Tennessee's Cosmetology pathway trains students for careers in hair, skin, and nail services. Beauty services remain strong throughout Tennessee, and cosmetology offers direct entry to the workforce.
Students develop competencies in hair styling, cutting, coloring, skin care, nail care, and client communication. Hands-on experience includes providing services in school salons or partnering establishments.
Graduates obtain cosmetology licenses and work as stylists, hair colorists, or salon owners. Many specialize in specific services like cutting, coloring, or extensions. Strong earning potential and flexibility attract many students.
Cosmetology at a Glance
4
Courses
6
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Tennessee's cosmetology standards align with Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners requirements. The state emphasizes safety, sanitation, and technical skill.
Students complete required training hours and must pass state licensing exams. Assessment includes practical skill demonstrations and written examinations for cosmetology licensure.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Cosmetology Fundamentals |
| Cosmetology I |
| Cosmetology II |
| Cosmetology III |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓NOCTI Early Childhood Education
- ✓National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
- ✓Child Development Associate (CDA)
- ✓Early Childhood Professional Certificate
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED - Adult, Child, and Infant
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Cosmetology Assistant
Entry LevelSalary range: $26,980 - $46,040
Adjusted for cost of living: $29,161
Hair Stylist
ExperiencedSalary range: $26,980 - $46,040
Adjusted for cost of living: $31,528
Salon Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $26,980 - $46,040
Adjusted for cost of living: $31,528
Salon Owner
ExperiencedSalary range: $26,980 - $46,040
Adjusted for cost of living: $31,528
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work in school salons and salon environments throughout Tennessee.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Professional Beauty Organizations, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Tennessee CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Tennessee Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Tennessee's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Tennessee standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Tennessee
Barbering
Tennessee's Barbering pathway trains students for careers in barbering and grooming services. Barber services remain essential and popular throughout Tennessee, from urban barbershops to small communities. Students develop competencies in hair cutting and styling for men and women, shaving, grooming, client communication, and shop management. Hands-on experience includes providing barbering services in school or partnering shops. Graduates obtain barber licenses and work as professional barbers or salon owners. Many specialize in contemporary styles, fades, or grooming products. Strong earning potential and independence appeal to many students.
Human ServicesEntrepreneurship
Tennessee's Entrepreneurship pathway develops skills for students interested in starting and managing their own businesses. Tennessee's entrepreneurial culture—from Nashville startups to small business growth across rural areas—provides strong support for business founders. Students learn business planning, market research, financial management, marketing strategy, operations management, and legal considerations. Hands-on projects include developing business plans, conducting market analysis, and launching actual micro-businesses. Graduates pursue small business ownership, corporate entrepreneurship roles, or continue business education in university programs. The pathway attracts students across career interests, from trades to professional services.
Business Management & AdministrationReady to Build Cosmetology Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Cosmetology in Tennessee.