Manicurist/Pedicurist

Your Fit

Income

$35K

Preparation

Some

Growth

8.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Manicurist/Pedicurist?

A Manicurist/Pedicurist specializes in grooming, shaping, and beautifying nails on the hands and feet. This role involves a range of services from basic nail care to advanced nail art and treatments.

Sample job titles:

Manicurist, Nail Technician (Nail Tech), Pedicurist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Manicurist/Pedicurist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Manicurist/Pedicurist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$28K per year	$32K per year	$35K per year	$38K per year	$48K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $15K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Manicurist/Pedicurist do?

Work environment

Manicurists and Pedicurists typically work in salons, spas, and nail studios. Some may operate in a retail setting or be self-employed. The work environment is clean and well-lit, but it requires long periods of sitting and detailed handwork. Flexible schedules are common, including weekend and evening hours to accommodate client availability.

Quick task list

Cleans, trims, and shapes nails on hands and feet.
Applies nail polish and nail art.
Performs hand and foot massages.
Advises clients on nail care and recommends products.
Maintains hygiene and safety standards in the work area.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Nail Art and Design: Specializing in creative nail designs and intricate nail art.
Therapeutic Manicure/Pedicure: Providing treatments focused on foot and hand health, like paraffin wax treatments.
Acrylic and Gel Nails: Specializing in applying and maintaining artificial nails.
Mobile Nail Services: Providing at-home or on-location nail services.
Nail Care Product Sales: Specializing in the sale and recommendation of nail care products.

Description

Manicurists and Pedicurists combine technical skills with creativity to provide nail care services. They must have a strong understanding of nail health, hygiene practices, and the use of various tools and products. The job requires steady hands, precision, and an eye for aesthetics to create visually appealing nail designs.

Effective communication and customer service skills are essential in this role, as building a rapport with clients is key to establishing a repeat customer base. Manicurists and Pedicurists need to stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in nail care and design. They may also need to manage appointments, handle payments, and maintain inventory.

The career is suited to those who enjoy working in a social environment and have a passion for beauty and wellness. The ability to sit for extended periods and focus on small details is crucial. This occupation offers the opportunity for artistic expression and the satisfaction of enhancing clients' appearance and confidence.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Creative expression through nail art and design.
Interacting with and building relationships with clients.
The satisfaction of improving clients' self-esteem and appearance.

You might make a good Manicurist/Pedicurist if you are...

Artistic and enjoy working with your hands.
Detail-oriented, with good eye-hand coordination.
A people person who enjoys interacting with clients.
Patient and able to concentrate for long periods.
Interested in beauty and fashion trends.

Pros:

Creative and fulfilling work with immediate results.
Opportunities to build a loyal client base.
Flexibility in work hours and potential for self-employment.

Cons:

The physical strain of prolonged sitting and detailed handwork.
Exposure to chemicals and the need to maintain strict hygiene standards.
Income may be dependent on building a steady clientele.

How to become a Manicurist/Pedicurist

Typical education

Most states require Manicurists and Pedicurists to complete a state-licensed cosmetology or nail technician program, which can take several months to a year. Following completion, they must pass a state licensing exam.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art classes to develop creative skills.
Business studies for those interested in running their own salon.
Chemistry to understand the properties of nail care products.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in beauty or fashion clubs.
Volunteering or working in a salon to gain experience.
Practicing nail care and design on friends and family.

Preparation after high school

Enrolling in a state-licensed cosmetology or nail technician program.
Obtaining a manicurist/pedicurist license.
Pursuing specialized workshops in nail art, acrylics, or other advanced techniques.
Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in salons.

More resources

Professional Beauty Association (PBA) - Offers resources, education, and networking opportunities for beauty professionals.
Nails Magazine - A leading publication with the latest trends, techniques, and business advice for nail professionals.
International Nail Technicians Association (INTA) - Provides education, certification, and industry updates for nail technicians.
BeautyTech.com - An online community and resource for nail technicians and other beauty professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.