Manicurists and Pedicurists

SOC code 39-5092 · O*NET-SOC 39-5092.00 · Little to some preparation needed

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Manicurists and Pedicurists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$35,760

a year

Hourly

$17.19

per hour

10th$28,920Median$35,76090th$50,140

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$38,570

$18.54 per hour

Middle 50%

$34,010 – $41,650

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$28,920 – $50,140

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

152,770

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $28,920; $13.90/hr
25th percentile: $34,010; $16.35/hr
Median percentile: $35,760; $17.19/hr
75th percentile: $41,650; $20.03/hr
90th percentile: $50,140; $24.10/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+7%

Growing faster than average

210,100

jobs in 2024

224,800

projected for 2034

About 14,700 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do manicurists and pedicurists do?

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Clean and sanitize tools and work environment.
Apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brush.
Maintain supply inventories and records of client services.
Shape and smooth ends of nails, using scissors, files, or emery boards.
Prepare nail cuticles with water and oil, using cuticle knives to push back cuticles and scissors or nippers to trim cuticles.
Prepare customers' nails in soapy water, using swabs, files, and orange sticks.
Remove previously applied nail polish, using liquid remover and swabs.
Use rotary abrasive wheels to shape and smooth nails or artificial extensions.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 49% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)49%
Less than a High School Diploma36%
Post-Secondary Certificate15%
Some College Courses0%

Common questions

How much does a manicurists and pedicurists earn?

The national median is $35,760 a year. The full range runs from $28,920 at the 10th percentile to $50,140 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a manicurists and pedicurists without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is manicurists and pedicurists in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 7% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.0/5
Speaking3.0/5
Reading Comprehension2.8/5
Active Learning2.8/5
Monitoring2.6/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
English Language2.6/5
Administration and Management2.6/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Coordination, Time Management, Persuasion.