Manicurists and Pedicurists
Manicurists and pedicurists clean, shape, and beautify fingernails and toenails.
Is manicurists and pedicurists a good career?
It scores 19/100 and ranks #351 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+7.0% through 2034)
- High volume of openings — about 24,800 a year
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($35,760 vs $61,390)
What manicurists and pedicurists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. manicurists and pedicurists earn between $34,010 and $41,650 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live manicurists and pedicurists jobs
No live manicurists and pedicurists openings yet
When the jobs.best ATS feed launches, verified manicurists and pedicurists openings will appear here — each shown against the $35,760 national median. Nothing here is placeholder.
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- Typical education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Manicurists and pedicurists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program. These programs usually involve classroom and hands-on training. For a list of approved programs,
Licenses, certifications & registrations
State licensing requirements vary but usually include completing a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program and passing a state exam. Applicants also may need to be at least 16 or 18 years old and have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Check with your state licensing agency for details.
Under state reciprocity agreements, licensed manicurists and pedicurists may be able to get a license in another state without needing to complete an additional program or to pass that state's exam.
Important qualities
Business skills. Manicurists and pedicurist who run their own nail salon must understand business principles. For example, they should be skilled at administrative tasks, such as accounting, and be able to manage a salon and its personnel efficiently and profitably.
Creativity. Manicurists and pedicurists must be able to neatly finish small, intricate nail designs, as well as to suggest designs and match them to individual tastes.
Customer-service skills. Manicurists and pedicurists must have good listening and interpersonal skills to meet clients' needs. Interacting with clients while doing a manicure or pedicure encourages repeat business.
Dexterity. A steady hand is essential in achieving precise nail design. In addition, because manicurists and pedicurists often use sharp tools, they must have good finger dexterity.
Related occupations
How much do manicurists and pedicurists make?
The national median wage is $35,760 a year, with the middle half earning between $34,010 and $41,650 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is manicurists and pedicurists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 19 of 100 and ranks #351 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +7.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a manicurists and pedicurist?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award.
Where do manicurists and pedicurists earn the most?
Among states, Hawaii pays the highest median ($60,790). Local pay for every state and metro is below.