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Salary comparison

Manicurists and Pedicurists vs. Childcare Workers: Who Earns More?

Manicurists and Pedicurists out-earn Childcare Workers by $780 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Manicurists and Pedicurists land at $35,760 and Childcare Workers at $34,980. The education gap is real: manicurists and pedicurist programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while childcare worker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Manicurists and Pedicurists is Hawaii ($60,790); for Childcare Workers it's District of Columbia ($47,340).

Manicurists and Pedicurists
Childcare Workers
Median salary
$35,760
$34,980
Hourly rate
$17.19/hr
$16.82/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$28,920
$24,260
Senior level (90th %)
$50,140
$46,010
Education required
High school diploma or equivalent
High school diploma or equivalent
U.S. employment
152,770
518,910
Job growth (10-year)
7%
-2.9%
Category
Personal Care
Personal Care
Top-paying state
Hawaii
District of Columbia

Pay by state

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

State
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Childcare Workers
Hawaii
$60,790
$37,030
Washington
$49,900
$41,680
Maine
$48,540
$36,350
Alaska
$47,890
$36,200
Oregon
$46,080
$38,650
Maryland
$37,300
$36,030
Colorado
$37,110
$40,750
California
$36,630
$40,020
District of Columbia
$36,620
$47,340
New Jersey
$36,370
$36,390
Massachusetts
$35,470
$40,900
New Hampshire
$35,100
$37,080
Rhode Island
$34,910
$36,940
Connecticut
$34,720
$36,660
New York
$34,660
$37,590

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

Common questions

Who earns more, Manicurists and Pedicurists or Childcare Workers?

Manicurists and Pedicurists earn more nationally. The median is $35,760 for Manicurists and Pedicurists versus $34,980 for Childcare Workers, a difference of $780. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Manicurists and Pedicurists or Childcare Workers?

Manicurists and Pedicurists has the better 10-year outlook at 7% projected growth, compared to -2.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.

Which requires more education, Manicurists and Pedicurists or Childcare Workers?

Manicurists and Pedicurists typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Childcare Workers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.

Where do Manicurists and Pedicurists get paid the most?

Hawaii is the top-paying state for Manicurists and Pedicurists 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. Childcare Workers pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In Hawaii, Manicurists and Pedicurists earn $60,790 vs. $37,030 for Childcare Workers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Manicurists and Pedicurists salary breakdownView →Full Childcare Workers salary breakdownView →Best cities for Manicurists and Pedicurists by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Childcare Workers by take-home payExplore →How to become a manicurists and pedicuristsGuide →How to become a childcare workersGuide →