Esthetician Salary in Knoxville, TN: $33,616 (2026)

Esthetician Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median esthetician salary of $33,616, which is $382 below the Tennessee state average of $33,998. Compared to the national median of $38,200, Knoxville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Knoxville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $33,616 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for estheticians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for estheticians in Knoxville spans from $21,120 at the 10th percentile to $57,200 at the 90th percentile — a $36,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,880, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $54,560. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Esthetician Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level esthetician earns around $22,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $54,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$22,880

$-3,120 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$34,320

$-4,680 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$54,560

$-7,440 vs national

Percentile	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$21,120	$21,360	$24,000
25th Percentile	$26,400	$26,700	$30,000
Median (50th)	$33,616	$33,998	$38,200
75th Percentile	$45,760	$46,280	$52,000
90th Percentile	$57,200	$57,850	$65,000

Percentile

Knoxville

10th Percentile

$21,120

25th Percentile

$26,400

Median (50th)

$33,616

75th Percentile

$45,760

90th Percentile

$57,200

How to Become a Esthetician in Knoxville

Education

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

Key Skills

SkincareFacial TreatmentsProduct KnowledgeClient ConsultationSanitationAnatomy

Job Outlook

Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Esthetician Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Esthetician make in Knoxville, TN? ▼

The median esthetician salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $33,616 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $38,200. Salaries range from $21,120 (10th percentile) to $57,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Esthetician make per hour in Knoxville? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $33,616, a esthetician in Knoxville earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for esthetician pay? ▼

Knoxville's median esthetician salary of $33,616 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $33,998. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN? ▼

Knoxville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a esthetician salary of $33,616 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a esthetician in Knoxville? ▼

Most esthetician positions in Knoxville require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Skincare, Facial Treatments, Product Knowledge, Client Consultation. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.

Esthetician Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee