What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Manicurists and Pedicurists in the U.S. earn more than $35,760 a year — the middle 80% land between $28,920 and $50,140. About 152,770 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Manicurists and Pedicurists”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Service and sales workers earn about ₹15,575 a month on average — around ₹1.9 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$35,760typical pay / year
152,770people in this work
$50,140+top 10% earn
₹1.9 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Learning2
Recommend nail care products
+Assess Jenna's nails after today's service, recommend a strengthening base coat and a hypoallergenic polish…
Recommend nail care products
+Assess Jenna's nails after today's service, recommend a strengthening base coat and a hypoallergenic polish for her sensitive skin, explain a three-step daily care routine, then send product names, prices and ordering links to her by tonight.
The tools that do the workCustomer information databasesESCOjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Apply polish
+File and shape Mr Alvarez's nails to free edge length he prefers, buff lightly for smoothness, apply a…
Apply polish
+File and shape Mr Alvarez's nails to free edge length he prefers, buff lightly for smoothness, apply a protective base, two thin coats of his chosen colour, and finish with quick-dry top coat; check for comfort before he leaves.
The tools that do the workDaySmart Software Salon IrisESCOjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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The daily work14
Cut fingernails
+Trim and shape Ms Nguyen's fingernails to a neat oval per her request, clean under each nail, smooth the…
Cut fingernails
+Trim and shape Ms Nguyen's fingernails to a neat oval per her request, clean under each nail, smooth the edges with a file, and log the cut length and any issues in her client record before she pays.
The tools that do the workAppointmentQuest Online Appointment SchedulerESCOjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Maintain supply inventories and records of client services.
+Update the supplies log with today's stock use, record last week's client services and note any low items to…
Maintain supply inventories and records of client services.
+Update the supplies log with today's stock use, record last week's client services and note any low items to reorder before Saturday so I don't lose bookings when I run out of acrylic glue or cleansing wipes.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelO*NET
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Schedule client appointments and accept payments.
+Reserve evening slots on Tuesday and Thursday for next week, record deposits received from Maria and Jenna,…
Schedule client appointments and accept payments.
+Reserve evening slots on Tuesday and Thursday for next week, record deposits received from Maria and Jenna, issue payment receipts to both, and set automated unpaid-balance reminders so outstanding amounts clear before the weekend bookings.
The tools that do the workDaySmart Software Appointment-PlusO*NET
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Treat nails to repair or improve strength and resilience by wrapping.
+Prepare each client's nails for a nail wrap treatment, select appropriate wrap material for weakened nails,…
Treat nails to repair or improve strength and resilience by wrapping.
+Prepare each client's nails for a nail wrap treatment, select appropriate wrap material for weakened nails, document the product lot numbers and aftercare instructions in the client's file before they leave.
The tools that do the workCustomer information databasesO*NET
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Use chemicals on nails and skin
+Check each client's contraindications, mix and document the chemical products and concentrations I will use…
Use chemicals on nails and skin
+Check each client's contraindications, mix and document the chemical products and concentrations I will use for a skin or nail service, get verbal consent, and record the patch test result before starting the treatment.
The tools that do the workCustomer information databasesjob descriptions
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Apply overlays or extensions
+Assess the client's nail bed and decide overlay or extension type, measure and fit tips or forms, document…
Apply overlays or extensions
+Assess the client's nail bed and decide overlay or extension type, measure and fit tips or forms, document the chosen system and curing times in the service note so the client gets consistent fills later.
The tools that do the workAknaf ADVANTAGE Salon Software and SpaWikipedia
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Shape fingernails
+File and shape fingernails to the client's requested silhouette, check for symmetry and strength, then note…
Shape fingernails
+File and shape fingernails to the client's requested silhouette, check for symmetry and strength, then note the final shape and any nail issues in their record so future appointments track progress.
The tools that do the workCustomer information databasesESCO
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Shape nails
+Shape Maria Lopez's nails into short rounded tips, push and trim cuticles, buff lightly, remove dust, apply…
Shape nails
+Shape Maria Lopez's nails into short rounded tips, push and trim cuticles, buff lightly, remove dust, apply base coat, two thin coats of her chosen deep red polish and quick-dry top coat, then check for chips and advise aftercare products.
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Sell specialised products
+Offer and explain the specialised oil-based cuticle serum and the anti-yellowing topcoat to Sara, emphasise…
Sell specialised products
+Offer and explain the specialised oil-based cuticle serum and the anti-yellowing topcoat to Sara, emphasise benefits for brittle nails and show two-week results from my last three clients, close the sale and note product choice on her file before she leaves.
The tools that do the workCustomer information databasesESCO
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Apply nail polish
+Prepare Sara’s station, remove old polish, shape nails, apply base coat, two thin colour layers and a…
Apply nail polish
+Prepare Sara’s station, remove old polish, shape nails, apply base coat, two thin colour layers and a high-gloss topcoat, confirm drying time and aftercare, and record the colour and finish on her record before payment.
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Advise customers on usage of cosmetics
+Ask about current products, skin reactions and lifestyle, explain how to use the hydrating cuticle oil and…
Advise customers on usage of cosmetics
+Ask about current products, skin reactions and lifestyle, explain how to use the hydrating cuticle oil and UV-protective hand cream twice daily, demonstrate amount and technique, and add product recommendations to her notes.
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Cosmetic skin treatment
+Perform a brief skin consultation, check for contraindications, cleanse and exfoliate the planned area, apply…
Cosmetic skin treatment
+Perform a brief skin consultation, check for contraindications, cleanse and exfoliate the planned area, apply the appropriate mask and hydration serum, explain sensations and aftercare, and record the treatment and any reactions.
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Identify customer's needs
+Run a quick intake asking about occupation, nail and skin history, recent products and allergies, inspect…
Identify customer's needs
+Run a quick intake asking about occupation, nail and skin history, recent products and allergies, inspect hands and cuticles, decide whether manicure, strengthener or medical referral is needed, and note the chosen plan in her chart.
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Cosmetic manicure
+Soak, push and trim cuticles, buff nails to even surface, apply strengthening base, two colour coats and a…
Cosmetic manicure
+Soak, push and trim cuticles, buff nails to even surface, apply strengthening base, two colour coats and a protective gel-free topcoat, confirm satisfaction, and update her record with products and next recommended date.
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Keeping the record2
Style and shape finger and toe nails
+Shape and style Priya Patel's finger and toe nails for her Saturday 2pm visit: remove old polish, trim and…
Style and shape finger and toe nails
+Shape and style Priya Patel's finger and toe nails for her Saturday 2pm visit: remove old polish, trim and file to soft square, push cuticles, apply base coat, two coats of Crimson Velvet, finish with quick-dry top coat and brief LED cure where needed.
The tools that do the workDaySmart Software Salon Irisjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Maintain tools and supplies
+Audit my kit before Friday's bookings: check buffer blocks, clippers, files, cuticle oil, base and top coats,…
Maintain tools and supplies
+Audit my kit before Friday's bookings: check buffer blocks, clippers, files, cuticle oil, base and top coats, Crimson Velvet stock and disposables; reorder missing items to arrive by Wednesday and log receipts against supplies.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptionsO*NET
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Move1
Massage hands and feet
+Give a 20-minute therapeutic hand and foot massage for Elena Reyes at 10am Tuesday: assess skin sensitivity,…
Massage hands and feet
+Give a 20-minute therapeutic hand and foot massage for Elena Reyes at 10am Tuesday: assess skin sensitivity, use warming oil, knead forearms, palms and soles, finish with restorative lotion and home-care stretches explained.
The tools that do the workAppointment Searchjob descriptionsO*NET
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Says who?
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The logs, files & records this job keeps
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Related careers
Same family of work — each with its own tasks and prompts.
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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses