Manicure and Pedicure Technician Career Overview

Manicure and pedicure technicians provide various nail care to clients. They need to complete a state-approved training program and acquire licensure before practicing.

View Popular Schools »

Career Overview

Manicure and pedicure technicians often work in salons and spas, performing a series of nail technology steps. They start by removing any existing polish from the nails and then prepare baths to soak the client's hands and feet. Scrub brushes, pumice stones and other tools are used to clean the hands and feet. Nail technicians treat the cuticles by softening and moisturizing them with oil and then pushing back or trimming them. Nail filing and clipping is also done. Some manicure and pedicure technicians massage clients' hands and feet.

Clients often choose from a selection of nail polishes, which the nail technician uses to paint the nails. Nail technicians also perform specialty services, such as applying artificial nails or treatments, to help improve nail strength or deter nail biting. Nail decorations or airbrushing are also offered by some manicure and pedicure technicians.

Clients may seek advice from nail technicians regarding proper nail care or beneficial products to use. Some salons offer nail technicians incentives for selling nail care products. They may also set appointments, collect payment and keep inventory of nail care supplies. Maintaining their work areas and ensuring all equipment is clean and sanitized are a manicure and pedicure technician's responsibility.

Requirements

Manicure and pedicure technicians are required to obtain licensure from their state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most states require nail technicians to complete a state-approved training program (www.bls.gov). Additionally, many states and training programs mandate that applicants have a high school education.

Education

Nail technician programs are available at vocational schools and community colleges. Students can complete a training program that teaches nail technology only or obtain an associate's degree in cosmetology that teaches a broad range of beauty services in addition to nail technology.

Nail Technician Programs

Nail technician programs are generally shorter than other beauty training programs. Students participate in classroom instruction and hands-on training. Some schools have student salons where they may work with actual clients to help them gain real world experience. Coursework typically includes bacteriology, nail and skin disorders, nail art, nail treatments, artificial nail application and repair, safety and sanitation, massage, nail design and business.

Cosmetology Programs

Cosmetology programs also teach nail technology skills, in addition to hair cutting, hair styling, skin care, makeup application, business and more. Students can earn an associate's degree or a certificate in cosmetology, and receive supervised hands-on experience.

Licensure

After completing a state-approved training program, nail technicians can apply to become licensed. They must pass an examination and may need to perform a practical test to prove their nail technology skills.

Salary and Outlook

In May 2010, manicure and pedicure technicians earned a mean annual salary of $22,060, according to the BLS. Throughout the 2008-2018 decade, manicure and pedicure job opportunities are expected to grow by 19% thanks to nail salon and spa growth, reports the BLS. Entry-level positions should be fairly easy to attain, although substantial competition exists for the highest paying positions. The BLS states that the beauty professionals who can provide a variety of services and have previous experience stand the best chance of gaining these highly sought after positions.

Show me popular schools

Related to Manicure and Pedicure Technician Career Overview

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Career Information for a Degree or Certification in Cosmetology, Hair Styling, or Manicure

Learn about careers in cosmetology, hair styling and manicuring. Research the job duties and the education and...

Job Description of a Manicure Technician

Manicure technicians, also known as nail technicians or manicurists, provide nail services to customers at spas,...

Online Manicure Courses and Training Information

Manicure courses and training programs are available in hybrid formats and help students develop the knowledge and...

Career Information for a Degree or Certification in Nail Manicure

Manicurists, also known as nail technicians, begin their careers by studying nail technology or cosmetology. They can...

Become a Manicure Instructor: Step-by-Step Career Guide

Other Related Schools:

Other Popular Schools:

  • Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Agriculture
    • Architecture
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
    • Business
    • Communications and Journalism
    • Computer Sciences
    • Education
    • Engineering
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
    • Medical and Health Professions
    • Physical Sciences
    • Psychology
    • Visual and Performing Arts
    » Research Iowa State University's Programs
  • Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
    • Business
    • Communications and Journalism
    • Computer Sciences
    • Education
    • Engineering
    • Legal
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
    • Medical and Health Professions
    • Physical Sciences
    • Psychology
    • Visual and Performing Arts
    » View University of Michigan's Locations and Degree Programs
  • Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
      • Non-Degree: Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Business
    • Communications and Journalism
    • Computer Sciences
    • Engineering
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
    • Medical and Health Professions
    • Visual and Performing Arts
    » Research New England Institute of Technology's Programs
  • Areas of study you may find at Golden Gate University include:
      • Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Business
    • Computer Sciences
    • Legal
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
    • Medical and Health Professions
    • Psychology
    • Visual and Performing Arts
    » Research Golden Gate University's Programs
  • Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Architecture
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
    • Business
    • Communications and Journalism
    • Computer Sciences
    • Education
    • Engineering
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
    • Medical and Health Professions
    • Physical Sciences
    • Psychology
    • Visual and Performing Arts
    » Research University of South Florida's Programs & Degrees
  • Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Agriculture
    • Architecture
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
    • Business
    • Communications and Journalism
    • Computer Sciences
    • Education
    • Engineering
    • Legal
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
    • Medical and Health Professions
    • Physical Sciences
    • Psychology
    • Visual and Performing Arts
    » View Texas Tech University's Locations and Programs
  • Areas of study you may find at Grand Valley State University include:
      • Graduate: Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
    • Business
    • Communications and Journalism
    • Computer Sciences
    • Education
    • Engineering
    • Legal
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
    • Medical and Health Professions
    • Physical Sciences
    • Psychology
    • Visual and Performing Arts
    » Research Grand Valley State University's Programs

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics