CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by MI Board of Personal Care

Nail Technician Licensing in Michigan

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nail technician in Michigan, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Nail Technician in Michigan

Estimated timeline: 2-18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    To receive an EMT license in the State of Michigan, an individual must be at least 18 years old, complete a Michigan EMT course within the last 2 years, and be nationally registered.

  7. 7

    Once these requirements have been met, an applicant must submit a license application online and remit the appropriate fees.

  8. 8

    Additionally, upon receiving a license, a recipient must accrue Michigan approved continuing education credits OR complete a Michigan approved refresher course.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • continuing education credits OR complete a Michigan approved refresher course

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Michigan Department of Health and Human Services • Emergency Medical Services

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $34,920 median (1% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #23 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Michigan eligibility requirements for Nail Technician licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Once these requirements have been met, an applicant must submit a license application online and remit the appropriate fees.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services~Emergency Medical Services and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Michigan

With a median salary of $34,920, Nail Technicians in Michigan earn 1% above the national median of $34,660. Michigan ranks #23 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2-18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,308

Median annual salary

$34,920

Hourly estimate

$16.79
1% above national median

Difference: +$260

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$22,860
  • P2525th percentile$30,420
  • P50Median$34,920
  • P7575th percentile$44,920
  • P9090th percentile$50,160

State vs National Median

State: $34,920
National: $34,660

Total employment: 920 | Annual openings: N/A

Nail Technician Salary Ranking

#23 of 50 statesfor Nail Technician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Kentucky$60,950
#2Maine$49,430
#3Washington$47,840
#4Alaska$46,040
#5New Mexico$42,840

Nearby States Comparison

Nail Technician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Michigan$34,920Specific course requiredThird-party exam required2-18 years
Ohio$35,900Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Indiana$33,090Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Wisconsin$34,180Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Michigan50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review required.
Indiana54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Wisconsin50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services • Emergency Medical Services

P.O. Box 30207, Lansing, MI, 48909

Phone: 5172413025

Related Careers in Michigan

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$29,390Degree requiredVaries by board
Cosmetologist$35,720Degree requiredVaries by board
Esthetician$46,620Specific course requiredVaries by board
Massage Therapist$54,510Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Nail Technician in Michigan?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Nail Technicians in Michigan?

Michigan lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Nail Technicians.

What education do you need to become a Nail Technician in Michigan?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Nail Technician licensure in Michigan.

What is the typical Nail Technician salary in Michigan?

The median annual salary for Nail Technicians in Michigan is $34,920. Salaries range from $22,860 (10th percentile) to $50,160 (90th percentile).

How does the Nail Technician salary in Michigan compare to the national average?

Nail Technicians in Michigan earn 1% above the national median of $34,660, with a state median of $34,920.

How many Nail Technicians work in Michigan?

Michigan employs approximately 920 Nail Technicians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Nail Technician license to Michigan from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Nail Technicians in Michigan?

The licensing agency is Michigan Department of Health and Human Services / Emergency Medical Services. Review agency details at http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73970_5093_28508---,00.html.

How often do you renew a Nail Technician license in Michigan?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.