How much does a nail technician make?
a year · about $17 an hour
A typical nail technician in the United States makes $35,760 a year, about $17 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? About one in four nail technicians in the U.S. are self-employed, working for themselves instead of a salon employer.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $28,920 and $50,140How do you become one?
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.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($49,900), lowest in Georgia ($26,910).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: Clean and shape customers’ fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.
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