Nail Technicians Tips & Wages in Washington (2026)
Nail technicians and manicurists earn tips on nail services. Their cash wage and tip credit are governed by the state's standard tipped-employee schedule unless the state carves out a separate rate. In Washington, the tipped cash wage is $17.13/hr and the state requires the full $17.13/hr minimum to be paid in cash before tips.
By The TipFig Editorial Team · independent editorial research project
Nail Technicians Tipped-Wage Law in Washington
Full State Min
$17.13/hr
Tipped Cash Wage
$17.13/hr
Max Tip Credit
$0.00/hr
Tip Credit?
No (full wage)
These figures are the state-wide tipped-employee rates from the U.S. Department of Labor — Wage and Hour Division: Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026). Washington applies this uniform schedule to nail technicians — there is no separate occupation-specific cash wage.
Calculate a tip for nail technicians in Washington
Our calculator applies Washington's 10% combined sales tax automatically; your tip stays on the pre-tax subtotal.
Tip Calculator for Nail Technicians in Washington
Enter your bill — Washington's 10% sales tax is applied automatically and your tip stays on the pre-tax subtotal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tipped wage for nail technicians in Washington in 2026?
In Washington, employers must pay tipped employees — including nail technicians — the full state minimum wage of $17.13/hour in cash before tips. The state prohibits the tip credit, so nail technicians keep 100% of their tips on top. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor, July 1, 2026.)
How much should I tip nail technicians in Washington?
The customary gratuity for nail technicians in Washington is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill. Tips are calculated on the subtotal, not on Washington's 10% combined sales tax.
Does Washington let employers take a tip credit for nail technicians?
No. Washington is one of seven U.S. states that ban the tip credit entirely, so employers must pay nail technicians the full $17.13/hr state minimum in cash.
Other Nail Technicians guides by state
Tipped minimum-wage figures are from the U.S. Department of Labor — Wage and Hour Division: Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026), retrieved 2026-08-09. Minimum wages change; verify with your state labor department before making wage or payroll decisions. Tip percentages are general etiquette guidelines, not legal advice.