Career Exploration Guide

SOC: 39-5092

Manicurists and Pedicurists

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

Education:		These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

OJT:		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.

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

License:		License not required.

Outlook:		Good

Alabama Employment Outlook

Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage		Annual Wage
Entry	$8.75	Entry	$18,188.00
Mean	$11.63	Mean	$24,178.00
Experience	$13.07	Experience	$27,183.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections

Estimated Employment 2016	Projected Employment 2026	Annual Average Openings	Annual Growth Rate
570	620	70	.84

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No postsecondary schools reported programs.

Occupational Videos

39-5092.00

Manicurists and Pedicurists