Manicurists and pedicurists clean, shape, and beautify fingernails and toenails.

Manicurists and pedicurists usually work in a nail salon, spa, or hair salon. The job involves a lot of sitting. Those who own a mobile grooming company travel to their clients’ location. About 3 in 10 manicurists and pedicurists were self-employed, many running their own nail salon business.

Manicurists and pedicurists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program and then pass a state exam for licensure, which all states except Connecticut require. 

Employment of manicurists and pedicurists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. New nail services being offered, such as minisessions and mobile manicures and pedicures, will drive employment growth. High turnover and a growing number of nail salons will result in very good job opportunities.

This occupation supported 86,900 jobs in 2012 and 113,600 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 30.7%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 15.5% in 2022 to 100,400 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 89,600, compared with an observed value of 113,600, 26.8% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are much better than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 13.5% in 2024 to 125,300 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 103,100 jobs for 2024, 17.7% lower than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are much better than the 2012 trend within this occupation.