Nail Technology Schools in South Dakota

Browse our directory of nail technology schools in South Dakota, or skip ahead to learn about the state's nail technology licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Manicurist in South Dakota

Everyone loves having clean, well-maintained nails. Even customers who don't like over-the-top nail colors or artificial tips prefer the look of trimmed, smooth nails.

As a manicurist in South Dakota, you can provide all types of nail care services to people in your community and get established in the beauty community.

State License Requirements

Finally, it's time to apply for your license and start working! Through the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission, you can provide proof of your training hours and pay your $80 licensing fee. Once you pass your licensing exams, you've met all necessary requirements and you can start building your career. If you get started right away, you could be on your way to a nail license in a matter of weeks.

Education Details

The journey to a nail care career starts with education. With so many South Dakota nail technician schools, you can tour local programs, learn about their schedules, and find a school that fits you perfectly. As you spend at least 400 hours on your nail technician license, you can get tons of practice with techniques and tools. With the required topics below, you can feel confident that you're learning what you need to know.

Topics Taught at South Dakota Nail Schools

• Infection control and disinfection
• Salon and spa safety
• Hygiene, disinfection, and sanitation
• Anatomy and physiology
• Manicuring and pedicuring techniques
• Massaging the hands, arms, feet, and legs
• Electric file use
• Nail tips and wraps
• Sculptured nails
• Gel nails
• Business practices
• Salon management

License Renewal

In South Dakota, if you want to work as a licensed nail technician, you need to start with a training program that includes 400 hours of practical training. From there you will have to pass your state written and practical exams to obtain initial licensure. After, you will need to renew your license every year for $20. If you are an instructor, the fee is $25. Practitioners do not need continuing education units. But instructors must complete 12 hours of instructor education courses annually.

South Dakota Nail Technology Careers

Who knows what each day will bring at the nail salon? Maybe you'll apply artificial nails for a wedding party, get high schoolers glammed up for prom, or touch up regular customers' nail tips. From Sioux Falls to small rural communities, nail salons are everywhere in South Dakota. This field is growing, with an expected 9% increase in job openings by the year 2026 (CareerOneStop, 2020). In South Dakota, the average salary for a nail technician is $31,570 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020).

Many job options exist for nail technologists in the beauty industry. Creating and maintaining beautifully designed acrylic and gel nails in a nail salon is one job option. For nail technologists interested in exploring job options in salons and spas, offering exfoliation, massages, and manicures to salon customers is also an option. Recent job growth data points to a positive job outlook for nail technologists.

Contact the South Dakota State Board of Nail Technology