Occupations39-5092.00

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails.

Median annual pay
$34,660

BLS, 2024

Employment
210,100

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+7.0%

2024–34

Annual openings
24,800

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Clean and sanitize tools and work environment.
  2. 02Apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brush.
  3. 03Maintain supply inventories and records of client services.
  4. 04Shape and smooth ends of nails, using scissors, files, or emery boards.
  5. 05Prepare nail cuticles with water and oil, using cuticle knives to push back cuticles and scissors or nippers to trim cuticles.
  6. 06Prepare customers' nails in soapy water, using swabs, files, and orange sticks.
  7. 07Remove previously applied nail polish, using liquid remover and swabs.
  8. 08Use rotary abrasive wheels to shape and smooth nails or artificial extensions.
  9. 09Schedule client appointments and accept payments.
  10. 10Assess the condition of clients' hands, remove dead skin, and massage hands.
  11. 11Roughen surfaces of fingernails, using abrasive wheel.
  12. 12Advise clients on nail care and use of products and colors.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Active ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionActive LearningMonitoringCritical ThinkingWritingLearning StrategiesMathematicsScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 210,100 in 2024 to 224,800 in 2034, a +7.0% change.

BLS projects an average of 24,800 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.