Occupation · SOC 39-5092
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.
Median wage
$34,660
$27,910–$47,990
Projected growth
+7.0%
Faster than average
Annual openings
1,470
per year
Employed (US)
147,820
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
269 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationActive ListeningTime ManagementReading ComprehensionCoordinationActive LearningPersuasionMonitoringNegotiationCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingWritingLearning StrategiesInstructingSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesMathematicsTechnology DesignQuality Control AnalysisOperations MonitoringOperations AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesEquipment SelectionTroubleshootingManagement of Financial ResourcesOperation and ControlScienceRepairingProgrammingInstallationEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementPersonnel and Human ResourcesSales and MarketingProduction and ProcessingMathematicsSociology and AnthropologyPsychologyDesignAdministrativeEducation and TrainingChemistryComputers and ElectronicsMechanicalPublic Safety and SecurityBiologyTransportationForeign LanguagePhilosophy and TheologyLaw and GovernmentPhysicsGeographyMedicine and DentistryFine ArtsCommunications and MediaEngineering and TechnologyTherapy and CounselingEconomics and AccountingHistory and ArcheologyFood ProductionBuilding and ConstructionTelecommunications
Technology & tools
Aknaf ADVANTAGE Salon Software and Spa SoftwareAppointment SearchAppointmentQuest Online Appointment SchedulerCustomer information databasesDaySmart Software Appointment-PlusDaySmart Software Salon IrisFacebookMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software
Representative tasks
Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsThinking CreativelyJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleGetting InformationProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesSelling or Influencing OthersCoaching and Developing OthersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesControlling Machines and ProcessesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationTraining and Teaching OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsHandling and Moving ObjectsGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentStaffing Organizational UnitsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentPerforming Administrative ActivitiesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDeveloping and Building TeamsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentProcessing Information
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Sanitation protocols — follow step-by-step procedures to clean and sanitize nail tools and workstations under direct supervisor guidance in a licensed salon setting.Nail polish application — apply undercoat and colored polish onto nails using a brush under close supervision during client services.Nail shaping basics — use files and emery boards to shape and smooth nail ends following demonstrated techniques on supervised practice clients.Cuticle preparation — push back and trim cuticles using water, oil, cuticle knives, and nippers under direct instruction in a salon environment.Pre-service nail preparation — soak and clean customers' nails using soapy water, swabs, files, and orange sticks as directed by a senior technician.Polish removal — remove previously applied nail polish using liquid remover and swabs following established salon procedures with oversight.Supply awareness — identify and report low nail care product inventory to a supervisor during daily salon operations.Active listening skills — receive and repeat back client service preferences clearly during intake consultations under guidance.Scheduling tools — enter basic client appointment data into calendar or scheduling software with supervisor assistance in a salon front-desk context.Personal presentation standards — maintain a clean, professional appearance and cooperative attitude throughout each shift in a personal care service environment.
developing
Tool and environment sanitation — consistently clean, sanitize, and organize tools and workstations between client appointments with minimal oversight in a busy salon.Polish and finish application — apply base coats, colored polish, and topcoats smoothly and evenly across full-service appointments using brushes and standard techniques.Rotary abrasive tool use — operate rotary abrasive wheels to shape and smooth natural nails or artificial extensions safely during routine client sessions.Cuticle care procedures — prepare cuticles with water and oil, use cuticle knives and nippers reliably across a variety of nail conditions with limited supervision.Full nail preparation sequence — complete the soak, swab, file, and orange-stick preparation process independently for both manicure and pedicure services.Service record maintenance — record client service details and update inventory logs accurately using spreadsheet or salon management software after each appointment.Client communication — explain service options, aftercare advice, and product recommendations clearly and confidently to clients throughout their appointments.Social perceptiveness — read client comfort levels and adjust service pace or pressure appropriately during hands-on nail care procedures.Appointment scheduling — manage personal client bookings and reschedules using calendar or CRM software with routine accuracy in a salon context.Product inventory tracking — monitor supply levels, flag reorder needs, and maintain organized stock areas as part of regular salon responsibilities.
proficient
Advanced sanitation compliance — audit tool-cleaning and workstation-sanitation practices against state board standards and correct deficiencies independently in a licensed nail salon.Complex nail finish techniques — execute multi-step nail art, gel, and acrylic finish applications with consistent quality across diverse client needs and nail conditions.Precision nail shaping — select and apply scissors, files, emery boards, or rotary tools to achieve varied nail shapes tailored to individual client preferences without supervision.Comprehensive cuticle and nail prep — adapt cuticle and nail preparation techniques to sensitive skin, damaged nails, or medical considerations while maintaining client safety.Non-routine service problem-solving — diagnose and address nail or cuticle irregularities, breakage, or skin sensitivities during client appointments using professional judgment.Client records and service history management — maintain detailed and accurate client service histories and preferences in CRM software to support repeat-visit personalization.Upselling and service consultation — assess client needs holistically and recommend appropriate add-on treatments or retail products that align with client health and style goals.Inventory and supply management — track product usage trends, place timely reorders, and minimize waste through accurate inventory records in a high-volume salon.Empathetic client relationship building — establish rapport and long-term client loyalty through consistent empathy, attentiveness, and personalized service delivery.Technology integration — use office suite, spreadsheet, and scheduling software together to streamline daily operations and maintain accurate business records autonomously.
advanced
Sanitation and compliance leadership — establish and enforce salon-wide sanitation standards and state licensing compliance protocols, training all staff on updated procedures.Service menu development — design new manicure and pedicure service offerings based on industry trends, client demand data, and product knowledge at an organizational level.Staff technical training — coach emerging and developing technicians on nail shaping, cuticle care, polish application, and rotary tool use through structured on-the-job mentorship.Quality assurance oversight — observe, evaluate, and provide corrective feedback on technician technique and client interaction standards across the full salon team.Client experience strategy — develop and implement customer service frameworks and communication standards that drive client satisfaction, retention, and referrals salon-wide.Inventory and vendor management — negotiate with product suppliers, set purchasing budgets, and oversee inventory systems to ensure cost-effective supply chain operations.Business technology administration — configure and maintain CRM, scheduling, and reporting software platforms to optimize salon workflow and client data management.Team culture and work-style modeling — foster a salon culture of dependability, cooperation, and optimism by setting behavioral expectations and recognizing exemplary staff performance.Financial and operational reporting — compile and interpret service volume, revenue, and supply cost data using spreadsheet and office suite tools to inform management decisions.Professional development leadership — identify external training, certification, and continuing education opportunities that advance the technical and service skills of the entire salon team.
Also known as
11 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Fingernail FormerFingernail SculptorFingernail SculpturerFingernail TechnicianLicensed Nail Technician (Licensed Nail Tech)ManicuristNail ArtistNail Technician (Nail Tech)PedicuristSalon Nail Technician (Salon Nail Tech)Spa Nail Technician (Spa Nail Tech)