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Cosmetologist
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 on clients' facial and skin conditions
Interest in serving - assisting clients by offering facial and other body treatment services
Interest in manipulating various products and using specialized techniques
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.
Estheticians work directly with clients one on one. In general, they:
They may also:
When not working with clients, estheticians:
They also may take bookings.
Estheticians may work full time or part time. They may need to work some Saturdays and evenings.
Estheticians need:
They should enjoy taking a methodical approach to compiling information and solving problems. They should be comfortable serving, interacting with, and helping people. They should enjoy using special products and techniques.
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 Apr 12, 2022 and May 24, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Client focus | 75 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 65 |
| Clean, trim and polish nails | 63 |
| Provide gel and acrylic nail extensions | 63 |
| Nail art technics | 62 |
| Manicures | 57 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 55 |
| Pedicures | 55 |
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 54 |
| Schedule and confirm appointments | 52 |
There are no standard education requirements for estheticians. Most salons and spas require esthetics training. High school courses in art, biology, practical chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and business methods are assets.
People interested in this occupation should discuss their training options with practicing estheticians and potential employers before enrolling in a program.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Estheticians may work as employees or contractors at:
Opportunities for advancement are limited. Some estheticians open their own shops. Others teach at vocational schools. With further training, estheticians may move into related occupations by specializing in one or more services. For more information, see the Electrologist, Makeup Artist and Massage Therapist occupational profiles.
Estheticians 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.
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
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.
Estheticians’ earnings vary a great deal depending on their speciality, continued education, and reputation. Rates are typically set for each type of treatment. Earnings vary depending on the type and number of treatments performed each day.
Estheticians may:
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.
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.
| 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.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $40,740 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $36,492 |
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.