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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SkillPointe Foundation Skilled Trades ScholarshipSKILLED Nation |
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award $2,500 |
deadline Varies |
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DescriptionThe SkillPointe Foundation Skilled Trades Scholarship is available to high school seniors and high school graduates (or have a GED equivalent). You must be pursuing technical / vocational training in construction, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, transportation, emerging technologies, or a related field to be eligible for this award. 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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Schwarzkopf Shaping Futures ScholarshipProfessional Beauty Association |
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award $2,000 |
deadline October 31, 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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Buy-Rite Beauty School ScholarshipBuy-Rite Beauty |
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award $1,000 |
deadline November 01, 2026 |
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DescriptionThe Buy-Rite Beauty School Scholarship is open to students who have applied to or are enrolled in a full-time beautician, esthetician, or cosmetology program. You must submit an essay of between 500 and 1000 words that details your most meaningful achievement and how it relates to your future within the beauty industry in order to be considered... View Scholarship Details |
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CDLE Apprenticeship ScholarshipColorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) |
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award Up to $3,000 |
deadline Varies |
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DescriptionThe CDLE Apprenticeship Scholarship is available to new apprentices in the state of Colorado who participate in the Apprentice Colorado program. View Scholarship Details |
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Milady Rise ScholarshipProfessional Beauty Association |
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award $500 |
deadline November 15, 2026 |
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DescriptionThe Milady Rise Scholarship is available to cosmetology students and licensed professionals. You must be currently enrolled in school or be a licensed professional currently working as a beauty/wellness professional and be Milady RISE Certified in Client Well-Being & Safety (students at Milady RISE Partner schools get free access) in order to... View Scholarship Details |
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PBA Joseph L. Weir Memorial ScholarshipProfessional Beauty Association |
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award $500 |
deadline September 30, 2026 |
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DescriptionThe PBA Lifetime Member Scholarship is open to current PBA Preferred and Student Members. You must be continuing your education or attending a cosmetology school in order to be considered 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
