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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:
| Starting | $17.49 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $22.35 |
| Top | $28.72 |
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
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.
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 47 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2020 and Apr 17, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Schedule and confirm appointments | 34 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Client focus | 26 |
| Provide product demonstrations | 24 |
| Body care/treatments | 23 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 23 |
| Clean, trim and polish nails | 21 |
| Perform cashiering duties | 21 |
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 20 |
| Relaxation massage | 19 |
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 19 |
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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
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, Make-Up 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:
Over 4,900 Albertans are employed in the Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.0% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 98 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As estheticians form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for estheticians.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
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:
| 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.
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.
| 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.