As an aspiring nail technician, you may be pondering the question of how much you can make by pursuing your passion for beautiful nail art. You’ll be pleased to know that your nail tech skills can take you well beyond “hobby” status, earning you a six-figure income and beyond.
With the right systems and processes in place, you can be well on your way to turning your passions into profits. In this article, we’ll dive into the average nail tech salaries, typical costs involved with being a nail tech, and tips on maximizing your profits as a nail tech operating your own salon.
Nail technician salaries can vary widely depending on the type of salon where you operate, its location, and the size of your clientele. Other factors such as whether you operate independently or have your own salon will also impact your salary. Below are some of the common income scenarios you can expect to encounter as a nail technician.
One of the biggest factors to consider if you plan to open your own salon is the overhead costs. Whereas a nail tech keeps what they earn and simply pays taxes and other expenses, salon owners must think about other costs like rent, equipment, payroll, janitorial services, and supplies.
Some nail techs start out in a salon and gain experience and knowledge before branching out on their own, which can be a great way to learn the ropes and build loyal clientele before diving into salon ownership.
Whether you’re an independent nail tech or an aspiring salon owner, using a salon software system like GlossGenius can help you build your client base, market your services, keep track of your income and expenses, and scale your business with ease.
Plush chairs and glossy polish are not the only items you’ll need to open a nail salon. You have a number of essential factors to consider before swinging open your nail salon doors:
Keep in mind that every city and municipality has its own rules and regulations concerning new businesses. Check with your city to find out if they have a similar checklist and other resources to help you get up and running on the right perfectly pedicured foot.
Although the pandemic impacted the profitability of nail salons, they are steadily making a comeback. The market size of beauty salons (including hair, skin, and nails) is expected to reach nearly $67.4 billion in 2023, up from $58.5 billion in 2020, according to Statista.
To ensure healthy profit margins as a nail salon owner, make sure you have a business plan that spells out your business goals and includes a marketing plan to help you achieve them. Here are three areas to focus on:
With the above three elements in place, you’ll be able to more easily build your customer base. The more you upgrade the client experience, create a welcoming environment for guests, and streamline bookings, the more profitable you will become.
When you're a nail salon owner, choosing the right salon software is essential to streamline your operations, enhance customer experience, and grow your business. GlossGenius, priced at just $24 a month, offers an array of essential features that make it a valuable asset for nail tech professionals. It also includes extras like a custom card reader, a website, and more.
Here are the top components to look for in salon software as a nail salon owner:
Startup costs vary, depending on whether you’re opening a new salon or setting up shop in an existing salon. Rebranding starts at $62,000, while new salons start at $90,000. Below are some typical expenses you can expect to incur for either a new or rebranded location.
Grand total: $62,000
Grand total: $89,500
Salon loans, financing, insurance, staffing, and POS software may increase your startup costs further. Be sure to account for all of your costs as you create a salon business plan.
Various factors will impact your nail tech income, and it’s essential to consider all angles before you get up and running. One of the key factors is the type of salon and services you offer. For instance, a salon offering luxury nail services like sugar scrubs and paraffin wraps might earn more than a salon offering basic manicures and pedicures.
Your nail salon’s size will also affect your income. A small salon with limited space obviously can’t hold as many clients as a large salon, reducing income potential. However, you can always offer higher-end services to earn more per client.
Of course, if you really want to up your per-client profits, you can always try offering a wildly expensive mani-pedi, like the million-dollar Azature White Diamond Polish. Who are we to stop you?
Starting a nail salon or diving into a full-time cosmetology career as a licensed nail technician is both exhilarating and promising. The potential hourly wage, coupled with the freedom of being self-employed, paints a picture of the opportunities ahead. As an average nail technician or an esthetician, knowing your potential earnings might be the spark that propels you to craft a meticulous business plan and commence your venture with vigor.
Arming yourself with detailed planning, understanding the dynamics of the industry, and equipping your business with the ideal salon software can pave the way for immense success. GlossGenius offers an all-in-one platform uniquely suited for ambitious nail tech salon owners, blending affordability with a spectrum of features that promise to boost profitability in the dynamic world of cosmetology.
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