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Nail design is a creative field that is perfect for people who like interacting with others and making them look and feel great. Manicurists, or nail technicians, provide manicures, pedicures, polishing, and nail extensions.

How to Prepare for a Nail Technician Career

Training for manicurists may require significantly less time than training for cosmetologists, though requirements vary by state. The number of required hours for a nail technician license varies widely, but 350 to 750 hours is the general range. All states require nail techs to be licensed, and generally a person must have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 16 years of age, and have graduated from a board-approved cosmetology school or nail tech program. After graduating, students take a state licensing exam. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nail technicians is $22,040, with the top 90 percent earning $32,570 per year. Continued growth of full-service spas and nail salons will create many job openings for manicurists, and the nail tech industry is expected to grow by 19 percent, faster than average. Manicurists work in salons, spas, and other beauty centers. Some manicurists choose to be self-employed, allowing for a flexible schedule or even part-time work, if desired. Some manicurists, such as Deborah Lippmann and Jenna Hipp, become celebrities in their own right, launching polish lines and working backstage at fashion shows. The possibilities of where your nail tech career can go are endless!