How much does a nail technician make?
Answer: A typical nail technician in the United States makes $35,760 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 153,000 people work in this job. Below the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Nail technician pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $28,920 | $35,760 | $50,140 | about 153,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $49,900 | about 6,000 |
| Nevada | $41,880 | about 1,000 |
| Missouri | $39,100 | about 2,000 |
| Florida | $37,840 | about 4,000 |
| Maryland | $37,300 | about 2,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., earnings can differ with experience, a state license, and skills such as detailed nail art. Location and local demand, hours or evening and weekend shifts, and whether someone works for a salon or is self-employed can also make a difference.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a nail technician do?
Clean and shape customers’ fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.
What's a typical day like?
They ask clients what they want, then soak, trim, file, massage, polish, or decorate nails on hands and feet. Between appointments, they disinfect tools and the work area.
How to get this job
In the U.S., complete a state-approved nail technician or cosmetology program with classroom and hands-on practice, then pass a state licensing exam. Rules differ by state; applicants may need to be 16 or 18 and have a high-school diploma or equivalent.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
About one in four nail technicians in the U.S. are self-employed, working for themselves instead of a salon employer.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Personal Care and Service jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/manicurists-and-pedicurists.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/39-5092.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY