Salary guide
Nail Technician Salary & Pay Scale (2026)
What nail technicians earn per year, per hour and per month, with the full percentile range, the factors that move pay and how to earn more.
The median nail technician salary in the U.S. is $35,760 per year, or $17.19 per hour, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for May 2025. The lowest-paid 10% earned under $28,920, while the top 10% earned more than $50,140.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
Nail Technician pay scale
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly* | What it usually reflects |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $28,920 | $13.90 | Typical for new workers, part-time markets and lower-paying settings |
| 25th percentile | $34,010 | $16.35 | Early career, a year or two of experience |
| Median (50th) | $35,760 | $17.19 | Mid-career: half earn more, half earn less |
| 75th percentile | $41,650 | $20.02 | Experienced workers, specialists and higher-paying employers |
| 90th percentile | $50,140 | $24.11 | Top earners: senior, specialized, supervisory or high-cost areas |
*Hourly figures are annual wages divided by 2,080 hours. Percentile descriptions are general patterns, not guarantees.
Monthly and biweekly pay
| Pay period | At 25th percentile | At median | At 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per year | $34,010 | $35,760 | $41,650 |
| Per month | $2,834 | $2,980 | $3,471 |
| Every two weeks | $1,308 | $1,375 | $1,602 |
| Per week | $654 | $688 | $801 |
Gross pay before taxes and deductions.
What affects nail technician pay
- Commission, booth rental or self-employment versus hourly pay
- Tips and product sales
- Repeat clients and reputation
- State licenses and specialty certifications
- Geography and cost of living: metropolitan areas and some states pay well above the national median
How to earn more as a nail technician
- Get credentialed: State nail technician license, Gel and acrylic certifications, Nail art education.
- Build specialty experience: Specialize in designs.
- Move up: roles such as educator and salon owner typically pay more.
- Negotiate: research local pay and use our salary negotiation guide.
Nail Technician pay vs. related careers
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of nail technicians to change by +9.2% from 2025–35, much faster than average compared with the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 21,900 openings are projected each year, on average, including openings to replace workers who retire or change occupations.
About this data
Figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey (May 2025), which covers wage and salary workers nationwide under SOC code 39-5092 (“Manicurists and pedicurists”). Wages exclude self-employment income, overtime and most bonuses unless they are part of regular pay. We refresh these numbers when BLS releases new estimates each spring.
Nail Technician salary FAQ
How much does a nail technician make per hour?
The median hourly wage for nail technicians was $17.19 in May 2025 (BLS). Hourly pay for the lowest 10% was about $13.90 and the top 10% earned about $24.11 or more.
How much does a nail technician make a month?
At the median annual wage of $35,760, that works out to about $2,980 per month before taxes, or about $1,375 every two weeks.
What is the starting salary for a nail technician?
New nail technicians often start near the lower end of the range. The 10th percentile was $28,920 and the 25th percentile was $34,010 per year in May 2025. Starting pay depends on location, employer and credentials.
How can nail technicians earn more?
Common ways include earning State nail technician license and Gel and acrylic certifications, gaining specialty experience, taking shifts or roles with premium pay, and moving up the career ladder to roles such as educator.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-5092 (Manicurists and pedicurists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Manicurists and pedicurists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.