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Cosmetician

Cosmeticians demonstrate and sell cosmetic and skin care products and advise customers about their use.

Also Known As

Cosmetologist, Salesperson

NOC Codes

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

  • 6482.2: Cosmeticians

2006 NOC-S

  • G922: Estheticians, Electrologists and Related Occupations

2011 NOC

  • 6562: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations

2016 NOC

  • 6562: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations

2021 NOC

  • 63211: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations

2023 OaSIS

  • 63211.02: Cosmeticians
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2024

In general, cosmeticians:

  • Promote and sell skin care and cosmetic products and accessories
  • Help customers learn about their personal needs and preferences
  • Advise customers about skin care in general
  • Give tips on caring for problem areas
  • Advise customers on colours and types of makeup
  • Advise customers on hair colour products and how to apply them
  • Advise customers on fragrances and hair care and nail care products
  • Show customers how to apply makeup
  • Keep customer records of services provided and products purchased
  • Plan, support and deliver promotional activities and events
  • Gather customer feedback and relay it to the company
  • Book one-on-one appointments
  • Give on-the-spot consultations

Depending on where they work, cosmeticians may also help with ordering and inventory. For more information see the Visual Merchandiser occupational profile.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

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.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
S
Social
This occupation
You
R
Realistic
A
Artistic
This occupation
You

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Your Work Personalities

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Cosmeticians
2023 OaSIS: 63211.02

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Cosmeticians need:

  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Customer service and conflict resolution skills
  • A good sense of colour
  • An interest in skin care and makeup
  • The desire to keep up an attractive personal appearance

They should enjoy:

  • Using a methodical approach to compile information
  • Using specialized products and techniques
  • Staying up to date on the latest trends and fashions
  • Dealing with the public and serving and helping people

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations

2016 NOC: 6562

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 116 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jul 09, 2025 and Sep 23, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Pedicures
Tasks: Manicures
Tasks: Clean, trim and polish nails
Tasks: Provide gel and acrylic nail extensions
Attention to detail
Tasks: Nail art technics
Client focus
Reliability
Tasks: Custom designs
Team player
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Minimum Education Varies

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.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Advance Institute of Wellness & Esthetics
Beauty Maker Institute
Bella Elite Beauty & Barber Academy Ltd.
Cambrooks College - Downtown Campus
Canada Institute of Clinical Aesthetics
Delmar College - Red Deer Campus
Eternal Beauty Institute
European Institute of Esthetics, Esthetic and Laser Training Centre
International Academy of Esthetics
Jyot's Aesthetics Academy
Lily Gray Academy
Marvy's Skincare Laser & Esthetics Institute
MC College - Calgary
MC College - Edmonton
MC College - Red Deer
MTG Healthcare Academy - Calgary
Numa International Institute of Makeup and Design
Sultana's Beauty Clinic and School

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Certification Not regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2024

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.

Industry Concentration

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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

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.

Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations
2021 NOC: 63211
Cool
Job Market
11,900
Employed in AB

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.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations
2016 NOC: 6562
2.7%
Annual Growth
(Above average)
116
New Positions

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2024

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.

Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations

2021 NOC: 63211
Average Wage
$23.72
Per Hour
Average Salary
$39,004.00
Per Year
Average Hours
32
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 63211 Wage Profile

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.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Health Care & Social Assistance
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
38%
38%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
37%
37%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
9%
9%
Vacancy Rate
5%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Personal and Food Services
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2024

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.

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