Headline risk
3%
Very Low RiskManicurists and pedicurists
AI displacement pressure score for United States AI Work Index, combining global AI task overlap with local wages, employment trends, and demand signals.
Why This Score
Share of job tasks that overlap with current AI capabilities
Median annual wage
Projected employment change over 10 years
Typical preparation needed for this occupation
Occupation profile
Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.
Task evidence
100% weighted task match · 5% effective coverage
Scores combine AI task overlap, human advantages, and local demand. How it works
United States Now
Median Wage
USD 34,660
Employment 2024
210.1K
Projected Change (2024–34)
7.0%
Openings (2024–34)
24.8K
Wage distribution
Demand outlook
Employment of manicurists and pedicurists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Role Profile
Tasks
- 1. Clean and sanitize tools and work environment. AI use: 0%
- 2. Apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brush. AI use: 0%
- 3. Shape and smooth ends of nails, using scissors, files, or emery boards. AI use: 0%
- 4. Prepare customers' nails in soapy water, using swabs, files, and orange sticks. AI use: 0%
- 5. Remove previously applied nail polish, using liquid remover and swabs. AI use: 0%
- 6. Prepare nail cuticles with water and oil, using cuticle knives to push back cuticles and scissors or nippers to trim cuticles. AI use: 0%
Technologies
Requirements
Work context
Worker profile
Median age 46.5 · 277K employed
Under 25: 5% · 25–54: 70% · 55+: 25%
Related
No direct US role match is available yet for this occupation.
Source coverage
11/11 source families · O*NET 30.2 / OEWS 2024 / ORS 2025 / OOH 2025-08-28 / Projections 2024-34 / CPS 2025 / Anthropic task penetration
Data quality
Employment data available
Narrative & sources
Manicurists and pedicurists clean, shape, and beautify fingernails and toenails.
Manicurists and pedicurists usually work in a nail salon, spa, or hair salon. Most manicurists and pedicurists work full time, although part-time work is common. Work schedules may vary and often include evenings and weekends.
Manicurists and pedicurists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program and then pass a state exam for licensure.
The median hourly wage for manicurists and pedicurists was $16.66 in May 2024.
Employment of manicurists and pedicurists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Important context
This score measures structural AI displacement pressure, not actual job losses. Local wages and demand data are specific to United States AI Work Index; the underlying AI task overlap analysis is consistent across all countries.