Occupation

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Human Advantage 60%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
4.7 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

Also Known As: Fingernail Former, Fingernail Sculptor, Fingernail Sculpturer, Fingernail Technician, Licensed Nail Technician (Licensed Nail Tech), Manicurist, Nail Artist, Nail Technician (Nail Tech) +3 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Clean and sanitize tools and work environment.
  2. Apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brush.
  3. Maintain supply inventories and records of client services.
  4. Shape and smooth ends of nails, using scissors, files, or emery boards.
  5. Prepare nail cuticles with water and oil, using cuticle knives to push back cuticles and scissors or nippers to trim cuticles.
  6. Prepare customers' nails in soapy water, using swabs, files, and orange sticks.
  7. Remove previously applied nail polish, using liquid remover and swabs.
  8. Use rotary abrasive wheels to shape and smooth nails or artificial extensions.
  9. Schedule client appointments and accept payments.
  10. Assess the condition of clients' hands, remove dead skin, and massage hands.
  11. Roughen surfaces of fingernails, using abrasive wheel.
  12. Advise clients on nail care and use of products and colors.
  13. Treat nails to repair or improve strength and resilience by wrapping.
  14. Extend nails using powder, solvent, and paper forms attached to tips of customers' fingers to support and shape artificial nails.
  15. Polish nails, using powdered polish and buffer.
  16. Whiten underside of nails with white paste or pencils.
  17. Promote and sell nail care products.
  18. Decorate clients' nails by piercing or attaching ornaments or designs.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
49%
Less than a High School Diploma
36%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
15%
Some College Courses
0%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software

Software (9)

  • Aknaf ADVANTAGE Salon Software and Spa Software
  • Appointment Search
  • AppointmentQuest Online Appointment Scheduler
  • Customer information databases
  • DaySmart Software Appointment-Plus
  • DaySmart Software Salon Iris

Tools & Equipment (30)

  • Callus shavers
  • Credit card processing machines
  • Cuticle knives
  • Cuticle nippers
  • Cuticle pushers
  • Cuticle scissors
  • Dry heat sterilizers
  • Electronic cash registers
  • Emery boards
  • Finger separators
  • Finishing nail stones
  • Foot baths
  • Laptop computers
  • Manicure airbrushes
  • Manicure tables
  • Manicure tweezers
  • Nail buffing blocks
  • Nail clippers
  • Nail dryers
  • Nail files
  • Nail nippers
  • Nail scissors
  • Nail scrub brushes
  • Nail slicers
  • Pedicure carts
  • Personal computers
  • Pumice stones
  • Steam autoclaves
  • Toe separators
  • Ultraviolet UV sterilizers

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Personal Care Services Hospitality, Events, & Tourism

Zone 2
Manicurists and Pedicurists You are here
Zone 3
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists 94% match
Zone 5
Dietitians and Nutritionists 74% match

Resume Builder

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Real Talk

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