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Retail

Manicurist and Pedicurist

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

Annual openings

778

Median wage

$37,110

Typical education

Education not reported

Growth 2026–2032

+11%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Education not reported

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

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

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsYes

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.
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