Manicurist

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Work Tasks

MANICURISTS and pedicurists, called nail technicians in some states, work exclusively on nails and provide manicures and pedicures for clients. They work in hair salons, barbershops, department stores, and nursing and other residential care homes. These workers are trained to take special care of customers' fingernails and toenails. From a simple cleaning and strengthening treatment, to an elaborate project of design and color, manicurists are concerned with grooming nails and making them look attractive, which, in turn, makes the customer feel good.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $24,000 average per year ($11.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (66,200 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.8% per year)

Entry Requirements

All states require barbers, cosmetologists, MANICURISTS, and most other personal appearance workers to be licensed in the state in which they work. However, qualifications to obtain a license vary. Usually, a person must have graduated from a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school and be at least sixteen years old. Public and private vocational schools offer daytime or evening classes in cosmetology, including manicuring and pedicuring. Applicants for a license usually are required to pass a written test and demonstrate an ability to perform basic barbering or cosmetology services.