Nail Technicians Can Make More Than $100K a Year: 6 Ways They Do It

On paper, the average nail technician salary might not turn heads, hovering around $30,000 to $45,000 a year according to industry estimates. But scroll through social media or step into certain high-end salons and you’ll see a different story: nail artists booking weeks in advance, charging premium rates and running their own brands.

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So how do some nail techs break out of the pack and rake in six figures or more? The short answer: they’re not just doing nails. They’re building a business. Below are the top strategies that set six-figure nail techs apart and how you can turn your nail passion into serious profit.

Also here are other jobs that pay six figures.

At the high end of the nail world, clients aren’t just paying for a manicure, they’re paying money for art. Top nail artists charge $100 to $300 or more per set for intricate hand-painted designs, rhinestones, 3D embellishments and custom work.

To justify those rates, these techs treat their craft like couture: they build a unique aesthetic, showcase it on social media and attract a niche audience willing to pay for exclusivity.

Pro tip: Focus on one signature style (like minimalist, kawaii or glam) and promote your work consistently on Instagram or TikTok.

Nail techs who hit six figures often fine-tune their process to serve more clients per day, without rushing the experience. They also increase ticket size with add-ons like:

Nail art (charged per finger or by time)
Gel upgrades
Nail strengthening treatments
Cuticle care or hand masks

Even a $10 add-on across five clients a day adds $250 a week or $13,000 a year.

Pro tip: Use booking software (like StyleSeat or GlossGenius) to automate scheduling and upsells.

High-earning techs often ditch the salon entirely and go mobile — catering to clients at home, hotels or events. Others offer VIP services with perks like champagne, extended appointments or luxe add-ons. This “convenience-first” model allows techs to charge premium prices and build a loyal, high-end clientele.

Pro tip: Target bridal parties, influencers or corporate clients for regular mobile gigs.

Many six-figure techs build massive followings on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube, where they not only attract clients, but also open doors to sponsorships, affiliate deals and product collaborations. From nail tutorials to salon vlogs, content creation is a scalable way to make money outside of appointments.

Pro tip: You don’t need millions of followers; brands often pay micro-influencers to promote nail tools or nail polish lines.

Once they’ve built an audience, some nail techs expand into educators and product creators, launching online courses, selling e-books or starting their own press-on nail lines. Others create their own brushes, decals or kits and sell them on Etsy, Shopify or Amazon.

Pro tip: A single $29 course selling 100 copies a month will bring in $2,900 in passive income.

Techs who want full control (and no commission splits) often rent a salon suite or open a home-based studio. This setup increases profits and allows full pricing flexibility, which is key to scaling earnings.

Some even sublease chairs to other techs, creating a side income as a mini-salon owner.

Pro tip: Start small with a part-time suite and scale up as your bookings grow.

Nail techs making $100,000 or more aren’t necessarily the busiest, they’re the smartest with their business. They build a brand, diversify their income and charge what they’re worth.

If you love nails and want to turn it into a thriving career, now’s the time. With the right strategy and hustle, six figures is more than possible — it’s the new polish standard.

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