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Dance Critic, Film Critic, Literary Critic, Music Critic, Theatre Critic
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
Critics review all areas of arts and entertainment: plays, films, books, operas, art exhibits, dance productions, musical recordings, concerts, and nightclub acts. In general, they:
Critics sometimes write or broadcast regular arts and entertainment features. These may include interviews with artists, in-depth analyses of art works, or information about upcoming events or newly releases.
Most critics specialize in one area of the arts such as music, film, or theatre. Some specialize even further. For example, a large newspaper may have different critics for jazz, rock, and classical music. Critics working for smaller employers however may review a wide range of styles.
To keep up to date on trends in arts and entertainment, critics must spend a lot of time reading, building contacts in their industry, and keeping in touch with their contacts.
Critics work evenings, weekends, and holidays to cover performances, exhibits, and events. They may have to write and file reviews late at night, after a performance. Coping with tight deadlines and people who disagree with their reviews can be stressful.
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 writing news stories for publication and broadcast; in preparing regular feature columns and stories on specialized topics; in writing editorials and commentaries on topics of current interest; to express the views of publication and broadcasting stations
Interest in diverting to stimulate public interest in current topics; and in arranging for and conducting interviews as part of research and for radio and television programs
Interest in compiling information to receive, analyze and verify news and other copy for accuracy
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.
Critics need:
They should enjoy finding innovative ways to express their views and to stimulate public interest and discussion. They should be comfortable being recognized for their specialized knowledge, creativity, and experience.
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 16 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 01, 2021 and Jun 19, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Receive, analyze and verify copy for accuracy | 9 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Write editorials and commentaries on topics of current interest to stimulate public interest and express the views of a publication or broadcasting station | 9 |
| Tasks: Write news stories for publication and broadcast | 9 |
| Tasks: Collect information through interview, investigation and observation | 9 |
| Tasks: Write critical reviews of literary, musical and other artistic works based on knowledge, judgement and experience | 9 |
| Tasks: Arrange for and conduct interviews as part of research, for publication or for broadcast | 8 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 6 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 6 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 6 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 6 |
It is not necessary to have formal training to become a critic. However, most employers prefer to hire experienced print reporters or broadcasters. These candidates often have post-secondary education related to journalism. Critics also are expected to have strong backgrounds in their interest area (such as music, literature, art, or drama). Being able to review several different fields is an advantage, especially for freelance critics and those just getting started. Training or experience in the arts is an asset.
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
Critics may work for:
There are relatively few jobs in the field of arts criticism. Competition for employment is keen. Major metropolitan newspapers and large circulation magazines hire a small number of critics as staff writers. They may hire freelance critics to review and comment on specialized areas of the arts. Smaller newspapers and magazines usually employ freelance critics. Staff writers may be expected to cover a range of arts events.
Radio and television stations that have film, theatre, and music reviews as part of their weekly programming may use staff reviewers or freelance critics for these regular features. Freelance critics sell articles and interviews to various print, broadcast, and online media. Sometimes writers are paid each time an article is reproduced, but often they receive a flat rate for all rights to a single article.
It is difficult to get started as a critic or reviewer. Experience might come from writing for campus and community newspapers, doing film or theatre reviews for local cable television stations, or writing website content or blog posts. Aspiring critics should attend as many arts and entertainment functions as possible and keep up to date in their field of interest.
Some critics start out as general reporters or staff writers. They move into a reviewer’s position when one comes open. Established critics can move to larger media outlets. They may also move between jobs in print, radio, and television, or syndicate articles to a chain of newspapers, websites, or broadcast stations.
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.
Journalists
2016 NOC: 5123
87.6% 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.41 | $35.48 | $27.98 | $29.74 |
| Overall | $17.95 | $43.34 | $34.13 | $37.80 |
| Top | $20.51 | $44.77 | $37.56 | $39.31 |
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 | $68,384 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $68,947 |
Canadian Theatre Critics Association (CTCA) website: www.canadiantheatrecritics.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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.
