Nail Technology Program Selection

• Choose a nail technology program approved by your state's licensing board. The variety of institutions offering programs for manicurists and pedicurists includes community colleges, vocational schools and private cosmetology or nail technology schools. Call and ask the school you choose whether they have accreditation and state approval before you enroll. Some schools require a high school diploma or the equivalent to register.
  
  

Course of Study

• Complete the state-approved nail technology program you have selected. Typical programs last from 350 to 600 hours and include both instruction and practice. For example, Maine requires 200 hours of instruction plus 400 hours of practice as an apprentice in preparation for the state board exam. You will study topics such as disinfection, use of instruments, structure of the nails, procedures and applications.
  
  

State Examinations and Licensing

• Pass the licensing exam in your state and pay the licensing fee to become a licensed nail technologist. Most examinations include a written portion as well as a test in performing nail procedures. The written test will cover pertinent topics, such as safety, manicure and pedicure techniques and nail care. Some states allow reciprocity. That means if you are a licensed nail technician in another state, you can receive a license without examination upon applying and paying the licensing fee. Some states also require continuing education to renew your license.
  
  

Earnings for Nail Technicians

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2009, the average nail technician in the U.S. earned $10.65 per hour. This comes to an annual average income of $22,150 for full-time work. The range of hourly wages from the 10th to the 90th percentile goes from $7.67 to $15.36. Vermont and Oregon had the highest pay for nail technicians in 2009. In Vermont, the average nail tech earned $16.19 per hour, and in Oregon, the average came to $15.43 per hour. The BLS statistics do not include self-employed nail technicians, even though 44 percent of personal appearance workers are self-employed.
  
  

Job Outlook

• The number of jobs for nail technicians will grow by 19 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the BLS. The increased popularity of nail salons and all-inclusive spas will open up more jobs for nail technicians. Many technicians working in these establishments will work as independent contractors, however, renting space from the owner.