Nail Technician
💅Does manicures, pedicures, gel coatings and nail art: precise handwork, sterilising tools and loyal regular clients.
Prospects & pay
What the work is like
💼 Job market
🇺🇸 $33.8k a year on average · +9.2% jobs by 2035 · 21,900 openings a year
Manicurists and pedicurists — US: Census ACS 2020–24 (full-time), BLS projections 2025–35
🇬🇧 £24.9k median a year · 10,000 jobs
Beauticians and related occupations — UK: ONS ASHE 2025 (full-time)
🤖 AI & automation
Robot manicure machines are still experimental; precise handwork and client contact stay with the technician.
Who it suits
Interests: 💄 Beauty, style, fashion, 🎨 Drawing and design, 🔧 Making things by hand.
Key strengths: manual dexterity, artistic taste.
Where to study
- Course Nail technician course (Level 2–3 in the UK)
- Vocational Nail technology programme and state licence (US)
Key school subjects (A-level / IB / AP): Art & Design.
🧗 A nail technician course (Level 2–3 in the UK); in the US, a nail technology programme and state licence. Then a salon or your own business; income depends on bookings and speed.
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