Overview
In May 2015, former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a multi-pronged effort to reform the nail salon industry in New York State. This reform aims to correct and prevent unlawful practices and unsafe working conditions. Former Governor Cuomo put together a multi-agency Nail Salon Industry Enforcement Task Force that includes the Department of Labor, Department of State and Department of Health. This Task Force will ensure that the reforms are put into action.
The information below will help you understand the rights of workers in the nail salon industry. If you have any questions, please call the Task Force Hot-line at: 888-469-7365.
Proper Wages
Workers must be paid for every hour they work. Their pay must include overtime (more than 40 hours) as calculated each week.
They must be paid these hourly wages:
| Location | First 40 Hours Per Week, At Least | After 40 Hours Per Week, At Least |
| NYC | $16.00/hour | $24.00/hour |
| Long Island and Westchester County | $16.00/hour | $24.00/hour |
| Remainder of New York State | $15.00/hour | $22.00/hour |
Please note: the numbers above are minimums. If, for instance, a worker is paid at a higher hourly rate than $14.20 (Remainder of NYS), their overtime is calculated at 1.5 times that higher rate.
*Beginning December 31, 2020, nail salon employers must pay the full applicable minimum wage rate, and cannot take any tip credit.
IMPORTANT: Employers should never take tips or wages from a worker or pay them less than minimum wage. Workers should never pay to apply for a position, to get a job, for training, as punishment, for breakage or any other reason.
Bill of Rights for Nail Workers
Report Abuse
To report an abuse in the nail salon industry call the Task Force Hot-line at 1-888-469-7365.