Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between cosmetologists and nail technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cosmetologist has an average salary of $37,122, which is higher than the $30,503 average annual salary of a nail technician.
The top three skills for a cosmetologist include TIP, customer service and retail sales. The most important skills for a nail technician are work ethic, customer service, and cleanliness.
| Cosmetologist | Nail Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $37,122 | $30,503 |
| Hourly rate | $17.85 | $14.66 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 22% |
| Number of jobs | 45,889 | 9,115 |
| Job satisfaction | 2 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | High School Diploma, 28% |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
A cosmetologist specializes in offering various services ranging from haircuts, makeup, skin and hair treatments, manicures, pedicures, and even shaving beards. They must have extensive knowledge and experience on the subject, plus keep up with current trends. Although most clients relay their preferred styling, a cosmetologist may also provide options and suggestions according to a client's hair condition or facial structure. Furthermore, a cosmetologist must have a strong client base, which is why one must build rapport and prioritize customer satisfaction.
Nail technicians are beauty specialists that provide grooming services to a client's fingernails and toenails. They are trained proficiently in filling, cleaning, and grooming as well as various nail treatments. They can either work in salons, nail studios, spas, or can be self-employed. Their duties include providing high-quality manicures and pedicures, applying artificial nails, and recommending different nail art and designs to the client. Also, they advise clients on proper nail care and provide quality hand and foot massages. Additionally, they ensure that the nail instruments and equipment are sanitized, and work stations are neat and orderly.
Cosmetologists and nail technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cosmetologist | Nail Technician | |
| Average salary | $37,122 | $30,503 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $53,000 | Between $17,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | Duluth, MN | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Anthony | J.F. Shea Co |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a cosmetologist and a nail technician in terms of educational background:
| Cosmetologist | Nail Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | High School Diploma, 28% |
| Most common major | Cosmetology | Cosmetology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between cosmetologists' and nail technicians' demographics:
| Cosmetologist | Nail Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 7.4% Female, 92.6% | Male, 16.0% Female, 84.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 2.4% Unknown, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 51.7% White, 30.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 5% |