Over the past few years, nail salons have been booming and achieved a solid 7.8% annual growth over the past three years, expanding to $12.9 billion in 2024. That’s because self-care has become a priority for people, and manicures and pedicures are no longer luxuries.
This shift in consumer behavior has led to rise in demand for professional nail services, especially in states like Maine, Montana, or Florida. From quick polish changes to Instagram-worthy nail art, more people are seeking high-quality services from trained professionals.
So, what does that mean if you’re thinking about becoming a nail technician in Florida or if you’re already working in the field? With this higher demand comes more opportunity. And whether you dream of working in a trendy salon or running your own nail suite, it’s helpful to understand how much you can expect to earn. Knowing your potential income can help you plan your training, set financial goals, and figure out if you want to stick with a salon or strike out on your own.
As of 2025, nail techs in Florida are doing pretty well earning about 9% more than the national average. Hourly pay typically falls between $13 and $48, depending on your experience and location. This means a yearly income anywhere from $32,500 to $119,000.
If you’re just getting started, you’ll likely begin at the lower end of that range. But with experience and especially if you're working in a high-end salon or offering specialized services your income can climb, especially if you add tips and commissions.
Wondering how Florida compares to other places in the US? Well, salaries can vary quite a bit depending on where you live. That’s mostly because the cost of living and the demand for nail services aren’t the same everywhere. While Florida’s average pay is below states like Montana or Washington, it still remains competitive and among the top states with higher annual salaries for nail technicians.
Here we’ve extracted data from the career site Indeed from information collected over the past 36 months.
Where you work in Florida can make a big difference in how much you earn as a nail technician. Just like in many other industries, salaries tend to be higher in urban areas compared to smaller towns or rural spots.
If you're in cities like Miami, Tampa, or Clearwater, you can usually expect to earn more. It’s because they have a higher cost of living, more high-end salons, wealthier clients, and way more foot traffic. Translated to a nail technician it means more appointments, more tips, and more chances to grow your income.
In contrast, rural areas might offer lower base pay but don’t write them off too quickly. If you're thinking about working for yourself or opening your own space, rural locations may be a better choice for you. There’s often less competition, which gives you room to build a loyal local client base. Plus, rental costs for salon space are usually a lot lower, so your overhead stays manageable.
As you’ve seen, location has a big impact on a nail technician’s salary, but there are also other factors that shape your income.
Like with any career, the more time you spend perfecting your craft, the more you can earn. If you’re just starting out, you’ll likely begin on the lower end of the pay scale. But over time, as you build skills, confidence, and a loyal client base, your hourly rate and tips can increase significantly.
Not all workplaces are created equal. Upscale spas or boutique salons often charge higher prices for services which also means better pay for their staff. You’re also more likely to get generous tips from clients in luxury environments. On the other hand, quick-service nail bars may offer more consistent walk-in traffic, but they typically come with lower pricing and tighter schedules.
When it comes to making money as a nail technician, one of the biggest choices you’ll make is whether to work in a salon or go out on your own. Each path has its pros and cons especially when it comes to how much you can earn.
Working in a salon brings you steady work, experience, and a reliable schedule. You’ll usually get either an hourly wage, commission, or a mix of both, plus tips. But of course, there are trade-offs. You’ll have a boss to report to, and you’ll need to stick to the salon’s schedule and you will be limited to the tools, products, and techniques that the salon provides.
If you choose freelance, things look a little different. Since you’re calling the shots, you can set your own prices, offer the exact services you want, and keep 100% of what you earn minus your expenses and taxes. But running your own nail salon at home or rental means more responsibility like covering supplies, doing all the marketing and finance.
📝In short:
Salons = steady pay, less overhead, but less control.
Freelancing = more freedom and potentially more money, but more work.
Tips make a substantial portion of the nail technician’s income. While tipping is optional, it boosts incomes especially in places where base salaries are lower.
So how much do clients tip? In the nail industry the minimum tip is 15% but the most common tip is 20%. Pretty much standard just like hair salons or spas.
Depending on the detailed service or specialized service it’s common to add an extra 5-10% on top of the standard tip to say thank you for the extra effort and skill. And don’t be surprised if you walk into a salon and spot a sign gently reminding clients to tip. It’s a common practice, and it helps reinforce the value of the work.
Some salons offer an hourly wage, while others pay commission based on the services you perform or the products you sell. When it comes to commissions entry-level techs usually start with a 40/60 split. Nail techs keep 40%, while the salon keeps 60%. As you gain experience and start bringing in your own clients, that split can get more favorable. Some salons prefer to pay minimum wage plus tips, which offers a little more stability when business is running slow.
If you are already a nail technician or you are planning to become one, it’s a great time to join the industry. According to industry projections, jobs for manicurists and pedicurists are expected to grow by 12% between 2023 and 2033, which is way faster than the average for most careers.The projected increase in employment reflects demand for nail services, such as mini-sessions and mobile manicures and pedicures. Plus, grooming is no longer just for women, actually a growing number of men are jumping on board with regular nail care as part of their wellness routine.
In Florida especially, the outlook is extra sunny. The state’s tourism industry, warm weather all year round, and love of beauty keep salons busy. And when demand goes up so do salaries.
Counting on the growing demand for nail techs is great, but if you really want to boost your income, the biggest factor is you. Your skills or the way you run your business can make a difference in your earnings.
Little extras like nail art, gel upgrades, paraffin dips, or even a relaxing hand massage might not seem like much but they add up. Clients like pampering themselves, and when you offer small upgrades you can boost your prices in a natural way.
Just because you’ve earned your cosmetology license – which is an absolute must if you want to practice in Florida – doesn’t mean the learning stops there. Staying up to date with the latest trends like chrome nails, hand-painted art, or Japanese gel helps you appeal to all sorts of clients. Being known for unique and high-demand techniques makes it easier to charge premium prices.
And don’t forget the business side of things! Investing in a good booking platform can save you tons of time by handling appointments, reminders, payments, and even financial reports. The more efficient your setup, the more time you have to focus on what you like to do.
Your clients already trust your advice, and they want their nails to last between visits. So why not offer them the products they need? You can sell anything from cuticle oils, nourishing hand creams, nail strengtheners, and home-care kits. Even if only half your clients buy something small, that income adds up over time. Tools like Goldie make selling even easier. You can sell products directly through the app and create reports to track what’s a hot buy helping you know when it’s time to restock.
Instagram and TikTok are your digital portfolios. By sharing photos and videos of your work, behind-the-scenes content, nail tips, or client transformations, you can attract new clients and stand out from the crowd. Use hashtags, tag your location, and engage with your followers to boost your visibility.
As we’ve said, the nail industry is only going up at least in the upcoming years, so if you are thinking of becoming a nail technician, now is a great time to get started. Is Florida the best place for nail techs? It’s definitely on the top of the list when it comes to competitive wages, but as we’ve seen there are many factors that influence your salary. No matter which city or state you choose, if you want to earn more highly depends on you.
.webp)
