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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:
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 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
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.
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:
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 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 20, 2023 and Feb 04, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 69 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Nail art technics | 68 |
| Tasks: Clean, trim and polish nails | 67 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 66 |
| Tasks: Provide gel and acrylic nail extensions | 61 |
| Tasks: Pedicures | 61 |
| Tasks: Manicures | 58 |
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 52 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 49 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 44 |
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 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).
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $31,243 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $30,911 |
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.