Human ServicesSouth Carolina

Nail Technology in South Carolina

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South Carolina's Nail Technology pathway prepares professionals for careers in nail care services. The state's salons and spas create strong demand for qualified nail technicians.

Students master nail care techniques, polish application, gel systems, nail art, sanitation, and customer service. They practice on clients in school nail salons.

Graduates earn nail technician licenses and work in salons, spas, hotels, or establish independent nail salons. Employment opportunities exist with nail salons, full-service salons, spas, and nail product companies throughout South Carolina.

Nail Technology at a Glance

3

Courses

6

Credentials

4

Career Paths

State Standards & Framework

South Carolina nail technology standards align with state licensing requirements. Standards cover nail care, polish systems, sanitation, safety, and business practices.

Students complete required hours (minimum 350 hours), competency assessments in nail services, and pass the state nail technician licensing exam. Standards include gel and acrylic nail techniques.

View South Carolina CTE Framework →

Typical Course Sequence

Course
Nail Technology 1
Nail Technology 2
Advanced Nail Art and Design

View South Carolina course standards →

Industry Certifications & Credentials

Career Opportunities

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.

Nail Technician

Entry Level
$17,840in South Carolina
National: $31,510-43%

Salary range: $17,840 - $38,770

Adjusted for cost of living: $19,146

+3.6% growth0 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

Gel Specialist

Entry Level
$61,960in South Carolina
National: $60,820+2%

Salary range: $61,960 - $103,200

Adjusted for cost of living: $66,495

-3.9% growth26,000 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

Salon Manager

Experienced
$29,120in South Carolina
National: $35,250-17%

Salary range: $22,590 - $45,060

Adjusted for cost of living: $31,251

+3% growth0 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

Salon Owner

Experienced
$29,120in South Carolina
National: $35,250-17%

Salary range: $22,590 - $45,060

Adjusted for cost of living: $31,251

+3% growth0 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Students work in nail salons, full-service salons, and spas throughout South Carolina.

Career & Technical Student Organization

Students in this pathway can participate in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.

How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs

AI-Powered Curriculum

Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months

South Carolina Standards Built In

Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks

Teacher Customization

Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment

Ongoing Updates

Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve

Related Pathways in South Carolina

Cosmetology

South Carolina's Cosmetology pathway prepares students for careers in hair design, skincare, and beauty. The state's cosmetology industry provides diverse career pathways from salon work to product lines to salon ownership. Students develop expertise in hair cutting, coloring, permanent waves, facials, makeup application, and salon management. They practice on mannequins and clients in school salons serving the community. Graduates earn cosmetology licenses and work in salons, spas, beauty supply companies, or establish independent practices. Employment opportunities exist with salons, spas, hotels, theatrical productions, and beauty retailers throughout South Carolina.

Human Services

Esthetics

South Carolina's Esthetics pathway prepares skincare professionals for the growing spa and beauty industry. The state's tourism and wellness industries create strong opportunities for qualified estheticians. Students master skincare techniques, facial treatments, body treatments, makeup application, and salon operations. They practice on clients in school spas and community facilities. Graduates earn esthetics licenses and work in spas, salons, dermatology offices, or medical facilities. Employment opportunities exist with spas, hotels, beauty retailers, and healthcare providers throughout South Carolina.

Human Services

Natural Hair Braiding

South Carolina's Natural Hair Braiding pathway develops specialists in braiding, twisting, and natural hair care practices. The growing natural hair care movement creates demand for skilled braiding professionals. Students master various braiding techniques, protective styling, hair health, product knowledge, and client consultation. They practice on clients with diverse hair types and textures. Graduates work as hair braiders, natural hair care specialists, or establish braiding salons. Employment opportunities exist with salons specializing in natural hair, beauty retailers, and independent practices throughout South Carolina.

Human Services

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