Personal Care & Fitness Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Cosmetologist Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median cosmetologist salary in Nashville, TN is $35,080 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$35,080
vs State Avg
+$3,859
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Cosmetologist Pay in Nashville: What to Expect (2026)

Nashville offers a median cosmetologist salary of $35,080, which is $3,859 above the Tennessee state average of $31,221. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Nashville spans from $22,000 at the 10th percentile to $58,000 at the 90th percentile — a $36,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,000, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $55,000. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cosmetologist Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $24,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$55,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $22,000
25th Percentile $27,000
Median (50th) $35,080
75th Percentile $46,000
90th Percentile $58,000

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Nashville

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Nashville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Nashville

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Nashville, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Nashville

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $35,080 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $22,000 (10th percentile) to $58,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,080, a cosmetologist in Nashville earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Nashville's median cosmetologist salary of $35,080 is 12.4% above the Tennessee state average of $31,221. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $35,080 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Nashville? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Nashville require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.