How to Get a Cosmetologist License in Tennessee
Tennessee requires a cosmetologist license to offer hair, skin, or nail services. You'll need 1,500 hours of training. State fees are $200, which is above the $179 national average.
Last verified: 2022-03-01 · Source: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3
Quick Facts
- License Required
- Yes
- Issuing Authority
- Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
- Licensing Fees
- $200(above the $179 national average)
- Training Required
- 1,500 hours1,500 hours (about 10 months full-time)
- Exams Required
- 2(written + practical)
- Minimum Age
- 16 years old
- Minimum Education
- 10th grade
- Renewal
- Every 2 years · $60 · No CE required
What This Means for Your Home Cosmetologist Business
Tennessee makes it possible to run a home cosmetologist business, but there's a licensing path to follow first. Every state requires a cosmetologist license, so this is standard nationwide.
At $200, the licensing cost is close to the $179 national average. The real investment is time, not money.
Tennessee requires 1,500 hours, roughly 10 months of full-time study.
Once licensed, Tennessee offers advantages: no sales tax on services, reducing complexity. Plus, LLC formation is just $300. Your total non-training startup can be under $1,000.
Important detail: Even though you're working from home, you'll still need a shop license from the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation and safety standards. This is separate from your personal cosmetologist license and is something many first-time home-based cosmetologists overlook.
How to Start Your Home Cosmetologist Business
Follow these steps to legally launch your business in Tennessee. Most people complete this in 12-14 months.
Complete 1,500-Hour Cosmetologist Training
Enroll in a Tennessee-approved cosmetologist school. Full-time: ~10 months. Part-time: 19-25 months.
Tip: You must apply for your exams within a set timeframe after completing your education — don't wait.
Pass the written,practical Exams ($200)
Once you've finished training, register for the written,practical exams through the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. You must pass all 2 exams.
Form Your Tennessee LLC ($300 state fee)
Register your business with the Tennessee Secretary of State. An LLC protects your personal assets if something goes wrong — a client injury, a lawsuit, or unpaid bills. It also makes you look more professional to clients and helps with taxes.
Fast track: Services like ZenBusiness can form your Tennessee LLC online for $0 + the $300 state filing fee. They handle the paperwork and registered agent service.
Get a Home Occupation Permit & Shop License
You need two things to legally operate from home:
- Home occupation permit — from your county clerk or zoning office. This confirms your neighborhood allows a business from your home. Fees vary by county ($25-$100 typically).
- Shop license — from the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation standards, including proper ventilation, sanitary station setup, and waste disposal.
Get Business Insurance
General liability insurance protects you if a client has an allergic reaction, slips in your home, or claims damage. Most policies for home-based cosmetologists cost $15-$40/month. It's not legally required in Tennessee, but going without it is a real risk when you're working with clients in your home.
Register for State & Federal Taxes
Tennessee does not charge sales tax on personal services. So you won't need to collect sales tax from clients. However, you still need to:
- Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free, takes 5 minutes online
- Register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for state income tax
- If you sell products (shampoo, styling products), you will need to collect Tennessee's 7% sales tax on those product sales
Book Your First Clients
You're legal and ready. Start building your client base:
- Set up an online booking system (Square Appointments, Booksy, or Vagaro are popular with home-based cosmetologists)
- Create a Google Business Profile so local clients can find you
- Post your work on Instagram — before-and-afters are the #1 way home cosmetologists attract clients
- Ask early clients for Google reviews — reviews are critical for home-based businesses without storefront visibility
Total Estimated Startup Costs
| Exam fees + license | $200 |
| Tennessee LLC formation | $300 |
| Home occupation permit | $25 - $100 |
| Business insurance (first year) | $180 - $480 |
| Total (excluding training/school) | $705 - $1080 |
* School tuition varies widely. Some community colleges offer programs under $5,000. The apprenticeship path avoids tuition entirely.
Cosmetologist Earning Potential in Tennessee
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2024), here's what hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn in Tennessee. There are approximately 5,240 employed in the state.
Median Hourly
$14.03
Median Annual
$29,170
Entry Level
$10.48/hr
Top Earners
$34.84/hr
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $10.48 | $21,798 |
| 25th | $12.97 | $26,978 |
| 50th (median) | $14.03 | $29,170 |
| 75th | $22.13 | $46,030 |
| 90th (top earners) | $34.84 | $72,467 |
Note for home-based operators: BLS wage data reflects employed (W-2) workers. Self-employed cosmetologists working from home often charge 20-40% more since they set their own rates and don't pay salon/shop rent. At the median rate, working 30 hours/week would gross roughly $28,453/year as an independent operator.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
Tennessee Business Setup Costs & Details
Here's what you need to know about setting up any home business in Tennessee — beyond the cosmetologist license itself.
Compare Cosmetologist Requirements in Nearby States
See how Tennessee's requirements compare to neighboring states.
| State | License? | Fees | Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee(you) | Yes | $200 | 1,500 hrs |
| Alabama | Yes | $255 | 1,500 hrs |
| Arkansas | Yes | $125 | 1,500 hrs |
| Georgia | Yes | $139 | 1,500 hrs |
| Kentucky | Yes | $200 | 1,800 hrs |
| Mississippi | Yes | $245 | 1,500 hrs |
Key takeaway: All of Tennessee's neighbors require a cosmetologist license. If cost is your main concern, Arkansas has the lowest fees at $125.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a cosmetologist license in Tennessee?
How many hours do you need for a cosmetologist license in Tennessee?
What exams do I need to pass for a Tennessee cosmetologist license?
Can I run a cosmetologist business from my home in Tennessee?
Do I need to collect sales tax as a cosmetologist in Tennessee?
How much does an LLC cost in Tennessee?
How do I renew my Tennessee cosmetologist license?
More Cosmetologist Resources for Tennessee
Cosmetologist Salary in Tennessee
BLS wage data, percentiles, and state rankings
License Cost Breakdown
Complete cost analysis: fees, training, exams, LLC
Best States for Cosmetologists
All 50 states ranked by wages, fees, and costs
No-License Jobs in Tennessee
Occupations you can start without a license
Pricing Calculator
Figure out how much to charge clients
Startup Cost Calculator
Personalized budget for your home business
Sources & Disclaimer
Data Sources
- License data: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3 (2022). Independently verified dataset covering licensing requirements across all 50 states + DC.
- Tennessee Board info: Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — training hours, exam fees, renewal process, and shop license requirements verified from official Board website.
- LLC and tax data: Tennessee Secretary of State and Tennessee Department of Revenue.
Disclaimer: This guide was last verified 2022-03-01. Licensing laws and fees change — always confirm current requirements directly with the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners before making business decisions. This site provides general information for educational purposes and is not legal advice.