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Verified by MO Board of Personal Care

Nail Technician Licensing in Missouri

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Nail Technician in Missouri

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

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

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Applicants for EMT licensure must complete EMT-Basic training program, successfully pass the State EMT Practical and the National Registry Written Examination, along with addition requirements.

Exam and processing details

  • State EMT Practical and the National Registry Written Examination, along with addition requirements

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department Of Health and Senior Services • Emergency Medical Services, Bureau of • Emergency Medical Services, Bureau of

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $38,950 median (12% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #8 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Missouri 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: State exam required State EMT Practical and the National Registry Written Examination, along with addition requirements.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department Of Health and Senior Services~Emergency Medical Services, Bureau of~Emergency Medical Services, Bureau of and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Missouri

With a median salary of $38,950, Nail Technicians in Missouri earn 12% above the national median of $34,660. Missouri ranks #8 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,232

Median annual salary

$38,950

Hourly estimate

$18.73
12% above national median

Difference: +$4,290

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$25,580
  • P2525th percentile$28,000
  • P50Median$38,950
  • P7575th percentile$48,210
  • P9090th percentile$51,320

State vs National Median

State: $38,950
National: $34,660

Total employment: 1,480 | Annual openings: N/A

Nail Technician Salary Ranking

#8 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
Missouri$38,950Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Iowa$38,530Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$34,520Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$60,950Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$30,030Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1-2 months
Arkansas$27,780Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$29,560Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Kansas$30,650Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$36,560Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-17 years

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
Missouri50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas54LowState-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

Department Of Health and Senior Services • Emergency Medical Services, Bureau of • Emergency Medical Services, Bureau of

1617 Southridge Drive, P.O Box 570, Jefferson City, MO, 65109-0423

Phone: 5737516356ext5737516400

Related Careers in Missouri

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$44,390Degree requiredVaries by board
Cosmetologist$30,390Degree requiredVaries by board
Esthetician$49,410Specific course requiredVaries by board
Massage Therapist$66,870Specific course required18 years

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Nail Technicians in Missouri?

Missouri lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Nail Technicians.

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

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

What is the typical Nail Technician salary in Missouri?

The median annual salary for Nail Technicians in Missouri is $38,950. Salaries range from $25,580 (10th percentile) to $51,320 (90th percentile).

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

Nail Technicians in Missouri earn 12% above the national median of $34,660, with a state median of $38,950.

How many Nail Technicians work in Missouri?

Missouri employs approximately 1,480 Nail Technicians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Nail Technician license to Missouri 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 Missouri?

The licensing agency is Department Of Health and Senior Services / Emergency Medical Services, Bureau of / Emergency Medical Services, Bureau of. Review agency details at http://www.dhss.mo.gov/.

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

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