Rankings β†’ Will AI Replace…

Will AI Replace Manicurists and Pedicurists?

61/100 β€” High Risk
SOC 39-5092

πŸ’‘ Manicurists and Pedicurists have a composite risk score of 61/100 (Frey-Osborne probability: 95%, GenAI exposure: 53/100). With 147,820 workers in the US, this is one of the most AI-vulnerable occupations. Full occupation profile β†’

🎯 The Verdict

Likely for many tasks. The role will look very different in 5–10 years.

With 147,820 workers and a median wage of $35K,manicurists and pedicurists represent a significant portion of the US workforce. Their GenAI exposure index is 53%, meaning a majority of their core tasks overlap with current generative AI capabilities.

Risk Score

61/100

Employment

147,820

Median Wage

$35K

GenAI Exposure

53%

⚠️ Top Risk Factors

1.

Automated booking and client management platforms

2.

Virtual try-on technology reducing in-person consultations

3.

Robotic massage and physical therapy devices

4.

AI-powered skincare and beauty recommendation apps

πŸ›‘οΈ Tasks AI Can't Easily Replace

βœ“

Creative aesthetic judgment for individual clients

βœ“

Emotional support and active listening during sessions

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Adapting techniques to individual body types and preferences

πŸ”„ Career Transition Paths

Related occupations with lower AI risk and high skills overlap:

Tour and Travel Guides

83% skills overlap Β· $37K median wage

27/100

Concierges

79% skills overlap Β· $37K median wage

29/100

Social Workers, All Other

63% skills overlap Β· $69K median wage

22/100

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Will AI completely replace manicurists and pedicurists?

Likely for many tasks. The role will look very different in 5–10 years.

What is the AI risk score for manicurists and pedicurists?

Manicurists and Pedicurists have a composite AI automation risk score of 61 out of 100, classified as "High Risk".

How many manicurists and pedicurists are there in the US?

There are approximately 147,820 manicurists and pedicurists employed in the United States.

What do manicurists and pedicurists earn?

The median annual wage for manicurists and pedicurists is $35K.

What skills should manicurists and pedicurists develop?

Focus on tasks AI can't easily replicate: creative aesthetic judgment for individual clients, emotional support and active listening during sessions, adapting techniques to individual body types and preferences. These human-centric skills will become more valuable as routine tasks are automated.