Also called: Manicurist, Pedicurist
Cleans, shapes and decorates fingernails and toenails, including gel, acrylic and nail art.
She does about eight to ten clients: a gel manicure, a full acrylic set with hand-painted flowers, a spa pedicure. Between appointments she disinfects every tool.
BLS median about $16.66/hour; tips can add a lot.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. State nail technician license (about 200-600 hours) and an exam.
Ways in: Trade school, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Nail Technology (trade school).
Growing faster than average (about 7% over 10 years). BLS projection, 2024-34.
Low risk for 10 years. A few nail-painting robots exist for basic polish, but shaping, gel, acrylic and art stay skilled hand work.
Classes: Art, Cosmetology CTE program, Chemistry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 39-5092.
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