Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist
Students who are interested in becoming nail technicians typically enroll in a cosmetology program. Cosmetology certification takes 12-24 months depending on the program. While some of the courses are now offered online, it is not possible at this time to get certification 100% online.
Nail technicians work in spas, hotels, salons and nail shops. The average salary of a nail tech is $25,770 per year. A large portion of nail techs are self-employed and due to the demanding times being off-hours, it’s not uncommon for nail technicians to work nights and weekends regularly.
A high school diploma or GED is required to complete a certificate in cosmetology. The student must be 16 years of age or older and the courses are a mix of hands-on training and classroom instruction. The requirements vary by state, but there is typically a minimum number of training hours required for certification.
Scholarships for Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist Majors
Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE)Washington Student Achievement Council |
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award Up to $11,000 |
deadline Varies |
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DescriptionThe Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) is available to Washington students who are from vocational training backgrounds. WAVE recognizes graduating high school seniors and community and technical college students for outstanding performance in career and technical education (CTE) programs. Awards are based on occupational... View Scholarship Details |
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Fair Chance Trade School ScholarshipWashington State Fair Foundation |
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award $3,000 |
deadline February 01, 2026 |
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DescriptionThe Fair Chance Trade School Scholarship is available to graduating high school senior students within Washington State who will pursue an education in a trade. Adult learners who have been out of high school for at least one year are also eligible. To be considered for this award, you must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 and be currently working,... View Scholarship Details |
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Beauty School ScholarshipBeauty Schools Marketing Group |
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award $2,500 |
deadline Varies |
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DescriptionThe Beauty School Scholarship is available to aspiring beauty school students. You must be a legal resident of the U.S. and be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for this award. View Scholarship Details |
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Donohue Family SkillPointe ScholarshipSkillPointe Foundation |
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award $2,000 |
deadline March 31, 2026 |
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DescriptionThe Donohue Family SkillPointe Scholarship is available to students pursuing vocational training in industries such as construction, communications, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, public service, technology, and transportation. View Scholarship Details |
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Schwarzkopf Shaping Futures ScholarshipProfessional Beauty Association |
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award $2,000 |
deadline April 30, 2026 |
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DescriptionThe Schwarzkopf Shaping Futures Scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in a cosmetology program in the US resulting in a cosmetology license. To be considered you must be at least 18 years of age, submit a letter of recommendation, demonstrate financial need, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. View Scholarship Details |
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Future Leader Scholarship - MCCMarshalltown Community College |
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award $1,000 |
deadline Varies |
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DescriptionThe Future Leader Scholarship is available to students at Marshalltown Community College. You must be an Iowa resident, have a minimum GPA of 2.33 and be enrolled in a career-technical training program to be eligible for this award. K-12 and business majors with a minimum GPA of 2.5 also may apply. View Scholarship Details |
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Bhad ScholarshipEducapital Foundation, Inc. |
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award $1,000 |
deadline Varies |
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DescriptionThe Bhad Scholarship is open to students entering trade school. You will be matched with a partner school based on the program you select, tuition financing you prefer, and program availability. Program funds are awarded as follows: $1,000,000 in $1,000 scholarships awarded to 1,000 trade school students; $500,000 in $10,000 scholarships for... View Scholarship Details |
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SkillPointe Quarterly ScholarshipSkillPointe Foundation |
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award $1,000 |
deadline December 31, 2025 |
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DescriptionThe SkillPointe Quarterly Scholarship is available to students who are at least 17 years of age. You must be pursuing technical / vocational training in construction, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, transportation, or a related field to be eligible for this award. View Scholarship Details |
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Darrell R. Berry ScholarshipDelta College |
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award $1,000 |
deadline February 04, 2026 |
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DescriptionThe Darrell R. Berry Scholarship is available to full - time students enrolled in the occupational program at Delta College. You must have completed at least one semester in the program with a minimum 3.0 GPA to qualify for this award. View Scholarship Details |
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Brendan Dunigan Memorial Foundation ScholarshipSt. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation |
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award $1,000 |
deadline March 04, 2026 |
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DescriptionThe Art and Lucy Stromquist Memorial Scholarship is available to high school graduates within the St. Vrain Valley School District who will pursue studies in trade or vocational occupations. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to enroll in an accredited college, university, or trade school to be eligible for this award. View Scholarship Details |
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Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist Related Majors
- Culinary Arts and Related Services
- Cosmetology/Cosmetologist
- Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager
- Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef
- Culinary Arts/Chef Training
- Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor
- Make-Up Artist/Specialist
- Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design
- Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist
- Food Preparation/Professional Cooking/Kitchen Assistant
- Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager
- Funeral Service and Mortuary Science
- Barbering/Barber
- Bartending/Bartender
- Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup and Tattooing
- Culinary, Entertainment, and Personal Services
- Food Service, Waiter/Waitress, and Dining Room Management/Manager
- Culinary Science/Culinology
- Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
- Facial Treatment Specialist/Facialist
