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Salary comparison

Manicurists and Pedicurists vs. Amusement and Recreation Attendants: Who Earns More?

Manicurists and Pedicuristss out-earn Amusement and Recreation Attendantss by $4K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Manicurists and Pedicuristss land at $35,760 and Amusement and Recreation Attendantss at $32,150. The education gap is real: manicurists and pedicurist programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while amusement and recreation attendant programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Manicurists and Pedicuristss is Hawaii ($60,790); for Amusement and Recreation Attendantss it's Alaska ($45,680).

Manicurists and Pedicurists
Amusement and Recreation Attendants
Median salary
$35,760
$32,150
Hourly rate
$17.19/hr
$15.46/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$28,920
$22,350
Senior level (90th %)
$50,140
$42,490
Education required
High school diploma or equivalent
High school diploma or equivalent
U.S. employment
152,770
397,830
Job growth (10-year)
N/A
N/A
Category
Personal Care
Personal Care
Top-paying state
Hawaii
Alaska

Pay by state

States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Manicurists and Pedicurists median pay.

State
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Amusement and Recreation Attendants
Hawaii
$60,790
$39,920
Washington
$49,900
$37,790
Maine
$48,540
$35,330
Alaska
$47,890
$45,680
Oregon
$46,080
$35,400
Maryland
$37,300
$36,710
Colorado
$37,110
$35,770
Illinois
$37,050
$32,770
California
$36,630
$37,000
District of Columbia
$36,620
$37,960
New Jersey
$36,370
$34,500
Massachusetts
$35,470
$34,440
Arizona
$35,290
$33,570
Connecticut
$34,720
$34,860
New York
$34,660
$36,300

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Manicurists and Pedicuristss or Amusement and Recreation Attendantss?

Manicurists and Pedicuristss earn more nationally. The median is $35,760 for Manicurists and Pedicuristss versus $32,150 for Amusement and Recreation Attendantss, a difference of $4K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Manicurists and Pedicurists or Amusement and Recreation Attendants?

BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.

Which requires more education, Manicurists and Pedicurists or Amusement and Recreation Attendants?

Manicurists and Pedicurists typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Amusement and Recreation Attendants requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.

Where do Manicurists and Pedicuristss get paid the most?

Hawaii is the top-paying state for Manicurists and Pedicuristss at $60,790/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

How does Manicurists and Pedicurists vs. Amusement and Recreation Attendants pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In Hawaii, Manicurists and Pedicuristss earn $60,790 vs. $39,920 for Amusement and Recreation Attendantss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Manicurists and Pedicurists salary breakdownView →Full Amusement and Recreation Attendants salary breakdownView →Best cities for Manicurists and Pedicuristss by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Amusement and Recreation Attendantss by take-home payExplore →How to become a manicurists and pedicuristsGuide →How to become a amusement and recreation attendantsGuide →