How Much Does a Manicurist Make? (2025)
Manicurists or nail technicians typically work in spas or nail and hair salons. They clean, form, and beautify the hands and nails of their clients.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest industries of manicurists are personal care services with 67% and self-employment with 32%. As of February 1, 2025, the average annual salary of manicurists in the United States is $23,500.
Read this salary guide as we thoroughly discuss a manicurist’s responsibility, salary insights, factors that affect their compensation, and how to become one.
What does a Manicurist do?
Manicurists, also known as nail technicians, are responsible for providing nail care services. This includes manicures and nail treatments like artificial nail applications. They also maintain a sterile work environment for infection control standards.
Here is a list of the responsibilities that manicurists do:
- Advice nail treatments and services
- Groom nails, such as cleaning, trimming, and filing
- Apply and remove nail polishes, nail art, and artificial nails
- Massage hands and moisturize skin
- Use equipment like nail clippers and cuticle tools while being sanitary and safe
What is Manicurist Salary Overview？
As of February 1, 2025, the average salary for manicurists in the United States is $23,500 per year. The range for manicurist salary in the U.S. goes from $17,769 to $30,760, with earning mostly between $20,500 and $27,300.
The average monthly rate is $1,958 with a range from $1,481 to $2,563 while the average hourly rate is $11 with a range from $9 to $15.
2025 Manicurist Salary: $23,500 per year ($11 per hour)
Depending on the percentile, a manicurist salary with bonus ranges from $17,687 to $32,397, with $23,800 as the average value.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $17,687 |
| 25th Percentile | $20,600 |
| 50th Percentile | $23,800 |
| 75th Percentile | $28,300 |
| 90th Percentile | $32,397 |
The average total compensation for nail technicians, including the core compensation and benefits, is $37,861. The median base salary for manicurists makes up 62.1% of the total pay while benefits like social security, healthcare, and time off make up 30%.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $23,500 | 62.1% |
| Bonus | $300 | 0.8% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $1,821 | 4.8% |
| 401K/403B | $976 | 2.6% |
| Disability | $452 | 1.2% |
| Healthcare | $6,507 | 17.2% |
| Pension | $1,285 | 3.4% |
| Time Off | $3,021 | 8.0% |
| Total Compensation | $37,861 | 100% |
What Can Affect Manicurist's Salaries?
Several factors like experience level, geographic location, education, and skills can affect the salary for manicurists. Here are the detailed effects of these factors in terms of compensation every year.
By Experience Level
The manicurist salary increases as experience level advances. An entry-level manicurist salary is $22,315 while an expert level with over 8 years of experience can expect $24,515 on average.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Manicurist | $22,315 |
| Intermediate Level Manicurist | $22,404 |
| Senior Level Manicurist | $22,763 |
| Specialist Level Manicurist | $23,300 |
| Expert Level Manicurist | $24,515 |
By Geographic Location
Key factors why geographic location affects salaries in the United States are the local economy, cost of living, and industry presence. Here are 6 hot cities in the US, where there are competitive manicurist salaries:
| Cities | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $25,700 | $29,500 | $34,200 |
| San Francisco, California | $25,600 | $29,400 | $34,100 |
| Oakland, California | $25,000 | $28,700 | $33,300 |
| New York, New York | $23,900 | $27,500 | $31,900 |
| Queens Village, New York | $23,800 | $27,300 | $31,700 |
| Paramus, New Jersey | $23,600 | $27,100 | $31,400 |
Based on the data by Salary.com, San Jose has the most competitive pay among the top cities, ranging from $25,700 to $34,200, while Paramus has the least, with salaries ranging from $23,600 to $31,400.
By Skills
Nail technicians with more acquired skills get higher pay, especially with competencies with higher demands.
Data from Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report suggests that for an entry-level manicurist, customer engagement can give the highest pay increase at 8.24%, followed by product demonstration at 8.00%.
Some important skills also include customer styling, membership program, nail design, and retail customer interaction.
| Skills | Salary Increase | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Customer engagement | +8.24% | 7.42% |
| Product demonstration | +8.00% | 7.52% |
| Membership program | +7.41% | 7.82% |
| Nail design | +7.41% | 7.62% |
| Retail customer interaction | +7.41% | 7.62% |
| Customer styling | +7.41% | 7.52% |
By Education
In terms of education, nail technicians mostly have high school diplomas at 28%, followed by those with bachelor’s degrees at 27%. Meanwhile, those with an associate degree belong to 25%.
| Degree Level | % of Users with This Level of Education |
|---|---|
| High School | 28% |
| Bachelors | 27% |
| Associates | 25% |
| Diploma | 11% |
| Other Degrees | 9% |
How to Become a Manicurist?
To become a manicurist or nail technician, a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program must be accomplished, and a state licensure exam must be passed. The programs typically include classroom and hands-on training.
Nail technicians must also be above 16 or 18 years old and hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Being a manicurist also requires significant skills. According to BLS, their important qualities include:
- Customer-service skills. They interact with clients regularly so they must be adept in maintaining interpersonal communication.
- Business skills. Doing administrative tasks, accounting, and management are important since working as a manicurist includes business and revenue.
- Dexterity. They use sharp tools like nail clippers and cuticle nippers, so the precision of their hands is vital in maintaining the safety and satisfaction of their clients.
- Creativity. Nail technicians deal with intricate and creative nail designs, so it is better that they have a knack for artistry.
What are the FAQs about Manicurist?
Here are some common questions about manicurists:
What is the highest salary for nail technicians?
As of February 1, 2025, the highest salary for manicurists or nail technicians in the United States is $30,760 per year or $15 per hour.
Can nail tech be a career?
Yes, being a nail technician or manicurist can be a career. In fact, the BLS projects the employment growth of manicurists by 12% from 2023 to 2033. About 27,700 job openings are estimated every year.
The range for manicurist salaries in the U.S. goes from $17,769 to $30,760, with earning mostly between $20,500 and $27,300.
How do I get my nail technician license?
Here are the steps to get a nail technician license:
- Meet the qualifications. The minimum age must be 16 years old or older and at least a high school graduate.
- Enroll and graduate from a nail technician or state-approved cosmetology program, which must be accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS).
- Take and pass the state’s licensure exam for nail technicians.
What is the difference between a manicurist and a nail technician?
A manicurist is a beauty specialist who offers basic nail care services, such as filing and polishing nails. Meanwhile, a nail technician is a trained professional who offers advanced nail services and treatments like gel and acrylic applications.
