As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Nail Technician in the United States is $27,427 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $13.
However, a Licensed Nail Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Licensed Nail Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $29,443 | $2,454 | $566 | $14 |
| Average | $27,427 | $2,286 | $527 | $13 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,710 | $2,143 | $494 | $12 |
Lake Country Veterinary Care - MARCELLUS, NY
Stack Hospital for Pets - FAYETTEVILLE, NY
Catskill Veterinary Services, PLLC - ROCK HILL, NY
Westarbor Animal Hospital - DEXTER, MI
A Licensed Nail Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Licensed Nail Technician's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Licensed Nail Technician | $27,499 |
| Intermediate Level Licensed Nail Technician | $27,785 |
| Senior Level Licensed Nail Technician | $28,530 |
| Specialist Level Licensed Nail Technician | $28,631 |
| Expert Level Licensed Nail Technician | $28,800 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Licensed Nail Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Licensed Nail Technician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $29,443 | $2,454 | $566 | $14 |
| Average | $27,427 | $2,286 | $527 | $13 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,710 | $2,143 | $494 | $12 |
Salaries for a Licensed Nail Technician can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $34,614 in 2023 to around $33,812 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Licensed Nail Technician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $34,614 |
| 2024 | $34,043 |
| 2025 | $33,812 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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