How Much Does a Nail Tech Make an Hour?
The beauty industry is booming, and nail technicians are in high demand. But how much do nail techs actually make? It depends on a number of factors, including your location, experience, and the type of salon you work for.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for nail technicians was $15.50 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.13 per hour, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $23.37 per hour.
Factors That Affect Salary
Several factors can affect how much a nail tech makes per hour. These include:
- Location: Nail techs in large metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Experience: Nail techs with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.
- Type of salon: Nail techs who work in high-end salons tend to earn more than those who work in budget salons.
- Services offered: Nail techs who offer a wide range of services, such as manicures, pedicures, and nail art, tend to earn more than those who offer a limited range of services.
- Tips: Nail techs often receive tips from clients, which can add to their hourly wage.
How to Increase Your Earning Potential
If you’re a nail tech looking to increase your earning potential, there are a few things you can do:
- Get certified: Many states require nail techs to be certified, but even if your state doesn’t, getting certified can help you stand out from the competition and earn more money.
- Offer a wide range of services: The more services you offer, the more likely you are to attract clients and earn more money.
- Work in a high-end salon: Nail techs who work in high-end salons tend to earn more than those who work in budget salons.
- Promote yourself: Create a website and social media pages to promote your services and attract new clients.
- Provide excellent customer service: Clients are more likely to return to a nail tech who provides excellent customer service, and they are more likely to tip generously.
Conclusion
How much a nail tech makes per hour depends on a number of factors, including their location, experience, the type of salon they work for, and the services they offer. However, there are a number of things that nail techs can do to increase their earning potential, such as getting certified, offering a wide range of services, working in a high-end salon, and promoting themselves.
Are you interested in learning more about becoming a nail technician?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average salary for a nail tech? According to the BLS, the median hourly wage for nail techs was $15.50 in May 2021.
- What are the factors that affect how much a nail tech makes? Factors that affect how much a nail tech makes include their location, experience, the type of salon they work for, the services they offer, and tips.
- How can I increase my earning potential as a nail tech? You can increase your earning potential as a nail tech by getting certified, offering a wide range of services, working in a high-end salon, promoting yourself, and providing excellent customer service.
