Nail Technicians

Employers

There are about 212,700 nail technicians employed in the United States. As with many cosmetologists and other personal appearance workers, nearly 32 percent of nail technicians are self-employed. They may rent a "booth" or chair at a salon; some may own their own nail salons. A growing number of nail technicians are employed by nail salons, which are rapidly increasing in number in many areas of the country. Beauty shops and department store salons also employ nail technicians, but most have only one or two on staff (very large salons have more). Since employment is expected to be strong in nail services, there is good potential for those wishing to open their own businesses in the nail industry.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states of California, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts employ the largest number of manicurists and pedicurists.

Starting Out

In most states, graduating from an accredited cosmetology or nail school that meets the state's requirements for licensing is the vehicle for entry into this field. Nearly all cosmetology schools assist graduates with the process of finding employment. Want ads and personal visits to salons and shops are also productive means of finding a job.