, master barbers, and cosmetologists if you decide to add other specialties. Some of these programs come with fewer training hours, while others take much longer to complete. For example, natural hair stylists only need 300 hours of training for licensure, while master barbers must complete 1,500 hours.

License Renewal

2 Years

License renewal period

0 Hours

Continuing education required

You must renew an esthetician license in Tennessee every two years by paying the board a renewal fee of $60 before the expiration date listed on your license. Applications and payments for renewals occur online through the CORE portal.

If you fail to renew or pay the fee on time, an additional late fee of $25 applies. Any licenses expired for over three years become invalid and require reinstatement exams to regain licensure.

The state doesn’t require any continuing education hours for renewal, but keeping up to date with your training by pursuing your own continuing education can help you advance your skills and stay current on industry trends.

Contact the Tennessee State Board of Esthetics

Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners

Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance
The Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners regulates licensure for estheticians in Tennessee. The website includes information on licensing requirements, fees, and FAQs.

PSI Exams
As the beauty industry testing vendor in Tennessee, PSI maintains a website that allows you to register, schedule, and take practice tests for your examinations.

Tennessee Estheticians
Hosted by the National Coalition of Estheticians Associations (NCEA), this Facebook page provides information on state regulations and NCEA certification.

Commercial_Combo_Program-Career-Geo
Esthetics/Skin Care
Tennessee

How to Become a Esthetician in Your State