Auto Detailer

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: Vehicle Cleaners (6662.5) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Specialized Cleaners (G932) 
• 2011 NOC: Specialized cleaners (6732) 
• 2016 NOC: Specialized cleaners (6732) 

Auto detailers make cars and trucks look as new as possible. They do this for owners, dealerships, rental services, and insurance companies. Duties and methods vary. But in general, auto detailers:

• Hand wash and wax vehicles
• Apply rustproofing and undercoating
• Clean the undercarriage, engine, tires, chrome and aluminum parts, upholstery, vinyl and leather
• Clean vents and other small places that gather dust using air compressors and other tools
• Vacuum and shampoo carpets
• Repair damage such as dents and scrapes
• Apply finishes
• Remove stains
• Identify previous damage and possible selling points for the customer

Experienced auto detailers also may touch up chipped paint, tint windows and repair or replace upholstery.

Auto detailing is repetitive. It is physically demanding and requires lifting heavy equipment such as polishers and buffers. It involves handling chemicals and working in environments that may contain allergens such as pet hair.

This work is often seasonal in Alberta.

Auto detailers should look clean and neat. They need:

• The ability to lift and carry heavy equipment
• The ability to stoop, kneel, crouch and work in awkward positions
• The ability to work around cleaning chemicals and perfumes
• Attention to detail

They should enjoy:

• Using cleaning equipment
• Taking a methodical approach to their work
• Appreciating the results of their work

Auto detailers work at car washes, car dealerships, and shops that specialize in auto detailing.

Experienced auto detailers may move into related occupations, such as automobile accessories installer or auto body technician. They may also advance to supervisory positions. Some auto detailers may start their own businesses.

Auto detailers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6732: Specialized cleaners. In Alberta, 79% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Other Services (pdf)
• Retail Trade (pdf)
• Business, Building and Other Support Services (pdf)
• Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing (pdf)
• Manufacturing (pdf)

The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• Trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• Occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• Size of the occupation

Over 4,700 Albertans are employed in the Specialized cleaners occupational group. This group is expected to have an average annual growth of 1.7% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 80 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As auto detailers form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for auto detailers. 

There is a relatively high employment turnover rate in this occupation so demand for new workers is fairly steady. However, there often are many applicants for vacant positions.

In Alberta, the G932: Specialized Cleaners occupational group is expected to have an average annual growth of 1.7% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 80 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.