Manicurist and Pedicurist Career
When women plan out a day of pampering and luxury, getting “mani/pedis” is typically high on the list of things to do. For this reason, manicurists and pedicurists are a popular career choice in the beauty industry. Whether it be at a high-end salon or at a small shop that specializes in hand and foot care, manicurists and pedicurists have the unique job of knowing the science behind nail and nail bed health as well as knowing how to create art you can wear.
In the past the main job of a manicurist/pedicurist was to strengthen and clean nails; however, this job has become so much more than that. Nail art (on both hands and feet) have become very popular with new techniques and styles being developed regularly.
Manicurist and Pedicurist Career Snapshot
Manicurist/pedicurists have control over their work environment from high-end spas offering a wide-range of services where you are paid directly from clients for your services to small shops where you are paid an hourly wage directly from the shop owner. In major cities manicurists and pedicurists can be free-lance and offer personalized, one-on-one services at their clients’ location.
Further details on a career as a manicurist and pedicurist are listed below (statistics from the May 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average yearly salary for manicurists and pedicurists.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
jobs in 2014 with 11,700 projected to be added by 2024.
Manicurist & Pedicurist Education
Each state requires their own license as well as completion of a post-secondary, state-approved cosmetology program. Make sure to look into any unique requirements for your state.
Manicurist & Pedicurist Job Duties
Manicurists and pedicurists can expect a lot of sitting and sanitizing their area. In addition to the job of cleaning and decorating hands and feet and nails, you are responsible for maintaining a high-level of cleanliness in the work environment. Tools need to be sanitized after each use, foot baths need to washed with bleach or equivalent after each use as well.
Manicurist & Pedicurist Salaries
According to the BLS.gov, as of May, 2016 the average hourly wage for manicurists and pedicurists was between $9.00-16.15, or an average of $10.65 or $22,000 yearly. The more education and training on the latest techniques and styles you have the more you may charge.
Manicurist & Pedicurist Job Outlook
People who work in the beauty industry typically do not need to fear the peaks and valleys of the economy; as such this career has a 10% expected growth over the next ten years (this is faster than average).
Manicurist and Pedicurist Skills & Traits
| Manicurist & Pedicurist Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Manicurists & Pedicurists: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Active Listening • Service Orientation • Social Perceptiveness • Speaking | • Near Vision • Arm-Hand Steadiness • Finger Dexterity • Manual Dexterity | • Extremity hydrotherapy baths or tanks • Manicure implements • Nail clippers • Pedicure implements | • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others |
Related Careers
Cosmetologist
Some College, No Degree
Skincare Specialists
Postsecondary Certificate
Massage Therapists
Some College, No Degree
