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Verified by TX Board of Personal Care

Nail Technician Licensing in Texas

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nail technician in Texas, 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 Texas

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Texas Commission on Environmental Quality • Occupational Licensing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $36,900 median (6% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #13 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Texas eligibility requirements for Nail Technician licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality~Occupational Licensing and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Texas

With a median salary of $36,900, Nail Technicians in Texas earn 6% above the national median of $34,660. Texas ranks #13 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,420

Median annual salary

$36,900

Hourly estimate

$17.74
6% above national median

Difference: +$2,240

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$20,570
  • P2525th percentile$28,440
  • P50Median$36,900
  • P7575th percentile$54,690
  • P9090th percentile$58,230

State vs National Median

State: $36,900
National: $34,660

Total employment: 4,150 | Annual openings: N/A

Nail Technician Salary Ranking

#13 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
Texas$36,900Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$29,560Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$27,780Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Louisiana$29,100Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New Mexico$42,840Specific course requiredThird-party 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
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Mexico50LowState-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

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality • Occupational Licensing

PO Box 13087, Austin, TX, 78711-3087

Phone: 5122396301

Related Careers in Texas

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$36,400Specific course requiredVaries by board
Cosmetologist$28,370Specific course requiredVaries by board
Esthetician$42,940Specific course requiredVaries by board
Massage Therapist$56,540Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Texas?

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

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

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

What is the typical Nail Technician salary in Texas?

The median annual salary for Nail Technicians in Texas is $36,900. Salaries range from $20,570 (10th percentile) to $58,230 (90th percentile).

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

Nail Technicians in Texas earn 6% above the national median of $34,660, with a state median of $36,900.

How many Nail Technicians work in Texas?

Texas employs approximately 4,150 Nail Technicians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Nail Technician license to Texas 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 Texas?

The licensing agency is Texas Commission on Environmental Quality / Occupational Licensing. Review agency details at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/licensing/licensing.

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

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