Beauty & personal care
Nail technician
Provide manicure, pedicure and nail-enhancement services with attention to safety and detail.
BLS · May 2025
EDUCATION & ENTRY
Nail technology training + Oregon certification
Check a nail-technology program’s practice requirements, full price and state certification route. Understand sanitation, product handling and whether you want employee or independent-business work.
The state’s typical entry education classification is “Postsecondary training (non-degree).” This describes the occupation broadly; employers, programs and licensing bodies set specific requirements.
CONNECT THE CAREER TO A PLACE TO LEARN
Oregon training options
These are related routes to investigate. Confirm the full preparation, current admissions and eligibility for your intended role with the provider.
Gorge Academy of Cosmetology & Massage
Nail Technology
Study manicure and pedicure services, nail enhancements and safe salon practices.
Ask: Does detailed hand work appeal to me, and what ventilation and infection-control practices will I learn?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Phagans’ Grants Pass College of Beauty
Nail Technology
Study manicure and pedicure services, nail enhancements and safe salon practices.
Ask: Does detailed hand work appeal to me, and what ventilation and infection-control practices will I learn?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Imani Institute of Cosmetology
Nail Technology
Practice nail services, sanitation and client care for salon work.
Ask: What does the student kit include, and which products or examination costs would I buy separately?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Take this question to a counselor.
Would I enjoy close, detailed work while helping clients feel comfortable?
Before choosing a program, ask for prerequisites, the complete timeline, class and placement schedules, and a full cost estimate including supplies, exams, travel and living expenses.
Build a working cost estimate →Understand the numbers.
The median is the midpoint of estimated wages for Oregon workers in this occupation. The hourly median is $22.16. These figures describe workers across experience levels; they are not starting pay or the earnings of graduates from the programs below.
Oregon projects employment moving from 2,655 jobs in 2024 to 2,930 in 2034. The projected 3,271 openings over the decade include growth and replacement needs as workers leave an occupation. Dividing that total by ten gives the rounded annual average shown above. These are projections, not today’s vacancies.
These BLS wages cover employees, not self-employed workers or business-owner profit. Client demand, hours worked, supplies, rent and other business expenses can substantially change take-home income.
Check Oregon certification for your beauty specialty ↗
How to read wage information →