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Electrologist
Electrologists use electrolytic equipment to permanently remove unwanted hair.
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Avg. Salary $36,492.00
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Avg. Wage $22.35
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Minimum Education Varies
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Outlook above avg
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Employed 6,000
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In Demand Medium
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: Electrologists (6482.3)
- 2006 NOC-S: Estheticians, Electrologists and Related Occupations (G922)
- 2011 NOC: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations (6562)
- 2016 NOC: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations (6562)
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
61%
61%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $17.49 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $22.35 |
| Top | $28.72 |
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Certification Not Regulated
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Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Interest Codes
The Electrologist is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Electrologists
- METHODICAL
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Interest in compiling information for clients' treatment files
- SOCIAL
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Interest in serving - assisting clients by removing unwanted hair permanently from client's face and body
- OBJECTIVE
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Interest in precision working when using needles of specialized electrical hair removal equipment, laser and other equipment
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 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.
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
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.
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Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Skills & Abilities
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.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
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 Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
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.
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:
- trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
- occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
- size of the occupation.
In Alberta, the G922: Estheticians, Electrologists and Related Occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 98 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.
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.
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| 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.
C: Lower Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
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.
Industry Information
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $40,740 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $36,492 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
61%
61%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
52%
52%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
20%
20%
Vacancy Rate
4%
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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