Liam Carter
How much nail technicians get paid depends on a variety of factors, such as location, skill level, years of experience, and type of salon. In the United States, the average hourly pay for a nail technician is $20.74, with wages ranging from as low as $7.21 to as high as $32.21 per hour. The national average yearly salary for a nail technician is $43,139, although this varies across states, with Maine having the highest mean salary at $58,880, followed by Ohio at $54,390. Additionally, metropolitan areas such as Portland, Denver, Cleveland, Canton, and Toledo offer higher salaries for nail technicians.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average hourly pay in the US | $20.74 |
| Hourly wage range | $7.21–$32.21 |
| Average salary in New Jersey | $18.88 |
| Average salary in South Carolina | $19 |
| Average salary | $56,983 per year |
| Average hourly wage | $23 |
| Highest-paying states | Maine, Ohio, Colorado, Alaska, Washington |
| Highest-paying metropolitan areas | Portland, Denver, Cleveland, Canton, Toledo |
| Highest-paying states' average salary | $47,270–$58,880 |
| Average salary in 2023 | $36,480 |
| Average weekly salary | $850–$1,800 |
| Average hourly salary range | $35–$40 |
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What You'll Learn
Nail technician salary in the United States
The salary of a nail technician in the United States varies depending on several factors, including location, skill level, years of experience, and type of salon.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for a nail technician in the US ranges from $7.21 to $32.21, with a median of $20.74. However, the average hourly wage can be as high as $23, according to some sources. This equates to an average annual salary of around $56,983.
Some nail technicians who own their own studios have reported making $1,000 to $1,800 per week before expenses, while those working in salons can expect to earn between $850 and $1,200 per week. The highest-paying states for nail technicians include Maine, Ohio, Colorado, Alaska, and Washington, with average salaries ranging from $47,270 to $58,880.
Geographic location plays a significant role in the salary of a nail technician, with metropolitan areas such as Portland, Denver, Cleveland, Canton, and Toledo offering higher salaries. Additionally, nail technicians can increase their earnings by offering specialized services, utilizing social media to attract clients, and expanding their careers to higher-paying locations.
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Salary by state
A nail technician's salary can vary depending on the state, city, and even the specific metropolitan area they are based in. The average hourly wage for a nail technician in the US is $20.74, with wages as low as $7.21 and as high as $32.21.
According to one source, the top five highest-paying states for nail technicians are:
- Maine ($58,880 mean annual salary)
- Ohio ($54,390)
- Colorado ($54,350)
- Alaska ($50,770)
- Washington ($47,270)
However, another source suggests that the national average hourly wage for a nail technician is $23, which equates to an average annual salary of $56,983. This source also highlights the impact of location on salary, with the following cities offering salaries higher than the national average:
- Nome, AK
- El Cerrito, CA
The average salary for a nail technician in New Jersey is $18.88 per hour, while in South Carolina, the average hourly wage is $19.
It is worth noting that a nail technician's salary can also depend on the type of salon they work in, their specific specialism, and their clientele. For example, one nail technician who rents a booth in a salon known for gel work reported earning $35 per hour. Another nail technician who specializes in nail art and is based in a beauty-focused area reported earning $1,400 per week before expenses.
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Salary by city
The salary of a nail technician varies depending on the city and state in which they are based. The national average hourly pay for a nail technician in the US is $20.74, with wages ranging from $7.21 to $32.21 per hour.
Some US cities offer higher salaries than the national average. These include:
- Nome, AK
- El Cerrito, CA
The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salaries for nail technicians are:
- Portland
- Denver
- Cleveland
- Canton
- Toledo
The states that pay the highest mean salary to nail technicians are:
- Maine ($58,880)
- Ohio ($54,390)
- Colorado ($54,350)
- Alaska ($50,770)
- Washington ($47,270)
The average salary for a nail technician in New Jersey is $18.88 per hour.
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Salary by specialization
The salary of a nail technician varies depending on their specialization, location, and experience level. Here are some estimates of how much a nail technician can expect to make in different specializations and locations:
Gel Specialization:
According to a nail technician on Reddit, specializing in gel services can be lucrative. They reported making around $35 per hour, working 8-9 hours per day, 5 days a week. However, this may depend on the demand and competition in the area.
Nail Art Specialization:
Another nail technician on Reddit, specializing in nail art, reported varying earnings depending on the week. They stated that they usually work 40 hours per week and make $1,400 during a typical week. However, slow weeks can bring in closer to $1,000, while busy weeks can result in earnings of up to $1,800, excluding supplies and rent.
State-Specific Variations:
The average hourly wage for a nail technician also varies by state. For example, the average hourly wage in New Jersey is $18.88. In contrast, the national average hourly salary in the United States is $20.74, ranging from $7.21 to $32.21. The highest-paying states for nail technicians include Maine ($58,880 annual mean salary), Ohio ($54,390), Colorado ($54,350), Alaska ($50,770), and Washington ($47,270).
Metropolitan Areas:
Within the United States, metropolitan areas such as Portland, Denver, Cleveland, Canton, and Toledo offer higher salaries for nail technicians.
Salon Type and Clientele:
The type of salon and clientele a nail technician works with can also impact their earnings. Salon owners can set their prices and potentially earn more, especially if they offer specialized services.
Experience and Skill Level:
Experience and skill level play a significant role in a nail technician's earning potential. Those with more experience and specialized skills, such as creating 3D nail designs or offering kid-focused treatments, can often charge higher prices for their services.
It is worth noting that factors such as geographic location, cost of living, customer demand, and business ownership can also influence the salary of a nail technician across different specializations.
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Salary by experience
The salary of a nail technician varies depending on their experience, location, and clientele. According to ZipRecruiter, hourly wages for nail technicians in the United States range from $7.21 to $32.21 per hour, with the average being $20.74. However, this can vary greatly by location, with certain states and cities offering higher salaries. For example, the average hourly wage for a nail technician in New Jersey is $18.88.
Experience also plays a significant factor in a nail technician's earnings. Those who are just starting out in the industry can expect to make closer to the minimum wage, while those with more experience and specialized skills can command higher prices for their services and earn a higher salary. For example, a nail technician who has found their ""expertise" in gel nails reported making $35 per hour or more.
Additionally, nail technicians who own their own studios or salons have the potential to earn even more, but they also have to factor in the cost of rent, supplies, and other overhead expenses. For example, one nail technician who runs their own studio reported making $1,400 per week before expenses, with slow weeks closer to $1,000 and busy weeks reaching $1,800.
It's worth noting that building a full schedule as a nail technician can take time, and there may be fluctuations in business due to cancellations, no-shows, and seasonal variations. However, with hard work and a dedicated approach to skill development and marketing, it is possible for nail technicians to advance their careers and increase their earnings over time.
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Frequently asked questions
The average hourly pay for a nail technician in the US ranges from $7.21 to $32.21, with the mean being $20.74. However, the amount a nail technician makes per hour varies depending on factors such as location, skill level, years of experience, and type of salon.
Some of the highest-paying states for nail technicians in the US are Maine ($58,880), Ohio ($54,390), Colorado ($54,350), Alaska ($50,770), and Washington ($47,270).
There are several ways to increase earnings as a nail technician. These include:
- Specializing in certain services, such as nail art or gel nails, and charging higher prices.
- Expanding your client base by utilizing social media and other marketing tools to attract a wider audience.
- Moving to an area with a higher average salary for nail technicians.
- Working in a salon that pays higher wages.
- Accumulating more experience and skills to qualify for higher-paying positions.
In addition to location and skill level, other factors that can impact the earnings of a nail technician include:
- The cost of living in the area.
- Customer demand.
- The type of salon and its clientele.
- The number of working hours and appointments.
