Are you planning to become a nail technician? Are you wondering what a nail technician salary is? If you are looking for companies that pay well for nail technicians worry not! You are at the right place.
In this article, you will learn more about nail technicians’ salaries, the top-paying companies for a nail technician to work in, and the highest-paying states in the U.S.
A Nail Technician Salary
It is common to want to know how much money you might make in a particular occupation. If you are considering nail technician as your career, or if you are planning on switching your career path to a nail technician, worry not. We have the information you need.
On average, a nail technician’s salary is about $14.05 per hour and $29,210 per year. A nail technician’s salary may vary depending on the years of experience gained by the professional. Let’s now discuss the approximate salary of a nail technician based on the years of experience they have gained in the industry as a nail technician.
| FEE TYPE | FEE PER HOUR | FEE PER YEAR |
| Starting level nail technician | $10.72 | $22,290 |
| Junior-level nail technician | $12.70 | $26,420 |
| Mid-level nail technician | $14.05 | $29,210 |
| Senior-level nail technician | $14.95 | $31,100 |
You have the opportunity to grow and advance in your career as a nail technician. You can earn a good salary as a nail technician if you have years of experience and the necessary credentials. You must ensure that you upgrade your skills and educate yourself with the knowledge and credentials necessary to advance in this career path.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTION
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for nail technicians between the years 2021 and 2031 should increase by about 22%. That means the employment change between the years 2021 and 2031 will be about 36,600 higher. Likewise, the number of job openings as of 2021 is about 200,300.
In addition to the increase in employment, pharmacy technicians are expected to see an average of 26,600 job opportunities year for the next almost ten years. The majority of these vacancies are brought on by the need to replace workers who have moved on to other positions or occupations or who have retired.
Nail technicians work in an industry that has demand in the beauty sector. As far as the beauty and fashion industry is concerned, there is always a significant need for employment possibilities for nail technicians. Choosing a professional path that will experience ongoing growth and is in great demand is always a wise move.
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.72, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $18.67 per hour. Nail technicians have the chance to advance in their careers by earning further certifications and gaining more knowledge. With additional training and years of experience as a nail technician, a nail technician’s pay can change and grow over time.
Now let’s talk about the money that the best employers for nail technicians give.
TOP PAYING COMPANIES
Generally, most nail technicians work at a nail salon where there are several other nail technicians. Every technician employed by the salon often hires out a station of their own, and there are typically many manicure and pedicure stations available. Nail technicians can also operate from home, in a salon, or in a spa environment.
There are companies that pay well for nail technicians. Here’s a list of top-paying companies that offer the good pay for nail technicians in the U.S.
| TOP PAYING COMPANIES | ANNUAL SALARY |
| Lords & Ladies Salons | $62,541 |
| Prose | $60,583 |
| Miniluxe | $60,300 |
| Tricoci Salon & Spa | $60,053 |
| Mynd Spa and Salon | $57,082 |
| Regal Nails Salon & Spa | $56,961 |
| Life Time | $55,335 |
| Ella Bliss Beauty Bar | $55,049 |
| Nails & Co | $54,887 |
| GLAMSQUAD | $54,776 |
Let’s now discuss some of the highest-paying states for nail technicians in the U.S.
TOP PAYING STATES
As a nail technician, it is common to be curious about the states that pay high salaries to nail technicians. Let’s now learn about the highest-paying states for nail technicians.
| HIGHEST-PAYING STATES | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
| West Virginia | $33,889 |
| Minnesota | $35,684 |
| Massachusetts | $36,431 |
| Arizona | $35,177 |
| Maryland | $39,120 |
| Vermont | $32,767 |
| North Carolina | $31,983 |
| Kentucky | $31,709 |
| Ohio | $33,800 |
| Louisiana | $33,458 |
Wrapping Up
A nail technician is a good and stable career choice. As a nail technician, your working hours are likely flexible as well. All you need to do is equip yourself with the skills you need and qualify to find a job and stand out as one of the best nail technicians among your coworkers. This article could have helped you know about the nail technician salary. You can check our article to learn more about the skills required for a nail technician.
If you are passionate about taking the cosmetology exam, you can check our free practice test which helps you prepare for the cosmetology exam efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO BE A NAIL TECHNICIAN?
Here are a few qualifications required to be a nail technician:
- Must earn a high school diploma or a GED.
- Should have completed a nail technician training program from an accredited school.
- Must have taken and passed the state board of Cosmetology exam by the state.
- Should have a current license as a nail technician.
DO YOU NEED A LICENSE TO DO NAILS IN CALIFORNIA?
To start working as a nail technician in the United States, nail technicians must possess a license, which is necessary for the state of California and all other states. Be sure to visit the state board of cosmetology’s official website in your state to learn more about the licensing requirements for nail technicians
How profitable is a nail salon?
Nail salons can be quite profitable businesses, but their profitability varies depending on several factors:
- Location – Salons in higher-income areas or near malls/shopping centers tend to be more profitable.
- Services Offered – Offering a wide range of services like manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, waxing, etc. increases revenue potential.
- Operational Costs – Keeping costs like rent, supplies, and payroll under control is key to maximizing profits.
- Competition – More competition in an area can make it harder to attract and retain clients.
- Marketing – Effective promotions and building a loyal client base drive more business.
With reasonably low startup costs compared to many businesses, a well-managed nail salon in a good location can generate healthy profits in the range of $40,000 – $100,000 per year for the owner, according to industry estimates. However, profits vary widely depending on the specific circumstances.
WHAT SKILLS DOES A NAIL TECHNICIAN NEED?
Some of the skills a nail technician must have are as follows:
- Be creative
- Have patience.
- Beware of current trends.
- Have good communication skills.
WHAT DO PROFESSIONAL NAIL TECHNICIANS DO?
Depending on their needs and budget, professional nail technicians may utilize a variety of tools and equipment. The following list includes some of the equipment used by qualified nail technicians:
- Cuticle scissors
- Digital nail file
- Set of nail clippers
- Nail pusher
- Buffer
WHAT IS THE TOXIC TRIO IN NAIL CARE PRODUCTS THAT WE MUST LOOK OUT FOR?
You must check for formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, and toluene in nail care products because these are the three most toxic chemicals. Because these chemicals are present in nail products, they are dangerous and may cause everything from cancer to reproductive issues.
