Nail technician job description
Where we source our data
Let's get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you're making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That's why we anonymously surveyed nail technicians about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it's really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can't guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Tasks and responsibilities for a nail technician
Nail beauticians often work in a spa or salon with a team of other beauty professionals. Some work as sole traders and run their businesses from home. A typical day as a nail technician involves seeing a range of clients who have different treatments booked in for their nails.
A nail technician’s tasks can include:
- Performing manicures and pedicures on clients
- Designing nail art, applying nail enhancements and extensions
- Ensuring industry hygiene and service standards and practices are met
- Giving hand and foot massages
- Upselling treatments and products for clients’ nails where appropriate
- Preparing nails and skin for treatments
- Taking bookings and payments/managing booking system
- Cleaning work stations between clients
How to become a nail technician
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Study
Nail technician courses like the Certificate III in Nail Technology (SHB30315) provided by a private provider or RTO (registered training organisation) can be flexible, affordable and is the best way to prepare yourself for a role as a nail tech. A qualification in nail technology or beauty therapy provides the technical skills needed to work confidently, and successful completion can open you up to greater career opportunities.
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Further study
Existing qualified nail technicians that wish to refine their skills, specialise in a particular service or start their own business can upskill through advanced nail or beauty courses.
Pathway options
A career as a nail tech can be fulfilling for a long time and can lead to owning your own business. It can also be a great position to launch your beauty career and give you access to many other job types in the beauty industry.
Some pathway options could be:
Junior
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Eyelash and eyebrow technician
Most common qualification: Eyelash or eyebrow certificate
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Nail technician
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Nail Technology (SHB30315)
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Beautician
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30115)
Mid
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Beauty therapist
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy (SHB40115)
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Makeup artist
Most common qualification: Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50115)
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Laser therapist
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy (SHB40115)
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Special effects makeup artist
Most common qualification: Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-up Services) (CUA51020)
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Dermal therapist
Most common qualification: Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50115)
Senior
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Dermal clinician
Most common qualification: Bachelor of Health Science (Dermal Therapies)
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Salon manager
Most common qualification: Diploma of Salon Management (SHB50216)
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Cosmetic nurse
Most common qualification: Bachelor of Nursing
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Laser technician
Most common qualification: Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50115)
Explore related qualifications
Advanced Nails Certificate
An Advanced Nails Cert is an excellent course for those who wish to polish their nail technician skills or start their own business in the beauty industry.
This course covers the fundamentals of manicure and pedicure services, with advanced nail treatments such as acrylic nails, gel nails, sculpting and nail art. You can complete this course at your own pace, but it generally takes 4-6 weeks.
This course can be studied online, and payment options are available from most course providers.
Reviews
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
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Sense of community.
What are the best parts of the job?
Being part of a community of nail techs, creative people and small business owners who support each other.
What's the most challenging part?
Nothing — it's all good.
Making clients nails look amazing.
What are the best parts of the job?
Seeing the finished project of my clients nails.
What's the most challenging part?
Shaping peoples nails to meet their standards can be tricky sometimes, people can be quite specific.
Good, but a job's a job.
What are the best parts of the job?
I enjoy my job, but honestly work is just work, and the best part is probably getting paid.
What's the most challenging part?
As I said, at the end of the day work is work.
