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Cosmetician
Cosmeticians demonstrate and sell cosmetic and skin care products and advise customers about their use.
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Avg. Salary $36,492.00
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Avg. Wage $22.35
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Minimum Education Varies
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Outlook above avg
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Employed 6,000
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In Demand Medium
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: Cosmeticians (6482.2)
- 2006 NOC-S: Estheticians, Electrologists and Related Occupations (G922)
- 2011 NOC: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations (6562)
- 2016 NOC: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations (6562)
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
61%
61%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $17.49 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $22.35 |
| Top | $28.72 |
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Certification Not Regulated
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Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg
Interest Codes
The Cosmetician is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Cosmeticians
- METHODICAL
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Interest in compiling information on clients' facial features and skin conditions
- SOCIAL
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Interest in serving - assisting by advising clients on the use of make-up and other beauty products
- OBJECTIVE
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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
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 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.
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 . For more information see the Visual Merchandiser occupational profile.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2019
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.
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Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg
Skills & Abilities
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
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
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
Alberta Academy of Aesthetics
Ambber & Salma Esthetics, Laser & Spa Training Centre
Bella Elite Beauty & Barber Academy Ltd.
Cambrooks College - Downtown Campus
DelMar College
Delmar College - Red Deer Campus
Delmar College of Esthetics & Wellness
European Institute of Esthetics, Esthetic and Laser Training Centre
Eveline Charles Academy - Edmonton
GD College
International Academy of Esthetics
Lakeland College
MC College - Calgary
MC College - Edmonton
MC College - Red Deer
NIWE Academy Inc.
Numa International Institute of Makeup and Design
Peace River Academy
Polished School of Esthetics
Sultana's Beauty Clinic and School
The Esthetic Institute Training Center
The Esthetic Institute Training Center - Edmonton
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
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 make-up artist.
Cosmeticians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6562: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations. In Alberta, 79% of people employed in this classification work in the Other Services (pdf) industry. However, most cosmeticians work in the Retail Trade (pdf) industry.
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- Trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- Location in Alberta
- Employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
- Occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
- Size of the occupation
Over 4,900 Albertans are employed in the Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.0% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 98 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As cosmeticians form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for cosmeticians.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the G922: Estheticians, Electrologists and Related Occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 98 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Cosmeticians generally earn an hourly wage or a salary plus commissions.
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $43.75 | $17.49 | $15.00 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $87.50 | $22.35 | $17.00 |
| Top | $16.39 | $111.00 | $28.72 | $20.19 |
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.
C: Lower Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Industry Information
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $40,740 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $36,492 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
61%
61%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
52%
52%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
20%
20%
Vacancy Rate
4%
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, 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.
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