Before you get into any career, beauty industry or otherwise, it’s essential to do your research on what career progression looks like and how much you can earn in the long run.
Of course, in those days as a beginner nail tech, we all know how tough it is to secure clients. That’s why many offer lower prices, mates rates and new client discounts to keep the bookings coming in.
But how much does a nail tech make in the UK once they’re established? Is becoming a nail tech a viable career anymore? We’re here to answer all of these questions and more!
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What is the average salary range for nail technicians in the UK?
According to Talent.com, the average nail technician’s salary is £24,414. This is based on data from 837 real salaries (at the time of writing) and the data also states that the salary ranges from £21,990 per year for entry-level positions to £36,598 for experienced nail techs. A significant jump, right?
Whilst this is a good general guide, it doesn’t give much information on whether this is the average salary for mobile or salon nail techs, or whether these salaries are consistent across the UK. But don’t worry guys, we’re going to explore all of this and more.
How much do self-employed nail techs make vs. salon nail techs?
There are usually two routes that you can go down when it comes to becoming a nail technician: self-employed vs salons or spas. How do the salaries differ? Here’s a quick breakdown.
What is a self-employed nail tech salary in the UK?
As a freelance nail tech, your earnings are as high as the day is long. You set your own working hours and days, so you could work more to earn more, depending on your availability and your prices.
According to Blossom Academy, you can earn £100 to £500 per day as a self-employed nail technician in the UK and this equates to a salary range of £26,000 to £130,000 (before tax) if you work Mon to Fri only. But of course, this doesn’t include days off, taxes, sick days, paying for your nail tech supplies or fluctuations in bookings.
How much do nail techs make in a salon?
Although around 53% of nail technicians are self-employed, there’s still a good chunk of people who prefer to work in a salon or for a company. But how much do nail technicians make in salons?
Indeed reports that the average salon nail tech salary is £22,761 based on over 1,500 reported UK salaries. It’s worth noting that the amount you earn in salons is heavily influenced by location. Your earning potential is significantly higher in the south of England and London, compared to the rest of the UK.
Are there any factors that influence the salary of a nail technician?
Of course! There’s a range of things that can affect how much you make in the nail industry. But that’s nothing to be afraid of. Considering these factors can help nail technicians understand their earning potential and make informed decisions to maximise their income within the industry. Here are some of the key factors to think about…
Experience
Experienced nail technicians can often command higher salaries than beginners or those with less experience. Clients may be willing to pay more for services provided by technicians with a proven track record of skill and expertise.
But, that doesn’t mean that you should charge super-low rates if you’re a beginner. Make sure you charge what you’re worth so you can cover the cost of supplies and your living expenses.
Location
The region or city where you choose to work can significantly impact your earning potential. Urban areas or affluent neighbourhoods may have higher demand for nail services and a customer base willing to pay premium prices, whereas rural areas or less affluent regions may offer lower rates.
Specialisation
Nail technicians who offer specialised services such as nail art, gel nails, acrylic nails, or other advanced techniques may be able to charge higher prices for their expertise. Continuing education and staying up-to-date with trends in the industry can also increase earning potential.
Working hours and environment
The number of hours worked and flexibility in scheduling appointments can impact your income as a nail tech. Those who are willing to work evenings, weekends, or holidays may have more opportunities to earn higher wages due to increased demand during peak times.
The environment can also have a big impact on how much you can earn as a nail tech in the UK. Whether you’re self-employed or working for a salon or spa can affect your earnings. Self-employed nail technicians have the potential to set their own prices and keep a larger portion of their earnings, while those working for an employer may have a set wage or commission structure.
Can your qualifications influence how much you can make as a nail tech?
It certainly can, that’s why it’s super important to complete your nail technician training with the right establishment.
If you opt for internationally recognised nail qualifications like the VTCT Level 1 Award in Nail Treatments, it opens up your pool of potential clients to the world, boosting your earning potential in the process!
On the other hand, not every salon or spa accepts online nail course certificates and you often don’t gain any practical experience while completing these courses. This means it can be more difficult to get your first clients and gain experience with these qualifications, meaning your growth and earning potential may be slower.
How to maximise your earning potential as a nail technician
The sky’s the limit when it comes to how much you can earn as a nail tech in the UK. If you aim high and work hard, there’s no stopping you! There are a few strategies you can adopt to maximise your earning potential in the nail industry, we’ve broken the main ones down below…
Upskilling
Continuously improve your skills by attending workshops, courses, and seminars. Obtain certifications in specialised areas such as nail art, gel nails, acrylic nails, or other advanced techniques to offer premium services that command higher prices.
Stay up-to-date on trends
Stay in the know with the latest trends, techniques and products in the nail industry. Offer trendy designs, styles, and colours that appeal to your clients and differentiate your services from competitors.
Offering add-on services
Expand your service offerings to include additional treatments such as manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, nail repair, or nail maintenance. Offering a variety of services can attract more clients and increase your earning potential.
Networking and collaboration
Network with other beauty professionals, salon owners, and industry influencers to expand your professional connections. Collaborate with local businesses or participate in events to increase exposure and attract new clients.
Training other nail technicians
If you’ve got enough experience in the industry you can brand out into training others. Whether it’s offering online courses or running workshops, this is a great way to boost your credibility and brand whilst earning some extra cash in the process.
Optimise your schedule
Efficiently manage your schedule to maximise your earning potential. Offer flexible appointment times, accommodate last-minute bookings when possible, and consider working during peak hours or busy seasons to capitalise on increased demand.