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Retail

Manicurist and Pedicurist

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

Annual openings

778

BLS median wage

$37,110

Typical education

Flexible / varies by employer

10-year growth

+11%

Career requirements

What does this career require?

The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.

Typical education

Flexible / varies by employer

Credential requirement

No specific credential listed yet

Work experience

This is an entry-level role so no experience is required.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

  • With kids/peopleOccasionally
  • On a computerOccasionally
  • Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
  • With your handsOccasionally

Interests it draws on

  • Human Services
  • Beauty

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  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.