Beauty, Fitness & Personal Care career

Nail Technician

Also called: Manicurist · Pedicurist · Nail Artist · Nail Tech

What nail technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a nail technician do?

Manicurists and pedicurists clean, shape and polish fingernails and toenails, apply artificial nails and nail art, and keep tools sanitized. The median pay is $35,760 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2–6 months, and employment is projected to grow +9.2% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $35,760
    $17.19/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +9.2%
    2025–35, much faster than average
  • Openings per year
    21,900
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Postsecondary nondegree award
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    2–6 months
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    201,800
    Employment, 2025

What nail technicians do

Nail technicians help clients look polished. They shape and buff nails, care for cuticles, apply polish, gels, acrylics and dip powders, create nail art and give relaxing hand and foot treatments. Sanitation is critical to prevent infections.

Nail techs complete a state-approved nail program, often a few hundred hours, and pass a licensing exam. Many build loyal clients, rent stations or open salons.

Typical duties

  • Clean and shape nails
  • Care for cuticles
  • Apply polish, gel, acrylic and dip
  • Create nail art
  • Give hand and foot massages
  • Sanitize tools and stations
  • Recommend nail care products

Work environment and schedule

Nail techs work in nail salons, spas and resorts, seated at stations and working with chemicals.

Schedule: Many work evenings and weekends, with part-time options.

A day in the life

  1. Set up the station and disinfect tools.
  2. Do a gel manicure.
  3. Apply a full set of acrylics.
  4. Give a spa pedicure.

See a full day in the life of a nail technician →

Nail Technician salary

Half of nail technicians earned more than $35,760 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $28,920 for the lowest 10% to $50,140 for the top 10%.

Full nail technician pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a nail technician

  1. Enroll in a nail program
  2. Complete hours
  3. Pass the exam
  4. Work in a salon
  5. Grow

Nail technicians complete a state-approved program, often 200 to 600 hours, then pass a licensing exam.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a nail technician →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Manicure and pedicure techniques
  • Gel and acrylic application
  • Nail art
  • Sanitation
  • E-file use

People skills

  • Patience
  • Creativity
  • Customer service
  • Attention to detail

All nail technician skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Short training
  • Creative nail art
  • Flexible schedules
  • Salon ownership potential

Cons

  • Chemical fumes
  • Repetitive motion
  • Income depends on clients
  • Weekend work

Certifications and licenses

  • State nail technician license: Required in nearly every state.
  • Gel and acrylic certifications: Brand training.
  • Nail art education: Advanced design courses.
  • Sanitation and safety training: Infection control training.

Career path

  1. Nail Technician: Serve clients.
  2. Senior Nail Tech or Artist: Specialize in designs.
  3. Educator: Teach techniques.
  4. Salon Owner: Run a nail salon.

Learn the job before day one

Our Nail Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as give a gel manicure and disinfect pedicure tubs, safety and how to land your first job.

View Nail Technician trainingIs this career right for me?

Esthetician

Care for clients’ skin with facials, treatments and expert advice.

  • $45,330
  • 4–9 months

Cosmetologist

Cut, color and style hair and help clients look and feel their best.

  • $35,790
  • 9–18 months

Makeup Artist

Create looks for film, TV, theater, events and photo shoots.

  • $97,150
  • 3–12 months

Salon Manager

Run salons and spas: staff, schedules, sales and client experience.

  • $48,590
  • 2–5 years of salon experience

Compare: Nail Technician vs. Esthetician · Nail Technician vs. Cosmetologist · Nail Technician vs. Makeup Artist · Nail Technician vs. Salon Manager

Nail Technician FAQ

How long is nail tech school?

Often 2 to 6 months.

Do nail techs need a license?

Yes, in nearly every state.

Is the work safe?

Ventilation and PPE reduce chemical exposure.

How much does a nail technician make?

The median annual wage for nail technicians was $35,760 ($17.19 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,920 and the highest 10% earned more than $50,140.

How long does it take to become a nail technician?

Most people need about 2–6 months of training. Nail technicians complete a state-approved program, often 200 to 600 hours, then pass a licensing exam.

Do you need a degree to be a nail technician?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.

More nail technician questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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