nail technician school salary
Nail polish brush and buffer file in hand, it’s Saturday and you’re finding it to juggle several customers in the busy nail salon. However, you know that upkeeping both a high quality of work and a relaxing environment for the client is what being a nail technician is all about. After all, your effort is directly reflected in customer satisfaction, and therefore your tips.
Unfortunately, tips only make up about 19% of a nail technician’s median income of $13.30 per hour vs other industries where tips can account for 36%, such as a pizza delivery driver, who has a median income of $10.60. Getting more tips can help you cover the high costs of new tools and products (and even pay for an extra vacation) if you follow our simple tips.
The nail technician’s revenue growth has recently been on the decline as shown in the figure below (Statista). This is due to nail salons becoming less aggressive with expansion and focusing more on regulars, which in turn has reduced the consumer’s willingness to experiment with new salons (Statista). These factors have started to affect nail technician’s tips, as more popular salons and technicians will receive more tips due to customer loyalty and continued business whilst a gap arises with less popular/early career technicians.
Complete Guide: How To Earn More Tips As A Nail Technician
Another trend is that more people are starting to do their own nails—following YouTube tutorials and buying cheap equipment online, which is cutting away from nail technician’s revenue. However, there are many ways to attract more clientele and gain more tips, as we will discuss in this article.
As a nail technician, tips can vary between 15%-25% of the total bill. According to our research, 90% of customers tip nail technicians. These tips make up a portion of the average nail technician’s pay, which is around $13.30/hour.
According to US News, the overall median salary for a nail technician is $23, 230. The states that have the highest median salaries are as follows:
The Difference Between A Manicurist And A Nail Technician
The states that have the lowest tips and salary are Alabama and West Virginia which have a median salary of $18, 824 and $17, 799 respectively. These lower salaries reflect the lower cost of nail technician services, which in turn lead to lower tips in proportion to the total ending bills.
Tipping for nail technicians can be broken down with two main items: manicures and pedicures. Manicures ($16-$20) on average bring about $3.50 in tips per session, but this varies depending on the state, customer, and salon type (luxury or normal). Pedicures on the other hand tend to be more expensive ($28-$35) and bring in around an average of $6 per session in tips (Glamour). Research also shows the fluctuations in how much experience can play a role in getting more tips and higher wages. In the chart below, the commission refers to the tips that can be received by a nail technician per year. The ones who display aggressive marketing and larger brand presence via social media can receive up to $24, 240 a year in tips!
Luxury nail salons will usually hire highly experienced technicians who have completed high level courses in nail work, have outstanding customer service skills and a proven reporte of loyal clients. These boutiques only pay techs about a 60/40 split of the price of services but the higher fees translate into higher wages and higher proportions of tips. To get to this level takes years of experience refining your skills, which will be discussed in the sections below.
Manicuring Program Nail Technician
Now we know how much you can expect to earn as a nail technician, and where you can earn the most. The question that remains is—who tips the best? According to our research, 79% of women tip almost all the time versus 74% of men. Demographically, married woman and gay men are most likely to tip the highest for nail technicans.
Additionally, our research has shown that 15% of people over 50 never tip, compared to 7% of people ages 18-29. This is because younger people are more likely to form lasting bonds with their technicians and be regular clients.
The industry is very female-orientated with the breakdown showing 95.1% of the industry is female and 4.9% is male. When it comes down to tipping, typically the nail technician who has a larger social media presence and more loyal clientele will receive a higher volume of tips and larger percentages. Research has shown that tipping depends on the fame, quality, and customer service aspects, rather than gender.
Does It Make More Sense To Go To College Or Open A Nail Salon?
If you are an early career nail technician, you might get worried about clients coming in once and never becoming a return client. If you are an experienced technician, then you know clients leave for various reasons, such as they do not want to pay for nail services anymore, they move, or have found a new nail technician. Some even stop getting nails because they picked up a new hobby like gardening and do not want to get their nails done just to ruin them. Don’t take it personally though! Even the best nail technicians lose clients due to reasons like these. To try to mitigate the loss of clients, be sure to follow the tips in the next section below.
Become a speedy nail technician who can create unique nails with precision, and clients will be lining up at your workstation! Be sure to always be posting on social media about new nails designs, new facts, and just more about yourself and who you are. Remember to always try to get clients to refer friends to you and integrate incentives like a loyalty punch card into your business. By becoming more personal with your clients, you will gain a better salary from raises, tips, and an increase in cliental combined.O*NET surveyed people in occupations related to manicurist and asked them what knowledge areas, skills, and abilities were important for their jobs. The responses were rated on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being most important.
The median salary for someone in a career related to manicurist is $25, 860. This median refers to all degree levels, so you may expect those with a more advanced degree to make more while those with less advanced degrees will typically make less.
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To put that into context, according to BLS data from the first quarter of 2020, the typical high school graduate makes between $30, 000 and $57, 900 a year (25th through 75th percentile). The average person with a bachelor’s degree (any field) makes between $45, 600 and $99, 000. Advanced degree holders make the most with salaries between $55, 600 and $125, 400.
Some degrees associated with manicurist may require an advanced degree, while others may not even require a bachelor’s in the field. In general, the more advanced your degree the more career options will open up to you. However, there is significant time and money that needs to be invested into your education so weigh the pros and cons.
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Manicurists And Pedicurists
In the 2020-2021 academic year, 568 schools offered some type of nail technician/specialist and manicurist program. The following table lists the number of programs by degree level, along with how many schools offered online courses in the field.
The median salary for a manicurist grad is $25, 860 per year. This is based on the weighted average of the most common careers associated with the major.
*The racial-ethnic minorities count is calculated by taking the total number of students and subtracting white students, international students, and students whose race/ethnicity was unknown. This number is then divided by the total number of students at the school to obtain the racial-ethnic minorities percentage.
Become A Certified Nail Technician
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More Are you looking for an exciting career that allows you to interact with people, increase their happiness, and help them feel good about themselves and improve the way they look? If so, a career as a nail technician is right for you.
The purpose of this website is to provide you with all the information that you will need in order to understand what a nail tech does, what you will learn at a nail tech school, and also give an overall idea of what the cost of nail tech school include.
Our goal is for our readers to walk away with a clear picture in mind of not only the training and work involved in becoming a nail technician but also the rewards that come from choosing this career.
Nail Technician Tips For Your First Year Out Of School
A nail technician is an individual who consideschrs himself or herself to be a people person. They enjoy working with their hands and take pride in seeing to it that
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what is a nail tech called
Understanding the titles of manicurist, nail tech and nail artist can make a difference to the type of service you receive. A nail tech and nail artist are basically the same thing; it is usually only the name that differs. Sometimes It can refer to the type of training the technician received and where they took their training. Esthetic schools can offer training in doing manicures with or without nail technician training and nail technician schools often do not include training in doing manicures.
A manicurist will work with the natural nail. A manicure usually consists of cuticle clean up and shaping and buffing of the natural nail. It sometimes starts with a soak, and perhaps exfoliation of the skin. Some salons provide a paraffin dip and massage, and finish with polishing the nail with nail polish. This polish is usually one that can be removed with nail polish remover.
A new trend has started and many manicures now include a “gel polish”. This nail polish lasts longer than traditional nail polish and is more durable, however it does not contribute to strengthening the nail.
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A nail technician creates an enhancement of the natural nail. It can be with a gel product or an acrylic product. They are able to add strength to the natural nail and can also extend the length of that nail.
Many people might not realize that there is a science to creating an enhancement. Where the support is on the nail, how the nail fits to the client’s hand and how well the nail is seamlessly finished to hinder nail biting are all aspects that are important in creating beautiful and strong nails over a period of time. Giving a client exceptional and specific service means they are likely to remain loyal customers.
There is artistry in doing nail enhancement, but it is also technical work. When I am building a nail on a client, I look at the process from a scientific perspective to ensure that I follow each step that fills the needs of each individual client.
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A nail artist views the process of nail enhancement as a creative process and views the experience through the artist’s eye. Color, glitter, rhinestones, hand drawing, and shaping of the finished nail, all contribute to the creation of a unique style. With formal training and drawing ability, some create great art with each nail they do. For those technicians that are uncertain about their ability, there are decals and stamps to help them create the desired effect. The technician is responsible for establishing a strong foundation, but an artistic vision creates a work of art.
Nail service always involves shaping nails and caring for cuticles and sometimes a massage is included at the end. A technician that provides a beautiful French manicure may not use the same things as a nail artist but the work is still incorporating creativity. It requires an artistic eye to make sure the nail looks balanced and pleasing to look at.
Sometimes the simplest service is the hardest to achieve. As a nail artist, I need a perfect palette to start with, however If I wasn’t proficient as a nail technician, I could not achieve the vision I imagined. Creating a perfect foundation is essential in achieving an artistic outcome.
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Determining the salaries of technicians involves a variety of factors. Education, dedication and the client’s value of the service received all contribute to the value of the service provided. A manicure may cost less because it can be accomplished faster and does not require special supplies.
Some technicians or nail artists provide services that incorporate all three types of skills. The lines blur between services provided but in the end, it’s the satisfaction of the client that matters. Knowing how to provide exceptional service makes us more than “just” nail girls/techs/artists, it makes us creative and experienced business professionals with specific skills and knowledge to share.What is the difference between a manicurist and a nail technician? Many people are asking this question because both professions sound great, but they don’t know if they are the same thing or not.
To better understand what is required of a manicurist as opposed to a nail technician (and vice versa) it’s important that we analyze the role of each:
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A nail technician trims, cleans, and polishes toenails and fingernails. They also can put on fake fingernails and toenails with professionalism. Consider your own fingernails. What do you do with them? Typically you will:
A manicurist will do the same duties as a nail technician. A manicurist also does waxes, including bikini wax and Brazilian wax, along with removing hair from any area of the body properly and safely. They can also shape eyebrows.
In most cases you will need a beauty school education to be a nail tech or manicurist and most companies and states require a license. If you are lucky enough to find a position without going through the usual channels, great, but the simple fact is that this is a growing field, so being able to leverage your beauty school education is a definite plus. If you want to learn more about the benefits of going to nail technician school, read here.
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The first step is to obtain your high school diploma or equivalent. Then you will want to search for a cosmetology school that is licensed. These are easy to find in most states.
Next, you will need to complete a manicurist course at the school. Each state has different course requirements, so consider searching for that information to talk to the school of your choice; they should be able to help you.
Again, the length of the course work will vary depending on your state. Some states only require 200 hours, while some require 600 hours of course work (about three months). Most courses will include practical training as well as classroom learning.
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Yes, there is a licensing exam that will need to be passed before you are considered a licensed manicurist or nail tech. However, most schools are able to give this test right at the school. Contact the school of your choice to find out more about licensing exams.
Knowing the difference between a manicurist and a nail technician is the best way to know which type of education you will need. In some states, a license is required for both positions. In others, it may not be. Always check out your local laws, and contact the school you are considering to find out more about what would be required of you.
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Ayaan Hassan files the base for Nisha Dixon's nails as the two students work in class at Mjnailz Academy nail technician school.
Ayaan Hassan uses a very fine brush to add tiny hearts to the nails of fellow student Nisha Dixon during class at Mjnailz Academy nail technician school.
Owner and instructor Miranda Richardson looks for just the right glitter while helping Ykia Turner choose at Mjnailz Academy nail technician school, Tucson, Ariz., April 28, 2021.
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MJnailz Academy was opened last fall by nail artist Miranda Richardson and is the only school in Tucson dedicated to educating nail technicians.
With the glow of a neon purple sign bearing the Mjnailz Academy motto — “do epic nails” at their backs — last week five young women sat in silence at their nail stations awaiting their next set of instructions from Miranda Richardson, the owner of Tucson’s only dedicated nail technician school which opened last fall.
Richardson was leading her latest group of students, who will complete the program next week, through a mock exam to help prepare them for state board exams to earn their licenses.
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The exam includes a written portion and a seven-part practical exam which tests their knowledge on a variety of topics including safety and sanitation procedures and different nail techniques.
Owner and instructor Miranda Richardson watches Ashley Swift work on a customer’s nails at Mjnailz Academy. Kelly Presnell photos, Arizona Daily Star
Like the real deal, the students worked carefully and quietly, surrounded by their neatly labeled nail tools and supplies. The silence amplified the scratchy sounds of the nail brush bristles, emery boards and other tools used to clean, buff and file the nails of their hand models.
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They carefully sculpted long acrylic nails and gently trimmed them down while Richardson and an assistant monitored their work, taking mental notes about what kinds of things to review with the students after the practice test was complete.
When the group broke for lunch, Richardson reminded them to use some of their time to get a passport-sized photo taken at the nearby Walgreens, something they must submit when they apply for their exam.
In big and small ways, Richardson strives to make sure her students are as prepared as possible for their exams and set up for success when they begin their careers, things she says weren’t part of her experience when she went to school and began her work in the nail industry in 2012.
Tucson's Only Nail Technician School Teaches Students How To \\
“I feel like setting them up for greatness is going to make a huge difference when they get ready to go out on their own, whether it’s from home or whatever they choose to do in the beginning, but it’s going to help in the long-term, ” she says.
Her students learn all the technical and sanitation skills they need to know for the job, but Richardson also empowers them to be successful entrepreneurs during the 3.5 months her students are in the program.
Owner and instructor Miranda Richardson looks for just the right glitter while helping Ykia Turner choose at Mjnailz Academy nail technician school, Tucson, Ariz., April 28, 2021. Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
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In addition to the mock exams, the students work at actual nail stations so they get used to setting up their work space with all their tools in the right places. She makes sure they have access to all the latest nail design techniques and products, including an array of polishes, gels, glitter, crystals and other embellishments in every shape, size and color imaginable so they can test them out without investing money in products that might not suit them.
When the latest group of students completes the program next week, Richardson will host a small graduation ceremony because she believes it’s important their achievements are properly celebrated.
“It’s an accomplishment, even though it’s a short period of time, but you do receive a license so it’s a trade and it’s yours and you now establish yourself as a business owner, ” she says.
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The students will walk away not only with an Mjnailz Academy diploma, but also a business name, an LLC and an EIN.
“I think small businesses would do better and thrive and be more successful if you had people that really developed you personally, ” she says.
"They all have situations and things going on — some of them have families already, some of them have come through a lot of obstacles in their life, some of them used to be foster children, " she says "I’m getting them pretty young, some are 18 or 19 and they’re looking at me almost like a motherly figure in that sense like 'I need some guidance and help not just with this but life in general.'"
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Ashley Swift buffs the nails of Felicity Gurrero during class at Mjnailz Academy nail technician school, Tucson, Ariz., April 28, 2021. Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Olivia Akowski, 19, was one of the first graduates from the academy earlier this year and said her experience in nail school was much different from her previous experience earning her cosmetology license because of what she learned from Richardson.
“She taught us how to set up social media accounts, how to market ourselves to who we really want to do services for, how to run a business — the insurance, the accounting, she brought in her own personal accountant to break down what products cost, how to file these types of taxes, ” she says. “She really taught you how to start your own business, how to upkeep it, how to deal with people in the real world, because not all clients are very nice, but she walked us through every single step of running your own business.”
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Akwoski graduated with a list of clients she built from providing services as a student as well as a job at a salon owned by another of Richardson’s mentees. She also frequently still stops by to chat with Richardson or calls her with questions when she’s learning a new technique or working with a new product.
Richardson is always happy to oblige. She says when she graduated she didn't have mentor relationships, she had to figure it out on her own.
“I tell them that even though you’re only with me this short period of time, I want to help you further than that if you want me to be there, ” she says. “If you want to contact me any time after this — whether personal, whether career-related — this is long-term because I want to be a mentor to you if I have the ability to, if we connect like that.”
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Richardson, who has a business degree, earned her nail technician license in 2012 after spending years working in the trucking and insurance industries. Her previous jobs provided a good income and benefits, but little in the way of fulfillment.
Student Ashley Swift works on Felicity Gurrero's nails during class at Mjnailz Academy nail technician school, Tucson, Ariz., April 28, 2021. Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Her husband, a barber, encouraged her to follow her passion for nails and she immediately fell in love with the industry because it allowed her to be creative but also because she knew how it felt to get her nails done and wanted give others that same feeling.
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"You can sit down and just talk and have a good time and just really have girls' time to hang out, " she says about working with clients. "It was something that I didn't even know that I was really missing."
“(Trucking) was a male-dominated industry. At most of the locations I was at, I was the only female and the only Black (person), so I was around a bunch of white men all day long, " she says. "So that changed completely because I’m around women of different nationalities, different lifestyles, different walks of life and I just really was able to feel more comfortable in that space.”
Richardson says when she was a student, she was only taught the basics, just enough to pass her state board exams. But figuring out what came next was something she had to do on her own. This included spending time and money to learn the elaborate designs and techniques she’s known for.
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She spent years working at different salons or working from home growing her nail business, and her social media presence grew too.
Her feed is full of close-up photos of the thousands of detailed designed nails she’s done over the years, all of which are far from your average manicure.
There are nails entirely covered in tiny crystals, marbled nails in hues of pink, purple and blue with tiny flecks of gold leaf, stiletto nails hand-painted with pop-art designs and nails encapsulated with tiny iridescent butterflies or colorful chunky glitter.
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“I feel like nails in general have evolved a lot. It was very like, one color, very simple, ” she says. “But even back in the day even in the 1800s and 1900s when they were taking chalk and grinding things down or taking things out of sand or making use of the Earth to create colors and all that; they were doing a
