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Electrologist

Electrologists use electrolytic equipment to permanently remove unwanted hair.

Also Known As

Hair Removal Technician, Beauty Treatment Operator

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

  • 6482.3: Electrologists

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

  • 63211.03: Electrologists
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2018

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:

  • discuss needs and preferences with clients and screen for any physical conditions that would make electrolysis inadvisable
  • use a sanitizing agent to clean the area to be treated
  • prepare the epilator (electrolysis machine) and magnifying glass or microscope
  • treat each hair follicle and remove hair
  • clean the skin again after treatment.

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:

  • sterilize tools
  • clean work area
  • keep records of services provided.

They may also book appointments and accept payments.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2018
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

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.

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.

Electrologists

2006 NOC: 6482.3

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in compiling information for clients' treatment files

SOCIAL

Interest in serving - assisting clients by removing unwanted hair permanently from client's face and body

OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working when using needles of specialized electrical hair removal equipment, laser and other equipment

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, 2018

Electrologists need to possess:

  • good eyesight and steady hands
  • patience
  • a mature, professional manner
  • a safety-conscious and caring attitude
  • the ability to put people at ease
  • a neat, well-groomed appearance.

They should enjoy:

  • a step-by-step approach to compiling information
  • serving and assisting people
  • doing fine, detailed work
  • using special tools and equipment.

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 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 24, 2024 and Mar 28, 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
Attention to detail
Tasks: Clean, trim and polish nails
Tasks: Pedicures
Tasks: Nail art technics
Construction Specialization: Client focus
Tasks: Provide gel and acrylic nail extensions
Construction Specialization: Reliability
Hand-eye co-ordination
Experience: Will train
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
  • Minimum Education Varies

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.

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

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, 2018
  • Certification Not Regulated

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):

  • Certified Canadian Electrologist (CCE)
  • Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE).

To learn more about electrolysis in Alberta, contact the Electrolysis Society of Alberta (ESA).

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2018

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.

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.

In the 6562: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations occupational group, 79.9% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

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, 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.

Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

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, 2018

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.

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, 2018

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.

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