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Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE), 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.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Electrologists remove unwanted hair. Following Alberta Health Services’ sterilization practices, they introduce a fine sterilized filament into a hair follicle. This transmits a controlled pulse of energy that destroys the hair production area. They remove the loosened hair with tweezers.
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 with a mask and gloves. They may work full time or part time. Saturday and evening work is often required.
Long hours using fine motor skills are required, which can be hard on their back, eyes, and neck.
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 need:
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 109 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 20, 2025 and Apr 18, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Manicures | 81 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Pedicures | 78 |
| Tasks: Clean, trim and polish nails | 77 |
| Attention to detail | 74 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 73 |
| Tasks: Provide gel and acrylic nail extensions | 73 |
| Tasks: Nail art technics | 70 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 60 |
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 58 |
| Tasks: Custom designs | 55 |
The Federation of Canadian Electrolysis Association (FCEA) and Electrolysis Society of Alberta (ESA) require you to attend an accredited school in Canada offering an electrolysis program. Please contact either FCEA or ESA for further information.
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.
Certification is not required as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. However, the FCEA offers voluntary certifications as a certified Canadian electrologist (CCE) and a certified professional electrologist (CPE).
To learn more about electrolysis in Alberta, contact the Electrolysis Society of Alberta (ESA).
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Electrologists work in electrolysis studios, beauty salons, 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.
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.
Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations
2016 NOC: 6562
79.9% 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: 2024-2026 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.
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
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $30,911 |
|---|---|
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $31,243 |
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, 2024. 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.
