I recently started working as a nail salon apprentice in Madrid, and after more than two months, I’d like to share my real experience and some practical information. I hope this will be helpful for those interested in pursuing a career in the nail industry in Madrid.
About Salary and Working Hours
Let’s start with what everyone cares about most: money. The salon I work at is in the Chamberí district, and the apprentice salary is €800 per month, including social security contributions. Working hours are Tuesday through Saturday, about 9 hours per day, with Sundays and Mondays off. From what I’ve learned, nail salons in different areas of Madrid offer quite different compensation for apprentices. Salons in the city center, like those near Sol or Gran Vía, such as Humanes nail salon, might pay €900-1000, but they also have higher requirements and typically expect some prior experience.
| Area | Apprentice Monthly Salary Range | Working Hours |
|---|
| City Center | €900-1000 | 45-50 hours/week |
| Residential Areas | €700-850 | 40-45 hours/week |
| Suburbs | €600-750 | 40 hours/week |
Daily Work Responsibilities
At the beginning, I mainly assisted with tasks like soaking clients’ hands, shaping nails, and applying base coats. The owner is Colombian and quite nice—she teaches techniques hands-on. Now I can independently complete basic nail styles like solid colors, French manicures, and simple rhinestone applications. I’m still learning more complex techniques like gradients and hand-painted designs, but my progress has been quite noticeable.
The salon holds internal training sessions twice a week, usually on Mondays when we’re closed. The owner invites other technicians to teach new techniques, or we practice with each other. I really appreciate this—it’s not one of those places that just makes you work without teaching you anything. Additionally, the salon uses products from brands like OPI and Essie, which are good quality.
Important Points to Consider
When looking for an apprentice position, make sure to clarify whether you’ll have a contract and social security coverage—this is really important in Spain. I previously interviewed at a salon where the owner offered cash payment without a contract, and I immediately declined. While cash might seem like more money upfront, without social security, you’d be in trouble if you had a work injury or needed to apply for unemployment benefits later.
Also, be mentally prepared that your hands will get very tired during the apprenticeship, and you’ll frequently be exposed to chemical products. When I first started, the skin around my fingers became allergic. Later, the owner suggested I wear gloves while working, and the situation improved. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend preparing hand cream in advance.
Future Career Development
After working for over two months, I feel the nail industry in Madrid has good market potential. The salon has a steady client base, and it’s not just young women—many older señoras also come regularly for nail services. The owner said that if I learn well, after six months I could become a full technician with a salary around €1400 plus commission. You can find inspiration from various Madrid nail designs ranging from classic French styles to creative colorful options.
My plan is to focus on learning the techniques for a year, then consider whether to open my own studio. However, opening a salon requires significant investment and dealing with complex procedures, so I’m still observing for now. If you’re working in nails in Madrid, I’d love to exchange experiences!
