Manicurists and pedicurists
SOC Code: 39-5092Also known as:
Fingernail Former, Fingernail Sculptor, Fingernail Sculpturer, Fingernail Technician, Licensed Nail Technician (Licensed Nail Tech)
Median Annual Salary
$34,660
+7.0% growth (2024-2034)
25K
Openings/Year
210K
Current Jobs
What Manicurists and pedicurists Do
Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.
💰 Salary
$34,660
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+7.0%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
25K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
210,100
Projected Employment (2034)
224,800
Related Careers
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
$35,250 •
+5.6% growth
Shampooers
$31,470 •
+5.5% growth
Skincare specialists
$41,560 •
+6.7% growth
Painting, coating, and decorating workers
$40,860 •
+1.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Clean and sanitize tools and work environment.
- Apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brush.
- Maintain supply inventories and records of client services.
- Shape and smooth ends of nails, using scissors, files, or emery boards.
- Prepare nail cuticles with water and oil, using cuticle knives to push back cuticles and scissors or nippers to trim cuticles.
- Prepare customers' nails in soapy water, using swabs, files, and orange sticks.
- Remove previously applied nail polish, using liquid remover and swabs.
- Use rotary abrasive wheels to shape and smooth nails or artificial extensions.
- Schedule client appointments and accept payments.
- Assess the condition of clients' hands, remove dead skin, and massage hands.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Manicurists and pedicurists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a manicurists and pedicurists:
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General
55,875 degrees awarded •
1,370 colleges offer this program
Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist
14,442 degrees awarded •
518 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Manicurists and pedicurists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become manicurists and pedicurists.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do manicurists and pedicurists make?
The median annual salary for manicurists and pedicurists is $34,660.
What education do manicurists and pedicurists need?
Most manicurists and pedicurists positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General, Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist.
Is becoming manicurists and pedicurists a good career choice?
Manicurists and pedicurists is projected to see +7.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 24,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for manicurists and pedicurists?
Top colleges for aspiring manicurists and pedicurists include
Nouvelle Institute, Manatee Technical College, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Central Georgia Technical College, San Jacinto Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to manicurists and pedicurists?
Manicurists and pedicurists may also be known as: Fingernail Former, Fingernail Sculptor, Fingernail Sculpturer, Fingernail Technician, Licensed Nail Technician (Licensed Nail Tech), Manicurist, Nail Artist, Nail Technician (Nail Tech), Pedicurist, Salon Nail Technician (Salon Nail Tech), Spa Nail Technician (Spa Nail Tech).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.