Commission vs. Hourly vs. Booth Rental: How to Pay Nail Techs
Short answer: Commission pays techs a share of the services they perform, hourly pays a set rate per hour worked, and booth rental means techs pay you rent and run their own book. Commission rewards busy techs, hourly gives steady pay while you build a client base, and booth rental shifts more risk and control to the tech. Worker classification rules vary by state, so confirm your setup with an accountant or employment attorney.
Commission
Techs earn a percentage of each service. Some salons add a base wage or a guaranteed minimum.
Good for owners: pay rises and falls with revenue. Good for techs: busy techs can earn well. Watch out for: slow weeks can leave techs underpaid; check minimum wage rules for employees.
Hourly
Techs earn a set rate per hour, sometimes with a bonus or commission on top.
Good for owners: predictable, easier to schedule, good while building a client base. Good for techs: steady pay even when it's slow. Watch out for: payroll stays high on slow days.
Booth rental
Techs rent a station, set their own schedule and prices, and keep their service revenue. They're usually independent business owners.
Good for owners: steady rent income, less payroll admin. Good for techs: independence and control. Watch out for: less control over quality, hours and brand. Classification rules are strict in some states.
Opening a nail salon?
Salon Roadmap helps nail techs open booked, not empty: location, build-out, licensing and a grand opening campaign. We take on 4 new owners a month.
Book a free strategy callSide by side
| Commission | Hourly | Booth rental | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner's cost | Varies with sales | Fixed per hour | Tech pays owner |
| Owner control | High | High | Lower |
| Tech income | Varies | Steady | Varies |
| Best when | Steady demand | Building clients | Experienced techs with clients |
What to check before choosing
- Your state's rules on employees vs. independent contractors
- Minimum wage and overtime rules for employees
- How you'll handle product costs, tips and card fees
- How the model fits the brand and service quality you want
Questions
What do most new salons choose?
It varies. Many start with hourly or a base-plus-commission plan while they build a client base, then adjust.
Can I mix models?
Some salons do, but it can get complicated. Get advice first.
Can you help set up pay structure?
Yes. It's part of our hiring, SOPs and systems service. See also how to hire nail technicians.
