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Cosmetologist, Salesperson
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
In general, cosmeticians:
Depending on where they work, cosmeticians may also help with ordering and inventory. For more information see the Visual Merchandiser occupational profile.
Cosmeticians work in retail settings. They may work alone or as part of a team. They may work weekends and evenings. They spend most of their shifts on their feet. They may sometimes deal with difficult clients.
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 compiling information on clients' facial features and skin conditions
Interest in serving - assisting by advising clients on the use of make-up and other beauty products
Interest in manipulating various products and using make-up application techniques; may specialize in applying make-up on models or other individuals for special occasions
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.
Cosmeticians 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 172 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jul 03, 2025 and Sep 02, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Manicures | 113 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Pedicures | 111 |
| Tasks: Clean, trim and polish nails | 109 |
| Tasks: Provide gel and acrylic nail extensions | 104 |
| Attention to detail | 100 |
| Tasks: Nail art technics | 100 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 96 |
| Tasks: Custom designs | 81 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 78 |
| Tasks: Schedule and confirm appointments | 71 |
There are no standard education requirements for cosmeticians. But a high school diploma and related training are assets.
Most cosmeticians are trained on the job. Some have related post-secondary training. Many cosmeticians go to training seminars, which are run by the companies that make the products they sell.
Cosmeticians working in fast-growing retail companies must be skilled in all areas of beauty including skin, hair, and fragrance.
The Canadian Cosmetics Careers Association offers a cosmetics correspondence course, which some employers require. It also offers an accreditation program for cosmeticians.
People interested in this occupation should talk to practising cosmeticians and potential employers about training and work options.
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 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
Cosmeticians work in the cosmetics departments of retail stores, pharmacies and other retail beauty shops.
Experienced cosmeticians may advance to supervisory positions in cosmetics departments. Some work as sales representatives for cosmetics companies. With further training, cosmeticians may move into related occupations such as esthetician and makeup artist.
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.
Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations
2016 NOC: 6562
79.9% 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 Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation 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.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Cosmeticians generally earn an hourly wage or a salary plus commissions.
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.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $22.00 | $17.52 | $16.00 |
| Overall | $16.00 | $46.70 | $23.72 | $20.00 |
| Top | $16.00 | $60.44 | $28.06 | $24.00 |
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.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $39,004 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $40,012 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $39,010 |
Canadian Cosmetics Careers Association (CCCA) website: cosmetics.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. 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.
