Nail Technician in Montana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Montana employs 110 nail technicians, with a statewide median of $33,660 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Montana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Nail technicians Earn in Montana (May 2025)
- Montana median pay
- $33,660 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $26,690
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $34,900
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $43,880
- Employed in Montana
- 110
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $33,650 (May 2024)
What That Pay Is Worth in Montana
Prices in Montana run about 5% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $33,660 median stretches to roughly $35,581 in national buying-power terms.
Montana License and Certification Requirements
Manicurist / Nail Technician license — regulated by the Montana DLI — Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists.
- Complete 350 hours at a licensed school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Montana Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists (DLI).
Official requirements: Montana DLI — Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists →
Training in Montana
Short, affordable path. Income depends on clientele and booth-rent vs. commission; specialty/nail-art skills raise rates.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Montana include:
- Academy of Cosmetology Inc — Certificate
- Aveda Institute Montana — Certificate
- Crevier's Academy of Cosmetology Arts — Certificate
- Montana Academy of Salons — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want one of the fastest licensed paths to self-employment and enjoy creative, client-facing work.
Think twice if: Chemical fume exposure, the physical posture of nail work, and a low median wage that requires strong tip income to make work sound difficult.
Why it's resilient: Nail services require physical technique, client trust, and in-person presence — immune to automation and consistently in demand.
First Steps
Check your state's required hours (ranging from 150 to 600+) and find a licensed nail technology school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nail technicians make in Montana?
The median wage for nail technicians in Montana is $33,660 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $26,690, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $43,880. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Nail Technician in Montana?
Manicurist / Nail Technician license, overseen by the Montana DLI — Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists. Complete 350 hours at a licensed school.
Is being a Nail Technician a good career in Montana?
Nail services require physical technique, client trust, and in-person presence — immune to automation and consistently in demand.
Where can I train to become a Nail Technician in Montana?
Real Montana options include Academy of Cosmetology Inc, Aveda Institute Montana, Crevier's Academy of Cosmetology Arts. Most nail technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Montana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5092. Licensing summary compiled from the Montana DLI — Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Montana wages · Montana licensing/certification source
Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.