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Hair Removal Technician, Beauty Treatment Operator
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:
| Starting | $17.49 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $22.35 |
| Top | $28.72 |
Interest in compiling information for clients' treatment files
Interest in serving - assisting clients by removing unwanted hair permanently from client's face and body
Interest in precision working when using needles of specialized electrical hair removal equipment, laser and other equipment
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.
Electrologists remove unwanted hair. They start by introducing a fine sterilized filament into a hair follicle. They transmit a controlled pulse of energy through the filament. This destroys the hair production area. They remove the loosened hair with forceps. Since this is an invasive procedure, electrologists must follow Alberta Health Services’ sterilization practices.
Electrologists work with one client at a time. In general, they:
Sessions may take from 15 minutes to two hours. This depends on the area to be treated and the client’s tolerance. The number of sessions required depends on the extent and nature of the unwanted hair.
When not working directly with clients, electrologists:
They may also book appointments and accept payments.
Electrologists work indoors in clean, quiet surroundings. They usually wear uniforms or lab coats. They may work full time or part time. Saturday and evening work is often required.
Electrologists need to possess:
They should enjoy:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 69 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2020 and Jul 21, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Schedule and confirm appointments | 43 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Client focus | 42 |
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 34 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 34 |
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 34 |
| Clean, trim and polish nails | 34 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 33 |
| Body care/treatments | 32 |
| Provide product demonstrations | 29 |
| Pedicures | 27 |
There are no educational requirements to work as an electrologist. However, several schools provide related training. Visit the Federation of Canadian Electrolysis Associations (FCEA) website for a list of schools across Canada.
Prospective electrologists should discuss their career plans with practicing electrologists before starting a training program.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. However, the following voluntary certifications are available from the Federation of Canadian Electrolysis Associations (FCEA):
To learn more about electrolysis in Alberta, contact the Electrolysis Society of Alberta (ESA).
Electrologists work in electrolysis studios, beauty salons and spas, and laser hair removal clinics. Some electrologists own and operate their own studios or home-based businesses. Most provide additional esthetic services.
In general, advancement takes the form of building a larger client base.
Electrologists 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:
In Alberta, the 6562: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 134 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Electrologists’ overall earnings vary with location and the person’s reputation. Daily earnings depend on the rates charged and number of treatments performed.
Some electrologists rent space in a beauty salon and keep their earnings separate from the salon’s. Others work for the salon and receive a basic salary plus commission. Those who operate their own studios must pay overhead costs (such as rent and utilities) from their earnings. They may earn very little in their first year of operation.
| 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.
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.
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $40,740 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $36,492 |
Electrolysis Society of Alberta website: www.onlineesa.com
Federation of Canadian Electrolysis Associations: www.fcea.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. 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.