What Manicurists and Pedicurists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Manicurists and Pedicurists this way: "Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Clean and sanitize tools and work environment"; "Schedule client appointments and accept payments"; "Remove previously applied nail polish, using liquid remover and swabs"; "Shape and smooth ends of nails, using scissors, files, or emery boards"; "Apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brush".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is postsecondary nondegree award.
Job outlook for Manicurists and Pedicurists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 201,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 220,400 in 2035, an increase of 18,600 jobs (+9.2%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 21,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 10.9% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 23.1% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,760, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Manicurists and Pedicurists earn the most
Across the 6 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $30,419 in Pennsylvania to $37,120 in California, a gap of $6,701 (1.22 times). 1 of those 6 states average above the BLS national median of $35,760 and 5 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 38,750, which is 29.7% of the 130,370 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 33,360.
Highest-paying states
California ($37,120), Maryland ($34,830) and New York ($34,699) lead the ranking, while Pennsylvania ($30,419) and Delaware ($31,245) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Manicurists and Pedicurists: pay against the cost of living
We compare 7 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Camden County, NJ (Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD) at $562. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $12,022 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 7 markets and falls short in 4. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 69.9% and 113.5% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Manicurists and Pedicurists
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (39-5000) include Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists.
Frequently asked questions about Manicurists and Pedicurists
What is the national median wage for Manicurists and Pedicurists?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,760. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $30,419 to $37,120.
Which state pays Manicurists and Pedicurists the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $37,120. Maryland is next at $34,830.
What is the job outlook for Manicurists and Pedicurists?
BLS projects employment to grow by 9.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 21,900 openings a year.
What education do Manicurists and Pedicurists need?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award, according to BLS.
Where can Manicurists and Pedicurists afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Camden County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $562 on a median wage of $31,200.