Nail technician salary in Washington

Nail technicians in Washington earn a median $49,900 a year. That's 40% above the national median, ranking Washington #3 of 48 states.

Median pay
$49,900
Median hourly
$23.99
Typical range
$38,660–$63,430
Jobs
5,570

Pay range

Annual pay percentiles for nail technicians in Washington
PercentileAnnual payU.S.
10th (entry level)$38,660$28,920
25th$46,310$34,010
Median$49,900$35,760
75th$58,120$41,650
90th (top earners)$63,430$50,140

Pay in Washington metro areas

Median pay by metro area
Metro areaMedian payJobs
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$50,8003,610

Compare other states

  1. 1Hawaii$60,790
  2. 2Nebraska$56,940
  3. 3Washington$49,900
  4. 4Maine$48,540
  5. 5Alaska$47,890
  6. 6Oregon$46,080
  7. 7Iowa$45,420
  8. 8Kentucky$45,310
  9. 9South Dakota$45,310
  10. 10Nevada$41,880
  11. 11Missouri$39,100
  12. 12West Virginia$38,260
  13. 13Florida$37,840
  14. 14Maryland$37,300
  15. 15Mississippi$37,300
  16. 16Colorado$37,110
  17. 17Illinois$37,050
  18. 18Michigan$36,890
  19. 19Wisconsin$36,680
  20. 20California$36,630
  21. 21Virginia$36,630
  22. –District of Columbia$36,620
  23. 22New Jersey$36,370
  24. 23Indiana$36,140
  25. 24Minnesota$36,040
  26. 25Ohio$35,590
  27. 26Massachusetts$35,470
  28. 27Arizona$35,290
  29. 28New Hampshire$35,100
  30. 29Idaho$34,910
  31. 30Rhode Island$34,910
  32. 31Tennessee$34,810
  33. 32North Carolina$34,740
  34. 33Connecticut$34,720
  35. 34New York$34,660
  36. 35Texas$34,040
  37. 36South Carolina$33,810
  38. 37Montana$33,660
  39. 38North Dakota$33,430
  40. 39Oklahoma$31,330
  41. 40Delaware$31,200
  42. 41Kansas$30,930
  43. 42Alabama$30,300
  44. 43Utah$28,820
  45. 44Louisiana$28,170
  46. 45Pennsylvania$27,990
  47. 46Arkansas$27,690
  48. 47Georgia$26,910
  49. 48New Mexico$25,720
  50. –Puerto Rico$22,900

Start training

See what the work is like and how long training takes, then compare schools in Washington.

Nail tech schools in WashingtonHow to become a nail technician

Frequently asked questions

How much do nail technicians make in Washington?

The median pay for nail technicians in Washington is $49,900 a year ($23.99 an hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $38,660, and the top 10% earn over $63,430.

Is Washington a good state for nail technicians?

Washington ranks #3 of 48 states for median nail technician pay, 40% above the national median of $35,760. Living costs vary a lot by state, so compare pay with local housing costs.

How can a nail technician earn more?

Pay rises with experience, certifications, specialized skills, overtime and willingness to travel. Union jobs and employers in high-cost metro areas often pay more. Our guide on how to become a nail technician covers the certifications that matter most.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Manicurists and Pedicurists, SOC 39-5092). Figures exclude self-employed workers.