Occupation AtlasManicurists and Pedicurists
O*NET · 39-5092.00
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.
Also called Fingernail Former · Fingernail Sculptor · Fingernail Sculpturer · Fingernail Technician · Licensed Nail Tech · Licensed Nail Technician (Licensed Nail Tech) · Manicurist · Nail Artist
7 more
Nail Tech · Nail Technician (Nail Tech) · Pedicurist · Salon Nail Tech · Salon Nail Technician (Salon Nail Tech) · Spa Nail Tech · Spa Nail Technician (Spa Nail Tech)
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
RCSRealistic · Conventional · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic5.63
- C Conventional3.67
- S Social3.06
- E Enterprising2.35
- A Artistic2.29
- I Investigative1.30
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (34%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (31%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (31%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
- Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
- Time ManagementImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- MonitoringbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- PersuasionImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
- NegotiationImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
Show the other 23
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- InstructingImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- WritingbasicImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- MathematicsbasicImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.5Level 0.9
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
18 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Clean and sanitize tools and work environment.Importance 4.8
- Apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brush.Importance 4.7
- Shape and smooth ends of nails, using scissors, files, or emery boards.Importance 4.6
- Maintain supply inventories and records of client services.Importance 4.6
- Prepare nail cuticles with water and oil, using cuticle knives to push back cuticles and scissors or nippers to trim cuticles.Importance 4.5
- Prepare customers' nails in soapy water, using swabs, files, and orange sticks.Importance 4.5
- Remove previously applied nail polish, using liquid remover and swabs.Importance 4.4
- Schedule client appointments and accept payments.Importance 4.3
- Use rotary abrasive wheels to shape and smooth nails or artificial extensions.Importance 4.3
- Advise clients on nail care and use of products and colors.Importance 4.2
- Roughen surfaces of fingernails, using abrasive wheel.Importance 4.2
- Assess the condition of clients' hands, remove dead skin, and massage hands.Importance 4.2
Show the other 6
- Treat nails to repair or improve strength and resilience by wrapping.Importance 4.1
- Extend nails using powder, solvent, and paper forms attached to tips of customers' fingers to support and shape artificial nails.Importance 3.9
- Polish nails, using powdered polish and buffer.Importance 3.8
- Whiten underside of nails with white paste or pencils.Importance 3.4
- Promote and sell nail care products.Importance 3.2
- Decorate clients' nails by piercing or attaching ornaments or designs.Importance 3.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- English LanguageImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- MathematicsImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- PsychologyImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
Show all 33
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- DesignImportance 2.2Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- AdministrativeImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- ChemistryImportance 2.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
- MechanicalImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- BiologyImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- TransportationImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- GeographyImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- PhysicsImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Communications and MediaImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Food ProductionImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.4Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.4Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Near VisionImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
Show all 52
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speech ClarityImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Problem SensitivityImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Information OrderingImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- OriginalityImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sort paintbrushes based on length
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- VisualizationImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Written ComprehensionImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Far VisionImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.3Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Written ExpressionImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.0Level 1.8
- MemorizationImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Number FacilityImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.9
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.9
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Static StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Rate ControlImportance 1.3Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.1Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
- Getting InformationImportance 2.7Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Follow a standard blueprint
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 2.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Test an automobile transmission
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
Show all 41
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Keep up with price changes in a small retail store
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Organize a work schedule that is repetitive and easy to plan
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.5Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Write brief messages to others
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 2.2Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.2Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.1Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Determine the meal selection for a cafeteria
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.0Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Working with ComputersImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Check to see if baking bread is done
- Processing InformationImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Calculate the costs for shipping packages
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
9 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (3)
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
Other tools (6)
- Aknaf ADVANTAGE Salon Software and Spa Software
- Appointment Search
- AppointmentQuest Online Appointment Scheduler
- Customer information databases
- DaySmart Software Appointment-Plus
- DaySmart Software Salon Iris
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Shampooers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Monitoring +0.6, Active Learning −0.5
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Average difference 0.2 points · Technology Design −0.8, Active Listening +0.5
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Average difference 0.2 points · Technology Design −0.8, Active Learning −0.8
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Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.9, Active Learning −0.8
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Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
Average difference 0.2 points · Technology Design −0.8, Operation and Control +0.8
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Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Average difference 0.2 points · Technology Design −0.8, Active Learning −0.7
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Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.9, Active Learning −0.8
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Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Learning −0.7, Operations Monitoring +0.6
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.