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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, 2019

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, 2019
  • 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.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Cosmeticians

2006 NOC: 6482.2

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in compiling information on clients' facial features and skin conditions

SOCIAL

Interest in serving - assisting by advising clients on the use of make-up and other beauty products

OBJECTIVE

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

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2019

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 208 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 22, 2024 and Dec 20, 2024.

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: Manicures
Tasks: Pedicures
Tasks: Clean, trim and polish nails
Client focus
Tasks: Provide gel and acrylic nail extensions
Tasks: Nail art technics
Attention to detail
Tasks: Schedule and confirm appointments
Reliability
Hand-eye co-ordination
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
  • 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, 2019
  • Certification Not Regulated

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

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2019

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 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.

Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations
2021 NOC: 63211
Medium
Demand
7,400
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 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, 2019

Cosmeticians generally earn an hourly wage or a salary plus commissions.

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.

Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations

2016 NOC: 6562
Average Wage
$19.67
Per Hour
Average Salary
$30,911.00
Per Year
Average Hours
30.4
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 6562 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 $23.00 $15.92 $15.00
Overall $15.00 $31.66 $19.67 $18.50
Top $15.00 $46.15 $25.93 $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
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
60%
60%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
81%
81%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
18%
18%
Vacancy Rate
5%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Personal and Food Services
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2019

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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