Manicurist or Nail Tech Job Description

Jump to Your Question:

• Where can I locate, compare and contact manicurist schools?
• What is a manicurist or nail technician?
• What are the requirements to enroll in manicurist training?
• What salary can I expect to earn as a manicurist?
• How much training is required to become a manicurist?
• What's the difference between a manicurist and a nail technician?

What is a manicurist?

If you enjoy working with your hands, and consider yourself a "people person," a career as a manicurist may be right for you. Providing one of the fastest-growing specialties in the world of cosmetology, a manicurist is a licensed nail technician who cleans, trims, and polishes fingernails for a living. They can also provide nail extensions as well as pedicures, which involve the same process to beautify toenails.

However, the role of a manicurist extends beyond glamorizing fingers and toes. At many salons, it's the manicurist who removes unwanted hair from a client's face, legs, bikini area or arms by using waxes, tweezers or depilatories. A manicuring table holds many nail sculpting and finishing tools, including polishes, files, emery boards and cuticle knives, so a clean work space and attention to detail is important. Giving a manicure involves several steps from start to finish, and most manicurists are well-organized with their tools - and their time.

What are the requirements to become a manicurist?

To become a licensed manicurist, you must be at least sixteen years old, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and complete a course in manicuring from a licensed cosmetology school (minimum requirements can vary by state). Required hours also vary by state, and can run between 200 and 600 hours (about three months), and usually involve a combination of classes and hands-on training.

What can a manicurist expect to earn?

Once the training is complete and a licensing exam is passed, the Bureau of Labor states manicurists can expect to make from $17,760 to $30,600 a year, but salaries vary. Some salons offer commission on product sales and bonuses to manicurists who bring in new clients. 

How many hours of training are required to become a manicurist?

Visit the State Beauty License Requirements page to find the required number of hours to become a nail technician in your state. We recommend you contact the licensing department for the state you're interested in to verify if there have been any changes in programs or required hours.

Is there a difference between a manicurist and nail technician?

Generally speaking they mean the same thing. More about nail technicians.