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Personal Care · California

How to Become a Manicurists and Pedicurists in California

Manicurists and Pedicurists in California earn a median salary of $36,630/year, which is 2% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~1.8%. After taxes and rent, a manicurists and pedicurists takes home approximately $1,392/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$37K
Median salary in California
+2%
vs. national average
1.8%
State income tax
39,210
Employed in California

What a manicurists and pedicurists can afford in California

Gross annual salary$36,630
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 1.8% state tax)$2,569/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,177/mo
Rent as % of take-home45.8% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$36,630/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,392/mo

Becoming a manicurists and pedicurists in California

1

Meet education requirements

Manicurists and Pedicurists positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many manicurists and pedicurists positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for manicurists and pedicuristss. Requirements vary by state, contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 39,210 manicurists and pedicurists. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.

Manicurists and Pedicurists salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$43K$20.71/hr2,180
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$42K$20/hr4,040
Napa$39K$18.51/hr140
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$38K$18.21/hr390
Vallejo$37K$17.7/hr460
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles$37K$17.67/hr160
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$37K$17.63/hr4,180
Salinas$37K$17.61/hr250
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$37K$17.58/hr15,050
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara$36K$17.42/hr230
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$36K$17.37/hr720
Stockton-Lodi$36K$17.19/hr660
Merced$36K$17.12/hr120
Redding$35K$17/hr100
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$35K$16.99/hr3,130

Manicurists and Pedicurists salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$35K
25th percentile
$35K
Median (50th)
$37K
75th percentile
$40K
90th percentile (senior)
$47K
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Full manicurists and pedicurists salary breakdown in California
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Manicurists and Pedicurists careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a manicurists and pedicurists make in California?

The median manicurists and pedicurists salary in California is $36,630 per year ($17.61/hr). This is 2% above the national median of $35,760. Salaries range from $34,840 to $47,260.

What are the requirements to become a manicurists and pedicurists in California?

Manicurists and Pedicurists positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a manicurists and pedicurists afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $36,630, a manicurists and pedicurists in California would take home approximately $2,569/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,177/month, that's 45.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for manicurists and pedicurists in California?

The highest paying metro areas for manicurists and pedicurists in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($43,070), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($41,600), Napa ($38,500). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for manicurists and pedicurists?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 1.8%. On a $36,630 salary, this means roughly $646/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.