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.
Browse All Esthetician Schools in Tennessee
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222 East Unaka Avenue
Johnson City, TN 37601
You must attend school in the state you want to practice in. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited school. Learn more about the requirements in your state.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
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
- 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 $35,170.
- 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:
Beginning in 2022, 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
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 $35,170 or $16.91 hourly in 2020, which translates to a median salary of $36,510 per year or $17.55 per hour.
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 areas for estheticians in Tennessee are:
| Metro Area | 2020 Median Salary |
| Chattanooga, TN | $36,230 |
| Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN | $34,870 |
| Memphis, TN | $32,070 |
| Johnson City, TN | $30,970 |
| Knoxville, TN | $18,840 |
Table information sourced from O*Net (2021)
State License Requirements
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:
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
License renewal period
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
- 500 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243
- Website: Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
- Email: Cosmetology.Board@TN.Gov
- Call: 615-741-2515
- Fax: 615-741-1310
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.