Manicurists and Pedicurists

SOC 39-5092.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers nail care service delivery in licensed salon and spa environments, spanning sanitation, nail preparation, polish application, client communication, and salon business operations from entry-level technician through salon leadership roles.

Sources:O*NET v30.2 SkillsCrosswalk

Emerging

Entry / Apprentice

Sanitation protocols — follow step-by-step procedures to clean and sanitize nail tools and workstations under direct supervisor guidance in a licensed salon setting.
Nail polish application — apply undercoat and colored polish onto nails using a brush under close supervision during client services.
Nail shaping basics — use files and emery boards to shape and smooth nail ends following demonstrated techniques on supervised practice clients.
Cuticle preparation — push back and trim cuticles using water, oil, cuticle knives, and nippers under direct instruction in a salon environment.
Pre-service nail preparation — soak and clean customers' nails using soapy water, swabs, files, and orange sticks as directed by a senior technician.
Polish removal — remove previously applied nail polish using liquid remover and swabs following established salon procedures with oversight.
Supply awareness — identify and report low nail care product inventory to a supervisor during daily salon operations.
Active listening skills — receive and repeat back client service preferences clearly during intake consultations under guidance.
Scheduling tools — enter basic client appointment data into calendar or scheduling software with supervisor assistance in a salon front-desk context.
Personal presentation standards — maintain a clean, professional appearance and cooperative attitude throughout each shift in a personal care service environment.

Developing

Mid-level / Established

Tool and environment sanitation — consistently clean, sanitize, and organize tools and workstations between client appointments with minimal oversight in a busy salon.
Polish and finish application — apply base coats, colored polish, and topcoats smoothly and evenly across full-service appointments using brushes and standard techniques.
Rotary abrasive tool use — operate rotary abrasive wheels to shape and smooth natural nails or artificial extensions safely during routine client sessions.
Cuticle care procedures — prepare cuticles with water and oil, use cuticle knives and nippers reliably across a variety of nail conditions with limited supervision.
Full nail preparation sequence — complete the soak, swab, file, and orange-stick preparation process independently for both manicure and pedicure services.
Service record maintenance — record client service details and update inventory logs accurately using spreadsheet or salon management software after each appointment.
Client communication — explain service options, aftercare advice, and product recommendations clearly and confidently to clients throughout their appointments.
Social perceptiveness — read client comfort levels and adjust service pace or pressure appropriately during hands-on nail care procedures.
Appointment scheduling — manage personal client bookings and reschedules using calendar or CRM software with routine accuracy in a salon context.
Product inventory tracking — monitor supply levels, flag reorder needs, and maintain organized stock areas as part of regular salon responsibilities.

Proficient

Senior / Expert IC

Advanced sanitation compliance — audit tool-cleaning and workstation-sanitation practices against state board standards and correct deficiencies independently in a licensed nail salon.
Complex nail finish techniques — execute multi-step nail art, gel, and acrylic finish applications with consistent quality across diverse client needs and nail conditions.
Precision nail shaping — select and apply scissors, files, emery boards, or rotary tools to achieve varied nail shapes tailored to individual client preferences without supervision.
Comprehensive cuticle and nail prep — adapt cuticle and nail preparation techniques to sensitive skin, damaged nails, or medical considerations while maintaining client safety.
Non-routine service problem-solving — diagnose and address nail or cuticle irregularities, breakage, or skin sensitivities during client appointments using professional judgment.
Client records and service history management — maintain detailed and accurate client service histories and preferences in CRM software to support repeat-visit personalization.
Upselling and service consultation — assess client needs holistically and recommend appropriate add-on treatments or retail products that align with client health and style goals.
Inventory and supply management — track product usage trends, place timely reorders, and minimize waste through accurate inventory records in a high-volume salon.
Empathetic client relationship building — establish rapport and long-term client loyalty through consistent empathy, attentiveness, and personalized service delivery.
Technology integration — use office suite, spreadsheet, and scheduling software together to streamline daily operations and maintain accurate business records autonomously.

Advanced

Lead / Principal / Executive

Sanitation and compliance leadership — establish and enforce salon-wide sanitation standards and state licensing compliance protocols, training all staff on updated procedures.
Service menu development — design new manicure and pedicure service offerings based on industry trends, client demand data, and product knowledge at an organizational level.
Staff technical training — coach emerging and developing technicians on nail shaping, cuticle care, polish application, and rotary tool use through structured on-the-job mentorship.
Quality assurance oversight — observe, evaluate, and provide corrective feedback on technician technique and client interaction standards across the full salon team.
Client experience strategy — develop and implement customer service frameworks and communication standards that drive client satisfaction, retention, and referrals salon-wide.
Inventory and vendor management — negotiate with product suppliers, set purchasing budgets, and oversee inventory systems to ensure cost-effective supply chain operations.
Business technology administration — configure and maintain CRM, scheduling, and reporting software platforms to optimize salon workflow and client data management.
Team culture and work-style modeling — foster a salon culture of dependability, cooperation, and optimism by setting behavioral expectations and recognizing exemplary staff performance.
Financial and operational reporting — compile and interpret service volume, revenue, and supply cost data using spreadsheet and office suite tools to inform management decisions.
Professional development leadership — identify external training, certification, and continuing education opportunities that advance the technical and service skills of the entire salon team.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic Index Jadhav & Danve, 2026 WEF Skills Taxonomy

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Developing
Proficient
Advanced

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable Skills O*NET v30.2

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Related titles

Fingernail Former · Fingernail Sculptor · Fingernail Sculpturer · Fingernail Technician · Licensed Nail Technician (Licensed Nail Tech) · Manicurist · Nail Artist · Nail Technician (Nail Tech) · Pedicurist · Salon Nail Technician (Salon Nail Tech) · Spa Nail Technician (Spa Nail Tech)

RAPIDS apprenticeships

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O*NET skills

Active ListeningSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessService Orientation

Knowledge domains

Customer and Personal Service

Abilities

Near VisionArm-Hand SteadinessFinger DexterityOral ExpressionManual DexteritySpeech Recognition

Work styles

Attention to DetailSocial OrientationDependabilityCooperationEmpathyOptimism

Technology

Data base user interface and query softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareCustomer relationship management CRM softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite software

Tasks · seed anchors for statements

Clean and sanitize tools and work environment.
Apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brush.
Maintain supply inventories and records of client services.
Shape and smooth ends of nails, using scissors, files, or emery boards.
Prepare nail cuticles with water and oil, using cuticle knives to push back cuticles and scissors or nippers to trim cuticles.
Prepare customers' nails in soapy water, using swabs, files, and orange sticks.
Remove previously applied nail polish, using liquid remover and swabs.
Use rotary abrasive wheels to shape and smooth nails or artificial extensions.

CIP education codes

12.040112.0410