Manicurists and pedicurists held about 156,300 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of manicurists and pedicurists were as follows:
| Personal care services | 69% |
| Self-employed workers | 28 |
Manicurists and pedicurists usually work in a nail salon, spa, or hair salon. The job involves a lot of sitting. Manicurists and pedicurists who provide mobile services may travel to their clients’ locations.
Manicurists and pedicurists use chemicals when working on fingernails and toenails, so they often wear protective clothing, including protective gloves and masks.
Work Schedules
Although most manicurists and pedicurists work full time, many have variable schedules and work part time. Schedules may vary according to the type of establishment. For example, a full-service salon may require manicurists and pedicurists to work an 8-hour day. However, a boutique hair salon may require fewer work hours on a part-time basis. Longer work days are not unusual for self-employed workers. Weekends and evenings tend to be the busiest times for manicurists and pedicurists.
Manicurists and pedicurists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program and then pass a state exam for licensure, which all states except Connecticut require.
Education
Manicurists and pedicurists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program. Currently, there are hundreds of programs nationwide.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
State licensing requirements vary. However, applicants need to be at least 16 years old and have a high school diploma or the equivalent. After completing a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program, manicurists and pedicurists must take a written exam and a practical exam to get a license through their state board. Mobile manicure and pedicure services require a separate license.
The National–Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology provides information on state examinations for licensing, with sample questions. The Professional Beauty Association and the American Association of Cosmetology Schools also provide information on state examinations, as well as offering other professional links.
Manicurists and pedicurists typically have an interest in the Building, Helping and Persuading interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The Helping interest area indicates a focus on assisting, serving, counseling, or teaching other people. The Persuading interest area indicates a focus on influencing, motivating, and selling to other people.
If you are not sure whether you have a Building or Helping or Persuading interest which might fit with a career as a manicurist and pedicurist, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Manicurists and pedicurists should also possess the following specific qualities:
Business skills . Manicurists and pedicurist who run their own nail salon must understand general business principles. For example, they should be skilled at administrative tasks, such as accounting and personnel management, and be able to manage a salon efficiently and profitably.
Creativity . The ability to neatly finish small, intricate designs is important, as is the ability to suggest and match nail designs to individual tastes.
Customer-service skills . Good listening and interpersonal skills are important in working with clients. Also, meeting the needs of clients, including interacting with them while doing a manicure or pedicure, encourages repeat business.
Dexterity . A steady hand is essential in achieving a creative and precise nail design. Also, because manicurists and pedicurists often use sharp tools, they must have good finger dexterity.
The median hourly wage for manicurists and pedicurists was $12.39 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.73, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $17.66.
In May 2019, the median hourly wages for manicurists and pedicurists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Personal care services | $12.40 |
Although most manicurists and pedicurists work full time, some have variable schedules and work part time. Schedules may vary according to the type of establishment. For example, a full-service salon may require manicurists and pedicurists to work an 8-hour day. However, a boutique hair salon may require fewer work hours on a part-time basis. Longer work days are not unusual for self-employed workers. Weekends and evenings tend to be the busiest times for manicurists and pedicurists.
Employment of manicurists and pedicurists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.
The projected increase in employment reflects demand for new types of nail services, such as mini-sessions (quick manicures at a low cost) and mobile manicures and pedicures (nail services offered outside of the salon).
The desire among many women and a growing number of men to lead a healthier lifestyle through better grooming and wellness also should result in higher employment for manicurists and pedicurists.
Considered a low-cost luxury service, manicures and pedicures will continue to be in demand by individuals at all income levels.
Job Prospects
Job opportunities should be very good overall. The growing number of nail salons and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation each year will result in many job openings.
For information about training and cosmetology schools, visit
American Association of Cosmetology Schools
International Pedicure Association
For information about state licensing, practice exams, and other professional links, visit
National–Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology
Professional Beauty Association