Nail Booth Rental vs. Commission: Which Pays More?
Nail techs in the US usually work one of three ways: commission, guaranteed pay, or booth rental. Each has advantages depending on your skills and client base.
Commission and guaranteed pay
Commission (for example 60/40) means the tech keeps a share of the service sales they do. Guaranteed pay means the salon promises a weekly minimum. With few clients, a guarantee is safer; with many clients, commission usually pays more.
Use the pay calculator to see the sales level where commission starts beating the guarantee.
Booth rental
Booth rental means you pay the salon a fixed weekly or monthly fee and keep all your revenue. In return you handle your own clients, supplies and bookings, and usually pay taxes as a business owner.
Some states require booth renters to hold a separate license. Check your state's rules.
Which should you choose?
New to the trade or without regular clients: a guarantee or commission gives steadier income. With a loyal client base and a wish for flexible hours: booth rental may pay more.
Whatever you choose, put the agreement in writing: the split, how tips are handled, who pays for supplies, and the notice period.