Manicurists and pedicurists
SOC Code: 39-5092
Manicurists and pedicurists carries a 35% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $34,660 and +7.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 210,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 35% AI exposure, Manicurists and pedicurists sits 2 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 46% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Manicurists and pedicurists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Manicurists and pedicurists has ai exposure of 35%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Manicurists and pedicurists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Manicurists and pedicurists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Manicurists and pedicurists (SOC 39-5092) carries an AI exposure score of 35%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 210,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +7.0% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $34,660, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Manicurists and pedicurists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Clean and sanitize tools and work environment.
- 2. Apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brush.
- 3. Maintain supply inventories and records of client services.
- 4. Shape and smooth ends of nails, using scissors, files, or emery boards.
- 5. Prepare nail cuticles with water and oil, using cuticle knives to push back cuticles and scissors or nippers to trim cuticles.
- 6. Prepare customers' nails in soapy water, using swabs, files, and orange sticks.
- 7. Remove previously applied nail polish, using liquid remover and swabs.
- 8. Use rotary abrasive wheels to shape and smooth nails or artificial extensions.
- 9. Schedule client appointments and accept payments.
- 10. Assess the condition of clients' hands, remove dead skin, and massage hands.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Coordination
- Time Management
- Monitoring
- Persuasion
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Sales and Marketing
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Manicurists and pedicurists?
Manicurists and pedicurists has an AI exposure score of 35%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Manicurists and pedicurists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Manicurists and pedicurists is projected to grow by 7.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 210,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Manicurists and pedicurists?
Key skills for Manicurists and pedicurists include Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Manicurists and pedicurists earn?
The median annual wage for Manicurists and pedicurists is $34,660, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Manicurists and pedicurists?
The typical entry-level education for Manicurists and pedicurists is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Manicurists and pedicurists?
Manicurists and pedicurists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).