Quick answer
- US: a basic manicure runs $20-$40, while gel manicures in big cities like Los Angeles can cost $60-$100+.1 Acrylic full sets range from $25 to $120.7
- Nail extensions run about $30-$100+ and fills $20-$45.2
- Canada: a basic salon manicure costs $20-$40 CAD and a gel manicure $40-$80.5 Advertised prices start around $22 for classic manicures, $38 for gel and $55 for Bio Gel.6
Typical nail prices by service
| Service | US (USD) | Canada (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic manicure | $20-$4012 | $20-$405; from $22 advertised6 |
| Gel manicure | $60-$100+ in big cities like LA1 | $40-$805; from $38 advertised6 |
| Pedicure | $25-$40 standard7 | Ottawa: spa pedicure $35+, deluxe $508 |
| Acrylic full set | $25-$1207 | - |
| Extensions | $30-$100+2 | Bio Gel from $556 |
| Fills | $20-$452 | - |
| Nail art | about +$10 for a design add-on7 | - |
Prices for standard-length nails run lower than long nails - GlossGenius puts short nails at $25-$40 and long nails at $30-$504 - so many techs price length as its own tier.
How to calculate what to charge
- Time each service. A gel manicure, an acrylic full set and a fill take very different amounts of time.
- Pick an hourly target that covers rent or your chair, products, tools, booking fees, taxes and your pay.
- Multiply, then add product cost for the expensive lines (extensions, builder gel, chrome, charms).
- Check against your market - salons and techs near you - and adjust for your skill and reputation.
The calculator above shows what any price works out to per hour. Airtasker's US data, for example, puts standard nails at $35-$130 depending on the work3 - the range is wide because time and skill vary that much.
Is $40 a lot for a gel manicure? Is $100 a lot for nails?
- $40 for gel isn't a lot - it's at the bottom of the Canadian gel range of $40-$805 and below big-city US prices of $60-$100+.1
- $100 for nails is reasonable for a full set, extensions or detailed art: published ranges for extensions go to $100+,2 and acrylic full sets to $120.7 For a basic manicure, $100 would be high.
Beginner nail tech prices
New techs usually price below established salons while they build a portfolio and speed. The risk is getting stuck there - a full set that takes a beginner three hours at a low price earns very little. Price by the service, get faster, and raise prices for new clients as your books fill. A simple printed or online price list (the "nail price list template" people search for) keeps your pricing consistent.
Nail prices in Canada
- Manicures: $20-$40 CAD basic, $40-$80 gel.5
- Advertised starting prices: classic from $22, gel from $38, Bio Gel from $55.6
- Ottawa salon menu: manicure $25+, French manicure $30+, spa pedicure $35+, manicure and pedicure $55+.8
Quote in CAD before tax, and register for GST/HST once your taxable revenue passes $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters. Provinces and municipalities also set health and safety rules for personal service settings, including sterilisation - check yours, especially if you work from home.
Common questions
How much should I charge as a nail tech?
Time each service and price it to hit your hourly target, then check your local market. Published US ranges: basic manicures $20-$40, acrylic full sets $25-$120, fills $20-$45.
Is $40 a lot for a gel manicure?
No - it's at the bottom of the Canadian gel range of $40-$80 CAD and below big-city US prices of $60-$100+.
Is $100 for nails a lot?
For a full set, extensions or detailed art, it's reasonable. For a basic manicure, it's high.
How do I calculate how much to charge for nails?
Multiply the time a service takes by your hourly target, add product costs for premium services, and compare with local prices.
How much do nails cost in Canada?
Basic manicures run $20-$40 CAD and gel manicures $40-$80, with advertised starting prices around $22 for classic and $38 for gel.
Put your nail menu online
On 1MinuteBooking, clients book gel, acrylics, dip or Gel-X, add art per nail, say if they need a removal, and bring a friend in the same booking. Free plan, no time limit.
See the nail tech booking pageSources
- Joyee Nails, Salon Costs Are Rising in 2026 — And More Americans
- Boulevard, Nail Salon Prices List: How Much Should You Charge in
- Airtasker, How Much Does a Manicure Cost in the US? [2026 Data]
- GlossGenius, Nail Salon Prices: A Complete Guide For Business Owners
- Nails by Aina (Canada), How Much Does a Manicure Cost in Canada? (2026 Prices)
- Salons in Canada, How Much Does a Manicure Cost in Canada? (2026 City
- StyleSeat, How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Nails Done?
- Canada Nails Spa (Ottawa), Canada Nails Spa: Nail Salon Ottawa | Pedicures & Manicures (one salon's menu)
Prices are what these sources published as of September-October 2026. Rates vary by city, season and the job itself - use them as a starting point, not a rule.