Manicurists and Pedicurists
Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.
Also called: Fingernail Former, Fingernail Sculptor, Fingernail Sculpturer, Fingernail Technician, Licensed Nail Technician (Licensed Nail Tech), Manicurist
Median pay
$35,760
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$28,920 – $50,140
People employed
152,770
Holland code
RCS
Realistic · Conventional · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 3.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 6.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
Manicurists and Pedicurists pay by state
Annual median pay by state (48 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What manicurists and pedicurists do
- 01Clean and sanitize tools and work environment.
- 02Apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brush.
- 03Maintain supply inventories and records of client services.
- 04Shape and smooth ends of nails, using scissors, files, or emery boards.
- 05Prepare nail cuticles with water and oil, using cuticle knives to push back cuticles and scissors or nippers to trim cuticles.
- 06Prepare customers' nails in soapy water, using swabs, files, and orange sticks.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Sales and Marketing
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Social Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from manicurists and pedicurists
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers75% · +16%
- Bartenders70% · −4%
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners70% · −1%
- Animal Trainers70% · +12%
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers69% · −5%
Change into manicurists and pedicurists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Animal Trainers69% · $39,990
- Baristas69% · $31,200
- Floral Designers67% · $37,360
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers60% · $39,390
Majors that lead here
- Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General
- Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.