A manicurist or pedicurist cares for clients' nails and hands, performing services like shaping, polishing, and decorative treatments. It is hands-on, client-focused work you can start with a high school education. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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You work directly with clients to understand their nail care needs and preferences. Your day involves cleaning, shaping, and treating nails, applying polish and decorative finishes, and sometimes providing hand and foot massages or treatments. You listen carefully to what clients want, explain your services, and handle any concerns that come up. You stay current on nail care techniques and products. You also manage the business side: scheduling appointments, handling payments, and maintaining a clean, welcoming workspace. Building strong relationships with regular clients is a big part of the job.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Manicurists and Pedicurists earn a median of $35,760 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 24,800 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to start. Most states require formal training through a cosmetology or nail care program, which covers nail anatomy, sanitation, product knowledge, and technique. Training programs vary in length and format. Some people complete programs at community colleges or private schools; others pursue apprenticeships. After training, you may need to pass an exam and obtain a license to practice. Check your state's specific requirements, as they differ. Starting with formal education and staying connected to a mentor or counselor helps you navigate the licensing path smoothly.
Most people enter this field through a formal training program followed by licensing. If you are exploring whether this path fits your timeline and goals, Pathly can map the manicurist and pedicurist path that fits you and work through it with a counselor who can help you find programs and understand your state's requirements.
You enjoy hands-on work and like working with people. You are detail-oriented, good at listening, and skilled at building relationships. You take pride in helping others feel good about themselves.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).