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Craftsperson

Craftspersons use artistic and manual skills to design and make objects that may be functional, ornamental or communicative.

Also Known As

Artisan, Artist, Carver, Craft Artist, Glass Artist, Leather Worker, Metalsmith, Potter, Weaver, Woodworker

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

  • 5244: Artisans and Craftspersons

2006 NOC-S

  • F144: Artisans and Craftspersons

2011 NOC

  • 5244: Artisans and craftspersons

2016 NOC

  • 5244: Artisans and craftspersons

2021 NOC

  • 53124: Artisans and craftspersons

2023 OaSIS

  • 53124.01: Carvers
Duties
Updated May 17, 2021

Craftspersons work with a wide range of materials and produce many different types of products. They are often known by titles that describe what they work with or produce. Therefore, there are myriad of terms used to describe workers in this occupation.

Craftspersons may specialize in designing and creating particular types of crafts or they may work in several media. Some types of crafts produced include:

  • Clay products such as pottery, ceramics, sculpture, tiles or art objects
  • Glass produced from leaded, cut and stained, flameworked and blown, cast, fused or other methods, resulting in objects ranging from beads to architectural installations
  • Jewellery, in traditional or contemporary styles
  • Metal objects such as furniture, utensils, light fixtures, knives or architectural details from materials such as iron, steel, copper, bronze or aluminum. These may be cut, forged, machined, inlaid or cast
  • Wood objects such as furniture, tableware, sculptures, musical instruments or architectural features
  • Fibre and fabric objects such as quilts, rugs, costumes, paper, clothing, woven goods or fibre art
  • Leather objects such as saddles, belts, or purses, created using sewing, braiding, carving, punching, embossing techniques, as well as tanning or dying methods
  • Cultural objects such as traditional or contemporary ceremonial pieces or dance outfits
  • Special event items such as holiday decorations or wedding jewellery

In addition to working in their craft, craftspersons spend a considerable amount of time on business activities such as marketing and accounting.

Working Conditions
Updated May 17, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Most craftspersons work in home-based studios and set their own hours. Depending on their craft, they may have to observe safety precautions to avoid injury when working with hazardous chemicals, materials or processes.

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.

Artisans and Craftspersons

2006 NOC: 5244

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
INNOVATIVE

Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.

OBJECTIVE

Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.

METHODICAL

Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.

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

Traits & Skills
Updated May 17, 2021

Craftspersons need:

  • A passion for making things
  • Creativity and talent
  • Time management skills
  • Determination, self-discipline and self-motivation
  • Visual, tactile and spatial perception
  • Hand-eye coordination and dexterity

They should enjoy using knowledge of their media to design and construct new things, and using tools and equipment to do work requiring precision.

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

Artisans and craftspersons

2016 NOC: 5244

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 62 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 16, 2021 and Oct 01, 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.
Attention to detail
Ability to distinguish between colours
Hand-eye co-ordination
Accurate
Tasks: Sell products on a retail basis
Tasks: Manage day-to-day business operations
Sitting
Tasks: Design bouquets and select natural and artificial flowers and decorative accessories to create arrangements or other floral items
Excellent oral communication
Manual dexterity
Educational Requirements
Updated May 17, 2021
  • Minimum Education Varies

There are no standard educational requirements for craftspersons. However, to be successful, they need:

  • In-depth knowledge of their forms, materials and processes
  • Knowledge of history and culture related to their craft
  • The ability to be innovative
  • Small-business skills
  • The ability to build a reputation through networking, self-promotion and marketing

Craftspersons generally acquire their skills by taking related courses or programs, working with master craftspersons, or immersing themselves in cultural traditions. Many craftspersons travel outside of the province or even outside of the country for advanced study in their field. Online tutorials and videos are also becoming invaluable learning tools.

Training programs in crafts, arts, design or human ecology may be offered by post-secondary schools, artisan guilds or private studios. Continuing education programs may be offered on an as-needed basis. For many continuing education courses, there are no specified admission requirements.

In some crafts, safety training is extremely important.

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.

Additional Information

Elsewhere in Canada, related courses and programs are offered by colleges and private vocational schools including:

Certification Requirements
Updated May 17, 2021
  • Certification Not Regulated

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

Employment & Advancement
Updated May 17, 2021

Most craftspersons are self-employed. They may be contracted to do custom work, sell wholesale to retail outlets and craft galleries, or market their work directly to the public. Those who market their work directly may sell items from home studios, at local markets or craft shows, or arrange to have their work displayed in retail stores, galleries, museums, office buildings or other public spaces. They also may market their work on the internet or through publications and competitions.

Some craftspersons with suitable experience are employed as instructors by post-secondary schools, private studios and community organizations. Craftspersons also may be employed as arts administrators, exhibit designers or curators.

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.

Artisans and craftspersons
2016 NOC: 5244

76.1% 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.

Artisans and craftspersons
2021 NOC: 53124
Lower
Demand
< 1500
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.

Artisans and craftspersons
2016 NOC: 5244
2.1%
Annual Growth
(Below Average)
28
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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated May 17, 2021

Craftspersons often work in other occupations to supplement their incomes until they have established a large enough market for their products. Incomes for established craftspersons vary considerably.

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.

Artisans and craftspersons

2016 NOC: 5244
Average Wage
$24.10
Per Hour
Average Salary
$47,880.00
Per Year
Average Hours
37.5
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 5244 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.

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.


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 $28.00 $18.47 $17.00
Overall $15.50 $45.00 $24.10 $22.75
Top $16.00 $50.00 $28.16 $29.20

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
Retail Trade

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
31%
31%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
N/A
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
12%
12%
Vacancy Rate
3%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Fine Arts and Performing Arts
Other Sources of Information
Updated May 17, 2021

Alberta Craft Council website: www.albertacraft.ab.ca

American Craft Council website: www.craftcouncil.org

Canadian Crafts Federation website: canadiancraftsfederation.ca

Cultural Human Resources Council, The Art of Managing Your Career website: www.culturalhrc.ca/index.php/education-training-mentoring/the-art-of-managing-your-career

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2021. 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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