Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Postsecondary nondegree award
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Manicurists and pedicurists focus on nail care and related services, working in a field that combines hands-on technical work with direct client interaction. Nationally, employment stands at 210,000, indicating an established occupation with a meaningful footprint in the personal services sector. A projected employment growth rate of 7.0% and about 25,000 annual openings suggest ongoing demand for new entrants as well as replacement of existing workers. Typical preparation involves a postsecondary nondegree award, which can make this path accessible to people who want specialized training without a long academic commitment. The role draws on a mix of fine motor ability, interpersonal communication, creativity and innovation, and customer service. For people comparing options, similar occupations include painting, coating, and decorating workers; graders and sorters of agricultural products; maids and housekeeping cleaners; food preparation workers; and laundry and dry-cleaning workers, offering alternatives for those interested in other hands-on or service-oriented roles.
Manicurists and pedicurists have a national median annual salary of $34,660. This national figure provides a helpful reference point for evaluating offers or comparing locations. Within this occupation, salaries vary by state and metro area. For example, among the top states by opportunity score, median pay ranges from $34,660 in New York to $49,900 in Washington. In California, a key state for this field, the median salary is $36,630, while in Colorado it is $37,110 and in Massachusetts $35,470. At the metro level, median salaries among top opportunity areas span from $34,910 in the New York–Newark–Jersey City region to $43,070 in San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara and $42,040 in the Washington–Arlington–Alexandria area. These differences highlight how location choices can significantly influence earning potential over time.
Manicurists and pedicurists have national employment of 210,000, reflecting a sizable workforce in this occupation. Projected employment growth of 7.0% points to continued labor-market activity for the coming period. In addition, there are about 25,000 annual openings, which include opportunities created by growth as well as the need to replace workers who change roles or leave the field. This combination of an established employment base, measurable projected growth, and recurring annual openings can be important for students and career changers assessing long-term prospects. The 7.0% projected growth rate is consistent across the highlighted top states and metro areas, indicating similar growth expectations in those regions. People evaluating this career can factor in both the national scale of employment and the ongoing flow of openings when planning training, job searches, or potential relocation.
Location plays a significant role in the career profile for manicurists and pedicurists. Among the top states by opportunity score, California leads with an opportunity score of 67.38, a median salary of $36,630, and employment of 39,210. New York and Massachusetts also offer notable opportunity scores (65.78 and 65.87) with median salaries of $34,660 and $35,470, respectively. Washington stands out for a higher median salary of $49,900 and an opportunity score of 56.29, while Colorado offers $37,110 in median pay and a 56.97 opportunity score. At the metro level, San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA, and New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ, show the strongest opportunity scores of 77.42 and 77.27, with median salaries of $43,070 and $34,910. Other strong metros include San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA; Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV; and Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH, each combining distinct salary levels, employment totals, and opportunity scores.
Manicurists and pedicurists typically need a postsecondary nondegree award. This means the standard preparation involves focused training beyond high school without completing a full degree program. People considering this path can plan for targeted education that builds the specific capabilities employers expect. The skill profile for this occupation is diverse. Fine motor skills are essential, alongside physical strength and stamina for hands-on, often repetitive work. Interpersonal skills, customer service, and speaking and listening are important for working with clients, while writing and reading support professional communication and following instructions. Creativity and innovation, along with mechanical skills and science knowledge, round out the top skills, reflecting both the artistic and technical dimensions of the role. Together, the typical education requirement and these skills outline a career path suited to individuals who want specialized training and a blend of practical, creative, and people-focused work.
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