How to become a Manicurist or Pedicurist
Official title: Manicurists and Pedicurists
Also called: Manicurist, Nail Technician (Nail Tech), Pedicurist
Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.
Main tasks
- 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.
How to become one
Manicurists and pedicurists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program and then pass a state exam for licensure.
Typical education to start: Postsecondary nondegree award
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Manicurist.
- Certificate or associate's degree: Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs such as Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General; Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist
- Licence: A licence is required in 43 states.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $35,760 a year The middle half earn $34,010 to $41,650.
- About 201,800 people work in this job now, and about 220,400 are projected by 2035. (+9.2%)
- People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Manicurist or Pedicurist?
Manicurists and pedicurists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program and then pass a state exam for licensure.
How much does a Manicurist or Pedicurist earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $35,760 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $34,010 to $41,650.
Is a Manicurist or Pedicurist a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2035, from about 201,800 to about 220,400 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Manicurist or Pedicurist?
Usually not. Only 9% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Postsecondary nondegree award; Manicurist.
Will AI change the work of a Manicurist or Pedicurist?
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.