A method for separating tellurium includes separating and recovering tellurium (Te) from a dissolved solution containing the tellurium using a solvent extraction by an extractant, which contains one selected from a group consisting of tributyl phosphate (TBP), tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) and a combination thereof. The method may separate and recover the tellurium as a high-priced metallic element from a material, such as a Bi2Te3-based waste thermoelectric material, which contains not only the tellurium but also other metallic elements, simply and economically using a solvent extraction, whereby the tellurium with high yield and high purity can be separated, recovered and recycled.