How's everyone's experience working at Nail Salon?
Hi, I’m a new nail tech (about 4 months in) and I’m curious how things work at other salons.
Right now I get paid $120/day + tips (10-hour shifts / work 5 days 1099). On slow days I can take a really quick lunch, but on busy days I don’t even get a chance to use the restroom because appointments and walk-ins are scheduled back-to-back, and no foods for 10hrs, the way they set the schedule is impossible to straight my back.
This shop is lack of technicians. Already 2 left since I started. We don’t have a receptionist, so while working on clients, I also answer calls, book appointments, take customer info, greet walk-ins, and help coordinate for other techs. After work, me and other tech only us, usually clean (sweeping, mopping, trash, etc.).
I was hoping to learn e-file skills, but I’m not getting proper training and am expected to figure things out on my own while still providing top-level service and getting good reviews (thankfully, which I am doing).
During the interview, since I'm a beignner, we agreed on lower starting pay in exchange for skill development, but over time I feel like I’m doing much more without a raise or real training.
It feels like they’re keeping my pay low for the busy summer season without helping me grow.
I do have skill sets with gel and gel-x, excel in art especially. Just struggling with Efile.
But since I'm considered as beignner, most of the time I'm doing pedicure + Regular nail polish,
and only lets me do 1 or 2 artworks when it's complicated for them to do.
Would it be better to invest in 1:1 classes with experienced technicians instead?
Is this typical for most salons?