Salon & suite rental
Nail Technician
The cheapest license in beauty, and a book you own.
Typical pay
$28k-$70k
How you get in
300-600 hour program plus state license
Outlook
Steady; nail art specialists do best
Nail technicians provide manicures, pedicures and enhancements. It is the shortest and least expensive beauty license, and independent techs with a full book do considerably better than salon employees.
A day in the life
- 9:30aSanitize implements, set up the station
- 10:00aFull set of gel extensions, two hours
- 12:30pBack-to-back fills and manicures
- 2:00pQuick lunch between appointments
- 3:00pPedicures through the afternoon
- 7:00pClean, disinfect, post the day's nail art
How to get in
Nail technology program
Duration
3-6 months
Cost
$2,000-$8,000
Credential
State nail technician license
- Complete your state's required hours at a licensed school
- Pass the written and practical state board exams
- Start at a salon for volume and speed
- Build a following on social media — it is how modern techs fill a book
Specialize in nail art or extensions
Duration
6-18 months after licensure
Cost
$1,000-$6,000 in advanced classes
Credential
License plus manufacturer and technique certifications
- Get licensed and build baseline speed
- Take advanced training in acrylic sculpting, gel-x or hand-painted art
- Photograph everything and post consistently
- Specialists charge two to three times a basic manicure rate
Suite or home studio
Duration
1-2 years after licensure
Cost
$2,000-$10,000 for equipment, rent and insurance
Credential
License plus business registration; check state rules on home salons
- Build a loyal book while working in a salon
- Confirm your state allows home-based or suite operation
- Rent a suite and set your own prices and hours
- Keep the full service price rather than a salon split
What people love
- · Fastest and cheapest beauty license
- · Strong social media leverage for building a book
- · Suite rental keeps the full rate
- · Repeat clients every two to three weeks
What wears people down
- · Chemical and dust exposure requires real ventilation
- · Hunched posture damages neck and back
- · Heavy price competition at the low end
- · No benefits when renting