Nail Technician Salaries

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Nail Technician make?

The average salary for a Nail Technician is $48,826 per year in the US.

Nail technicians enjoy a rewarding career with a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for a nail technician is about $48,826. This means that many professionals in this field earn a comfortable living while doing something they love.


Salary ranges can vary. At the lower end, a nail technician might start at around $22,500. As they gain experience and develop their skills, they can see their earnings increase significantly. Those with more experience can earn up to $100,680 annually.


The salary distribution shows that a good portion of nail technicians earn between $29,607 and $72,251. This range indicates that there are many opportunities for growth within this profession.


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What are the highest paying cities for a Nail Technician?

Columbia, SC stands out as the highest paying city for Nail Technicians, offering an impressive average salary of $114,651. Following Columbia, Reno, NV and New Orleans, LA provide competitive salaries of $79,263 and $75,692, respectively. Other notable cities include San Antonio, TX and Wilmington, NC, where salaries are also attractive for professionals in this field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Nail Technician jobs, highlighting Columbia, SC with the highest at $114,651 and Nashville, TN with the lowest at $54,875.
  1. Columbia, SC
    Average Salary: $114,651
    Columbia offers a vibrant beauty scene where skilled nail professionals can thrive. With popular salons like The Nail Bar, technicians enjoy a steady flow of clients and a supportive community.
    Find Nail Technician jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. Reno, NV
    Average Salary: $79,263
    Reno is a growing market for nail services, thanks to its sunny climate and tourism. Nail artists can find opportunities at trendy spots like Envy Nail Bar, attracting locals and visitors alike.
    Find Nail Technician jobs in Reno, NV


  3. New Orleans, LA
    Average Salary: $75,692
    In New Orleans, the blend of art and culture creates a unique atmosphere for beauty services. Nail technicians can express their creativity at popular salons like the Nail Lounge while enjoying the city's lively spirit.
    Find Nail Technician jobs in New Orleans, LA


  4. San Antonio, TX
    Average Salary: $62,478
    San Antonio boasts a robust beauty industry, making it a great place for nail professionals. With many salons, like Star Nails, technicians can build a loyal clientele and enjoy a bustling work environment.
    Find Nail Technician jobs in San Antonio, TX


  5. Wilmington, NC
    Average Salary: $61,985
    Wilmington's coastal charm attracts many who seek personal pampering. Nail professionals can find rewarding work at local favorites like Mirage Nail Bar, where they can provide top-notch services to a friendly clientele.
    Find Nail Technician jobs in Wilmington, NC


  6. Birmingham, AL
    Average Salary: $59,751
    Birmingham presents great opportunities for nail technicians, with an expanding beauty market. Salons such as Fancy Nails offer a welcoming environment where technicians can enhance their skills and grow.
    Find Nail Technician jobs in Birmingham, AL


  7. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $56,274
    Houston's diverse population contributes to a thriving nail industry. Professionals can excel in their craft at busy salons like Tippy Toes, catering to a wide range of customer preferences.
    Find Nail Technician jobs in Houston, TX


  8. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $56,068
    Denver's trendsetting beauty scene promotes creativity among nail specialists. Salons like Polish offer an upbeat atmosphere, making it easy to connect with clients who appreciate innovative designs.
    Find Nail Technician jobs in Denver, CO


  9. Fort Wayne, IN
    Average Salary: $55,399
    Fort Wayne has a friendly community that embraces personal care services. Nail technicians can enjoy a stable work environment at popular salons such as Nails by Aimee, while building strong relationships with clients.
    Find Nail Technician jobs in Fort Wayne, IN


  10. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $54,875
    Nashville's exciting atmosphere draws many clients seeking pampering. Nail technicians can thrive at places like The Nail Bar and express their creativity while benefiting from a vibrant arts scene.
    Find Nail Technician jobs in Nashville, TN

What are the best companies a Nail Technician can work for?

Nail technicians can find excellent pay opportunities with top companies like Resident Salon Services, which offers an average salary of $67,500. Highlands Day Spa and THE WOODHOUSE DAY SPA also provide competitive salaries at around $52,000 and $48,313, respectively. Other notable mentions include Paul Mitchell Schools and Belle, which offer average salaries of $42,371 and $42,000, giving job seekers a range of options in great work environments.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Nail Technician jobs, highlighting Resident Salon Services with the highest at $67,500 and Trilogy Spa Holdings with the lowest at $22,053.
  1. Resident Salon Services
    Average Salary: $67,500
    Resident Salon Services provides high-quality nail care in various settings, primarily within residential communities. Nail Technicians here enjoy a supportive environment with competitive pay, especially in locations like New York and California.


  2. Highlands Day Spa
    Average Salary: $52,000
    Highlands Day Spa focuses on offering a luxurious experience for clients. Nail Technicians at this spa work in a serene environment, particularly in Colorado. They benefit from good salaries and a strong emphasis on professional development.


  3. THE WOODHOUSE DAY SPA
    Average Salary: $48,313
    THE WOODHOUSE DAY SPA is known for its relaxing atmosphere and extensive treatment options. Nail Technicians working at locations across the United States receive comprehensive training and a competitive salary.


  4. Paul Mitchell Schools
    Average Salary: $42,371
    Paul Mitchell Schools offer hands-on training for aspiring Nail Technicians. Students in these schools learn the latest techniques and trends, and those who go on to work at affiliated salons find good starting salaries.


  5. Belle
    Average Salary: $42,000
    Belle specializes in providing trendy nail services in urban environments. Nail Technicians at Belle enjoy a creative atmosphere and modern practices, with strong earnings in cities like Los Angeles and Miami.


  6. Rejuvenate Salon and Spas
    Average Salary: $38,014
    Rejuvenate Salon and Spas offer a full range of services, including nail care. Their Nail Technicians work in a supportive team environment, primarily in the Midwest, and appreciate the friendly work culture.


  7. Sanford Health
    Average Salary: $37,000
    Sanford Health provides wellness services alongside traditional health care. Nail Technicians here work in a unique setting, offering services in several clinic locations and enjoy stable employment and competitive pay.


  8. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $31,087
    Marriott International incorporates nail services in their luxury hotel spas. Nail Technicians at Marriott work in beautiful locations and have the chance to deliver exceptional service to guests, while earning competitive salaries.


  9. JCPenney
    Average Salary: $31,065
    JCPenney salons offer a variety of hair and nail services. Nail Technicians find steady work in many stores across the country, along with opportunities for career advancement and decent pay.


  10. Trilogy Spa Holdings
    Average Salary: $22,053
    Trilogy Spa Holdings operates several spa locations that emphasize health and beauty. Nail Technicians start their careers here, gaining valuable experience while working in a vibrant community environment.

How to earn more as a Nail Technician?

As a Nail Technician, you can boost your income by focusing on a few key areas. By improving your skills and marketing yourself effectively, you can attract more clients and offer higher-quality services. Here are five factors to consider:

  1. Expand Your Skill Set: Learn new nail techniques and trends. Consider taking advanced courses in nail art, acrylics, or gel nails. The more skills you have, the more services you can offer.
  2. Build a Strong Client Base: Focus on providing excellent customer service. Clients return for great experiences and often recommend you to others. Networking can help you grow your client list.
  3. Offer Unique Services: Introduce specialized services like nail health treatments or themed nail art. Unique offerings can set you apart and allow you to charge premium prices.
  4. Promote Yourself: Use social media to showcase your work. Post photos of your designs and share client testimonials. A strong online presence can attract new clients.
  5. Upsell and Cross-Sell: Suggest add-on services, such as hand massages or nail care products. Upselling increases the value of each client's visit and boosts your earnings.

By focusing on these factors, you can increase your income and build a successful career as a Nail Technician.

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Currently 482 Nail Technician job openings, nationwide!

How's the job market for a Nail Technician in the US?

Learn what a Nail Technician does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Nail Technician today.
Position
Overview
Nail Technician
482 Job Openings