How Much to Tip Your Nail Tech for a Pedicure or Manicure (2024)

After struggling to pick out theperfect nail polish color, one of the most stressful parts about getting your nails done is figuring out how much to tip for your pedicure or manicure (or both). If tipping has you stumped, you are not alone. Prior to working in the industry, nail tech Tati Dantzler didn't realize she was supposed to tip a nail technician.

"I really thought they included the tip in the price," she added.

Spoiler alert: It isn't.

To better understand how much to tip at the nail salon, we tapped Dantzler and etiquette expert Jodi RR Smith. We also included a breakdown of the average nail technician's salary (sans tips) and addressed some common misconceptions about tipping. Whether you're getting a luxurious spa pedicure or a simple paint job, here's everything you need to know about tipping etiquette at nail salons.

A Nail Tech's Salary

Before getting into the specifics about how much to tip for nails, it's important to understand how much nail techs are making. As of May 2022, theBureau of Labor Statistics reportedthat the average hourly wage for a nail technician in the United States is $16, with most techs raking in anywhere from $11 to $22 per hour, depending on their location. Education, licensure, and years spent on the job all play a part in determining that number andhowa manicurist is making a paycheck.

While some nail technicians make an hourly wage while working at a salon, others take home commission-based pay, like Dantzler. That means when you pay your final bill, the nail technician brings home the agreed-upon percentage of that total.

"The only thing that doesn't get touched at all is tips," Dantzler shared.

How Much to Tip

OK, so now that you know a bit more about the nail industry and what your manicurist actually takes home after you've been prepped, polished, and sent on your way, it's time to discuss tipping. Smith explained the general guideline for tipping is 15 to 20 percent of the service cost.

"Then, if you are supremely pleased, you can tip more, or if you are disappointed, you may tip less," Smith said, adding that you can apply that rule of thumb whether you are tipping on a mani or pedicure. (Or any other service you get during your visit to the nail salon, like a massage or waxing.)

Dantzler agreed, adding that tipping should be based on 20 percent of the total cost of your service, taking time spent, design intricacy (if applicable), and performance into consideration when deciding on a final tip.

"Don't get me wrong — you don't have to tip if you aren't satisfied with the service," Dantzler said. "But if you are happy about your nails and the nail technician did a good job, you should tip."

When to Tip

Regardless of whether you're getting a basic pedicure or you upgrade to the full-on spa treatment, you should still be tipping your nail technician. Even if you're just getting your polish done, remember that you're only paying for the product and service but the nail artist's time and performance. Bottom line?

"Tipping should be basic nail etiquette," Dantzler suggested. "It helps so much, even if it's not a lot — everything adds up."

Tipping in Cash

If you plan to tip, there's one thing you'll want to keep in mind: Bring cash. Even if your salon allows a tip to be added to your total and charged to a card, Dantzler advised to pay with cash if you can.

"Cash tips are better for nail technicians because we can keep it right when we get it," she said, noting that when tips are added to a credit card, a manicurist won't see that money until payday. However, there's another part of the equation Dantzler said that's less obvious: "It's also beneficial to the salon owners because it's less paperwork and fewer taxes they're responsible for."

No matter how you end up tipping, Smith said it's important to avoid one major misconception: Presuming tips are shared. If multiple people helped with your services (say one person buffed your callused feet while another applied nail polish), make sure you take time to divvy up the tips among them.

Tipping Abroad

If you're traveling internationally and decide to head to a nail salon, do your research beforehand. Depending on the country, tipping etiquette will vary. Although tipping nail technicians in the U.S. is common since these workers rely on tips, that's not necessarily the case in other parts of the world.