Nail Tech School: Training for Manicurists

WRITTEN BY Sarah Mattie | EDITED BY Ana Economides | UPDATED ON 12/17/2024

Featuring advice from Vee NailedIt

On this page, you can learn how to become a nail tech. We'll talk about what a nail technician does, what to expect in a nail technology program, how to earn your license, and more.

Before jumping in, note that not all states or schools use the term "nail technician." You may also find names like manicurist, manicurist and pedicurist, or nail technology, as well as less standard terms. We'll use the typical names interchangeably.

What Does a Nail Technician Do?

Nail technicians are experts in all things related to nail care and artistry, including working with hands, feet, arms, and legs. Just a few of their responsibilities are:

Manicures and pedicures, from cleaning up to painting to applying fake nails
Cleaning, exfoliating, moisturizing, and lightly massaging hands, lower arms, feet, and lower legs
Removing calluses from feet (as allowed by law)
Providing excellent customer service
Managing various aspects of their business
Maintaining a sanitary work environment

Vee NailedIt's Top Tips for Nail Technicians

According to YouTube nail artist Vee NailedIt, there are five things incoming students and recent graduates need to know about building their nail business. These include:

Practice regularly to get better and improve your skills
Self-advertise by always having great nails so people will ask you where you got them done.
Surround yourself with people who support you and your passion.
Listen to criticism and take it seriously so you can improve.
Try to have a positive attitude every day.

sponsored content, school availability varies by location

What Do You Learn in a Nail Tech Program?

A nail technology program should cover all the skills you need on the job and your state licensure exam. This, of course, includes making nails look their best. But it goes far beyond that. Just a few nail tech classes you can expect are:

Manicurist and Pedicurist Skills

These are the hands-on services you'll offer when you get your license. They're first taught through lectures, books, and discussion; then, you'll practice on your peers and visitors to the school salon.

Manicures
Pedicures
Nail art and design
False nail application
Calf and foot massage
Callus removal

Nail Tech Theory

Theory is typically taught via lectures and class discussions.

Anatomy
Skin and nail diseases and disorders
Chemicals and products
Hygiene, sanitation, and public health
Tools of the trade
Business management

You might also learn about state laws, bloodborne pathogens, and recognizing signs of abuse and domestic violence.

Is Becoming a Nail Tech Right for Me?

When considering going to nail tech school, you should weigh the pros and cons of manicuring programs and life after graduation.

Here are a few of those pros and cons.

Pros of a nail tech career:

Training programs are generally affordable and quick to complete.
Being personable and offering good service could secure repeat customers and earn more money.
Self-employment—and, therefore, more control over scheduling and pay—is common.
Potentially flexible scheduling and work environments are common, even when employed by others.
Jobs may be available in salons, spas, retirement facilities, and more; different beauty fields often have more limitations.

Cons of a nail tech career:

Muscle and back pain can develop from sitting or, for pedicures, bending over most of the day.
When doing manicures, you'll be face-to-face with a client, dealing with everything that closeness could involve, from conversation to catching a cold.
You could find yourself interacting with dirty, infected, or otherwise "icky" hands and feet.
Nail chemicals are likely to be close to your face, so you could inhale a lot of them.

If the pros outweigh the cons, you may have found your ideal type of beauty program! If not, there are many other beauty fields for you to choose from.

Manicurist Program Enrollment Requirements

Manicure program enrollment requirements often mirror state licensing requirements regarding age and background. Many have additional requirements specific to their school, too.

Prospective nail tech students typically need to:

Be at least 16
Have a high school diploma or GED
Have completed at least 10^th grade
Apply for the program
Pay upfront fees, tuition, kit costs, and other required amounts
Visit the school and speak with a representative, which could include discussing both the program and financial aid opportunities

However, enrollment ages can range from 15 to 18, and the years of education required can vary or be affected by age. Some states may have additional requirements, too.

How Much Nail Technology School Costs

Manicure program costs depend on the required hours, full- or part-time attendance, whether the school is local or part of a chain, and more. Location also plays a significant role—even in one state, you could find a wide variety of costs. For instance, a manicuring school in urban Kansas City, MO, may cost more than a program in a smaller town like Rolla.

On average, you may find that, as of 2024, nail tech school costs between $3,000 and $5,000 before your student kit and fees. The cost can be much lower or higher, so doing your research is essential.

How Long Does Nail School Take?

Most nail technician programs take an average of 300 to 600 hours over three to nine months. However, some shorter ones take only a few weeks.

However, some states have drastically different requirements. Connecticut only requires 100 training hours.

Use our training hour calculator to estimate your program completion date and how many weeks you can expect your training to take.

How to Pick a Nail Tech Program Near You

All manicuring and pedicuring students should look for a state-approved program that offers what they want, isn't too pricey, and is reasonably easy to get to. But beyond that, choosing the right program for you is a lot more nuanced.

Are There Manicurist Apprenticeships?

Some states allow nail techs to earn licensure via an , but it's not the norm. In general, apprenticeships involve twice as many hours as traditional programs.

Review your state's laws to find out if learning by doing under an experienced manicurist is possible.

Getting Your Nail Tech License

After completing your program, you must pass your state's relevant licensure exam and pay some fees. Each state has its own specific rules.

Do I Need a Nail Technician License to Provide Nail Services?

You need a nail technician or cosmetology license to provide manicures and pedicures for pay. Some states may have built-in crossover licenses between esthetics and manicuring, which means you would be authorized to perform skin and nail treatments after graduating and passing exams.

Nail Technician Schools Near Me

Hot U.S. Cities for New Nail Technicians

Starting your career as a nail technician is exciting, but it could be even more exciting in one of the hottest places for new nail technicians—like the cities below.

Austin, TX

There are dozens of nail salons in and around Austin, making it a popular place to become a nail technician. From the rainbow-colored, cute nail studios to the multitasking Coffee N Nails, you could likely find the perfect place to begin your nail technician career.

The mean salary for nail technicians in Austin is $36,130 (BLS, 2023).

Austin beauty student's guide

Baltimore, MD

After Hour Nails and Spa and Enchanted Nails and Spa are just a couple of the nail salons calling Baltimore home. Thanks to the city's unique offerings, Baltimore is a popular place to become a nail technician.

The mean salary for nail technicians in Baltimore is $36,050 (BLS, 2023).

Baltimore beauty student's guide

Charlotte, NC

Historic Charlotte could be a great place to begin your career as a nail technician. Urban Nails Bar and Anthony Vincé Nail Spa are two of their many nail salons.

The mean salary for nail technicians in Charlotte is $34,670 (BLS, 2023).

Charlotte beauty student's guide

Chicago, IL

Sunday Nails Spa and ZaZaZoo Nail Studio are just a couple of the nail salons in Chicago. Many nail technicians are happy to call Chicago home due to the many beauty shops and bustling city life.

The mean salary for nail technicians in Chicago is $43,480 (BLS, 2023).

Chicago beauty student's guide

Detroit, MI

Detroit may be known for cars, but it should also be known for nail care. It has a ton of beauty and nail salons available, including Situation's Hair & Nail Salon and The TEN Nail Bar.

The mean salary for nail technicians in Detroit is $41,160 (BLS, 2023).

Detroit beauty student's guide

Miami / Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Miami / Fort Lauderdale area is often party central, and who doesn't want to look their best going out for a night on the town? Many find this environment a great fit for beginning a nail technician career at salons like Luv Nail Shop (Miami) and Moon & Stars Spa + Nails (Ft. Lauderdale).

The mean salary for nail technicians in Miami / Fort Lauderdale is $36,610 (BLS, 2023).

Miami beauty student's guide

Nashville, TN

Nashville is another city known for its nightlife, meaning people want to look fabulous head to toe—something nail technicians could use to their advantage. They have many unique salons, such as Music City Nails and Poppy & Monroe, which uses polishes that are as safe and natural as possible.

The mean salary for nail technicians in Nashville is $30,170 (BLS, 2023).

Nashville beauty student's guide

Phoenix, AZ

A quick glance over the nail salons in Phoenix tells you one thing: "Unusual and colorful" is the name of the game. From Stash House to Herbal Nails & Spa at Paradise Valley Village, Phoenix may be perfect if you want to be extra creative with your nail art.

The mean salary for nail technicians in Phoenix is $37,590 (BLS, 2023).

Phoenix beauty student's guide

Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL

No matter what type of nail studio environment you want to work in, chances are Tampa or St. Petersburg has a salon for you.

The mean salary for nail technicians in Tampa/St. Petersburg is $36,790 (BLS, 2023).

Tampa beauty student's guide

Washington, DC

The non-toxic nail salon the nailsaloon and the very artsy Mimosa Salon are just two of the fun nail salons you can find in Washington, DC. This bustling metropolis could be a wonderful place to begin your nail technician career, as it has been for many others.

The mean salary for nail technicians in Washington, DC, is $40,050 (BLS, 2023).

Washington, DC beauty student's guide

Nail Technology

Commercial Career