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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:
| Starting | $17.20 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $19.64 |
| Top | $23.38 |
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
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 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.
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:
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:
They should enjoy:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 31 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 27, 2021 and Dec 01, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 24 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 23 |
| Clean interior and exterior of motor vehicles | 22 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 22 |
| Personal Suitability: Dependability | 22 |
| Operate cleaning machines | 20 |
| Provide customer service | 19 |
| Wash and clean interior and exterior windows and other glass surfaces | 18 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 18 |
| Shampoo upholstery | 14 |
There are no standard education requirements for auto detailers. But employers generally prefer applicants who have a valid driver’s licence, a good driving record, and related experience or a high school diploma. Basic reading and math skills are needed. Employers who cater to the trucking industry tend to require applicants to have the licences needed to drive certain types of trucks.
Auto detailers are trained on the job. They can also take short courses offered by auto and car care product makers. They need to be able to choose and use cleaning agents, solvents, and equipment that will get the job done without damage. They usually start with simpler tasks. They may take on more complex work as they learn more and get experience.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
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:
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
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 6732: Specialized cleaners occupational group is expected to have an average annual growth of 1.9% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 135 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Auto detailers may earn an hourly wage or be paid per job or vehicle.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $26.00 | $17.20 | $15.00 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $31.09 | $19.64 | $17.00 |
| Top | $15.00 | $39.40 | $23.38 | $20.00 |
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.
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.
| Transportation and Warehousing | $49,743 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $48,838 |
| Construction | $44,537 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $36,054 |
| Retail Trade | $34,870 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $33,047 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $31,131 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $30,924 |
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.