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Cleaner, Light Duty Cleaner, Upholstery Cleaner
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
Auto detailers make cars and trucks look as good as possible. They do this for owners, dealerships, rental services, and insurance companies. Duties and methods vary. But in general, auto detailers:
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.
Depending on the company, this work may be seasonal in Alberta.
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 in operating specialized cleaning equipment
Interest in comparing to inspect surfaces for dust, dirt, grease and other deposits; and in cleaning the interior and exterior of vehicles
Interest in selecting appropriate vehicle cleaning equipment
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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Auto detailers should look clean and neat. They need:
They should enjoy:
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 113 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2024 and Jul 17, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Operate cleaning machines | 85 |
|---|---|
| Attention to detail | 76 |
| Tasks: Clean interior and exterior of motor vehicles | 72 |
| Tasks: Wash and clean interior and exterior windows and other glass surfaces | 69 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 61 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 60 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 58 |
| Tasks: Provide customer service | 56 |
| Tasks: Vacuum floors | 52 |
| Experience: Will train | 51 |
There are no standard education requirements for auto detailers. Employers most often prefer applicants who have a valid driver’s licence, a good driving record, related experience, and a high school diploma. Basic reading and math skills are needed. Computer literacy is an asset. Employers who cater to the trucking industry tend to require applicants to be licenced to drive certain types of trucks.
Auto detailers are trained on the job. They can take short courses offered by auto and car care product makers. They need to choose and use cleaning agents, solvents, and equipment that will get the job done without causing damage. They usually start with simpler tasks. They may take on more complex work as they learn more and get experience.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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 advance to supervisory positions. Some auto detailers may start their own businesses.
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.
Specialized cleaners
2016 NOC: 6732
75.8% of people in this occupational group work in:
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 examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
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 examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
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 examples, see Note.
There is a relatively high employment turnover rate in this occupation so demand for new workers is steady. However, there often are many applicants for vacant positions.
Auto detailers may earn an hourly wage or be paid per job or vehicle.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 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.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $25.00 | $17.48 | $17.00 |
| Overall | $15.98 | $28.00 | $19.73 | $18.27 |
| Top | $18.00 | $33.00 | $23.97 | $22.02 |
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 | $37,306 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $45,867 |
| Manufacturing | $56,924 |
| Wholesale Trade | $35,175 |
| Retail Trade | $37,807 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $48,154 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $29,646 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $33,906 |
Updated Mar 21, 2023. 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.
