Nail Technology Schools in Pennsylvania
If you hope to become a nail technician—also called a manicurist and pedicurist, nail specialist, and nail tech—Pennsylvania may be the place for you. As of 2020, Pennsylvania was the eighth most popular state for tourism, thanks to its history and modern amenities. So, you could be doing the nails of people from all over the country.
Browse our directory of nail technology schools in Pennsylvania, or skip ahead to learn about the state's nail technology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Nail Technology Schools in Pennsylvania
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50 Ranck Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17602
Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science & Technology – Accredited
Pleasant Gap, PA 16823
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Nail Technology Schools Near Me
Check out the Nail Technology schools these cities in Pennsylvania have to offer.
How to Become a Manicurist in Pennsylvania
- 200 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years by January 31.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for manicurists in Pennsylvania is $20,200 ($9.71/hour). This is lower than the national average of $25,770 ($12.39/hour).
- There is a predicted 12% job increase between 2016–2026 for manicurists. This is higher than the expected national growth of 10%.
Pennsylvania has standards you must meet to become a nail technician, including:
You must also be open about any criminal record you may have. This record may not automatically bar you from getting your nail technician license in Pennsylvania. Still, there is a lengthy list of convictions that could result in you being denied licensure. The umbrella categories of these crimes are:
What to Expect from a Nail Technician Program in Pennsylvania
Required to earn a nail technology license
To earn your nail technician license in Pennsylvania, you need to spend 200 hours training in a state-approved school of cosmetology. You can confirm with the state board that your school is approved.
Your coursework should prepare you for your exam, including topics like:
During the COVID-19 crisis, Pennsylvania has determined up to 40 hours of nail technician training in professional practices, sciences, and practical skills review can be completed remotely.
Pennsylvania Nail Technician Licensing Requirements
Pennsylvania's licensure steps occur in what may seem like an unusual order:
- Turn in your licensure application
- Be notified if you're eligible for your license and approved to take your exam
- Schedule your exam
- Take your exam
- Assuming you pass and have completed all other requirements, be granted your license
You apply for your license via the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). To make sure you have everything you need before spending time and money to apply, click on their "application checklist" option near the top of the page. Answer the questions that follow to get to the right checklist for your situation. Assuming you're a first-time applicant who hasn't been licensed in another location, you need to have the following ready to submit with your application:
Pennsylvania is unique because they only require nail technicians to pass a theory exam. You don't need to do any nail treatments as part of your testing. The test involves 60 scored and 15 unscored questions, including:
Apply to take this exam on the Pearson Vue website. The earliest you can take it is once you've completed 150 education hours, and you won't be issued your license until you've fully completed your training.
If you need testing accommodations as per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you can request accommodations ahead of time. You need to include documentation of the disability from a diagnostic professional and information about accommodations you've had in the past. If approved, your accommodations will be tailored to your needs.
If you don't pass the exam, you may retake it. You'll owe the full $93 each time you retake.
Pennsylvania Nail Technician Licensure Reciprocity
Pennsylvania has nail technician license reciprocity agreements with most states, except:
If you're currently licensed in one of those states, you'll need to pass the Pennsylvania nail technician exam to get your license. If you're licensed in any other state, you may be able to waive the exam.
Nail Technician Licensure Renewal in Pennsylvania
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Nail technician licenses must be renewed by January 31 every two years—you'll be assigned an even or an odd year—and applications are completed on the PALS site. The window to apply for renewal opens 30-60 days before the expiration dates, and you should apply early to make sure you can handle any hiccups that may arise before your license expires.
Pennsylvania Nail Technology Careers
Average yearly salary for nail technology in Pennsylvania
As of 2019, Pennsylvania nail technicians earn an average of $20,200 ($9.71/hour). The number of these jobs is expected to grow by 12% between 2018 and 2028.
Contact the Florida State Board of Nail Technology
- 2601 North 3rd Street PO Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17110
- Website: Pennsylvania Department of State
- Email: st-cosmetology@pa.gov
- Call: 717-783-7130
- Fax: 717-705-5540
Resources for Nail Technicians in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology
Part of the Pennsylvania Department of State, the board's website contains information about Pennsylvania cosmetology laws, licensure, and more.