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Artisan, Artist, Carver, Craft Artist, Glass Artist, Leather Worker, Metalsmith, Potter, Weaver, Woodworker
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Craftspersons work with a wide range of materials and produce many different types of products. They are often known by titles that describe what they work with or produce. Therefore, there are myriad of terms used to describe workers in this occupation.
Craftspersons may specialize in designing and creating particular types of crafts or they may work in several media. Some types of crafts produced include:
In addition to working in their craft, craftspersons spend a considerable amount of time on business activities such as marketing and accounting.
Most craftspersons work in home-based studios and set their own hours. Depending on their craft, they may have to observe safety precautions to avoid injury when working with hazardous chemicals, materials or processes.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.
Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.
Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Craftspersons need:
They should enjoy using knowledge of their media to design and construct new things, and using tools and equipment to do work requiring precision.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 50 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 16, 2021 and Apr 29, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 37 |
|---|---|
| Ability to distinguish between colours | 33 |
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 33 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 31 |
| Tasks: Sell products on a retail basis | 26 |
| Sitting | 24 |
| Tasks: Manage day-to-day business operations | 24 |
| Tasks: Design bouquets and select natural and artificial flowers and decorative accessories to create arrangements or other floral items | 23 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 18 |
| Manual dexterity | 17 |
There are no standard educational requirements for craftspersons. However, to be successful, they need:
Craftspersons generally acquire their skills by taking related courses or programs, working with master craftspersons, or immersing themselves in cultural traditions. Many craftspersons travel outside of the province or even outside of the country for advanced study in their field. Online tutorials and videos are also becoming invaluable learning tools.
Training programs in crafts, arts, design or human ecology may be offered by post-secondary schools, artisan guilds or private studios. Continuing education programs may be offered on an as-needed basis. For many continuing education courses, there are no specified admission requirements.
In some crafts, safety training is extremely important.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Elsewhere in Canada, related courses and programs are offered by colleges and private vocational schools including:
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most craftspersons are self-employed. They may be contracted to do custom work, sell wholesale to retail outlets and craft galleries, or market their work directly to the public. Those who market their work directly may sell items from home studios, at local markets or craft shows, or arrange to have their work displayed in retail stores, galleries, museums, office buildings or other public spaces. They also may market their work on the internet or through publications and competitions.
Some craftspersons with suitable experience are employed as instructors by post-secondary schools, private studios and community organizations. Craftspersons also may be employed as arts administrators, exhibit designers or curators.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 5244: Artisans and craftspersons occupational group, 76.1% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5244: Artisans and craftspersons occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Craftspersons often work in other occupations to supplement their incomes until they have established a large enough market for their products. Incomes for established craftspersons vary considerably.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $28.00 | $18.47 | $17.00 |
| Overall | $15.50 | $45.00 | $24.10 | $22.75 |
| Top | $16.00 | $50.00 | $28.16 | $29.20 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $47,880 |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | $49,714 |
Alberta Craft Council website: www.albertacraft.ab.ca
American Craft Council website: www.craftcouncil.org
Canadian Crafts Federation website: canadiancraftsfederation.ca
Cultural Human Resources Council, The Art of Managing Your Career website: www.culturalhrc.ca/index.php/education-training-mentoring/the-art-of-managing-your-career
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
