Certified Nail Technicians Shortage Hits 300,000 Annually

As the nail industry accelerates its standardization, professional skill certification for nail technicians has emerged as a new industry focus. Data shows that the national demand for certified nail technicians is growing rapidly, with an annual shortage of over 300,000 qualified professionals. Currently, certifications are divided into three levels: Level 5/Junior, Level 4/Intermediate, and Level 3/Senior, catering to beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Certified technicians earn 20% more than their uncertified peers, with senior specialists commanding monthly salaries of ¥20,000–50,000. Multiple university-enterprise partnerships now offer training and certification programs, connecting graduates with top nail chains to create a “certification-employment” pipeline. This shift from “skill-centric” to “qualification-centric” is unlocking high-end career paths, including luxury salon roles, film styling, and entrepreneurship.