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Customer Service Representative, Decorator, Home Stager
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
Interior decorators decorate private residences, hotels, restaurants, schools, universities, office buildings, factories and clubs. They may decorate new spaces, re-decorate existing ones or decorate for special events such as weddings.
Many interior decorators specialize in residential interiors. They select, co-ordinate or place:
Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, interior decorators:
Interior decorators employed in department stores, furniture stores and other retail establishments sell the store’s merchandise through the decorating service. This often involves designing generic or product specific displays. Some decorators represent a particular manufacturer’s product line.
Working conditions for interior decorators vary depending on their place of employment. They may work days, evenings and weekends, and spend a great deal of time in clients’ homes. Hours of work can be irregular where decorators have to adapt their schedules to suit client needs.
In some work settings frequent lifting of items weighing up to 10 kilograms and heavier may be required. Installing lighting and window or wall coverings may require working from ladders to measure dimensions or help installers.
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 computing to maintain sales records for inventory control; and in operating computerised inventory record keeping and re-ordering systems
Interest in persuading to sell and rent merchandise to customers
Interest in handling to prepare merchandise for purchase, rental and leasing, and to assist in the display of merchandise
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.
Interior decorators need:
They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods for their work, selling merchandise and working with a variety of materials.
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 68 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 29, 2021 and Nov 28, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Consult with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space | 45 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Create interior spaces that reflect clients' needs and tastes | 44 |
| Tasks: Advise on selection of colours, finishes and materials, lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards | 42 |
| Tasks: Estimate cost of projects and prepare detailed specifications | 42 |
| Tasks: Develop plans, elevations, cross sections and detailed drawings | 42 |
| Tasks: Develop detailed plans and 3-D models showing arrangement of walls, dividers, displays, lighting and other fixtures | 41 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 40 |
| Tasks: Read blueprint, schemas and drawings | 39 |
| Attention to detail | 35 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 33 |
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 Oct 29, 2021 and Nov 28, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Assist in display of merchandise | 92 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Maintain sales records for inventory control | 90 |
| Tasks: Provide advice about merchandise | 89 |
| Tasks: Greet customers and discuss type, quality and quantity of merchandise or services sought for purchase, rental or lease | 78 |
| Tasks: Operate cash register | 75 |
| Tasks: Operate computerized inventory record keeping and re-ordering systems | 73 |
| Tasks: Prepare merchandise for purchase, rental or lease | 58 |
| Tasks: Conduct sales transactions through Internet-based electronic commerce | 55 |
| Tasks: Prepare sales, rental or leasing contracts and accept cash, cheque, credit card or automatic debit payment | 51 |
| Tasks: Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties and delivery dates | 47 |
To acquire the necessary skills in identifying colour, proportion, balance and detail, interior decorators may learn on the job or take related training programs. In general, employers prefer to hire applicants who have:
Many employers prefer to hire graduates of post-secondary programs in interior design or visual arts.
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.
The Decorators and Designers Association of Canada (DDA Canada) offers accredited membership to individuals who:
For an up-to-date list of recognized institutions, visit the DDA Canada website.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most interior decorators are self-employed. Others are employed by:
Some interior decorators work on a freelance basis and purchase merchandise from retail outlets. Establishing a successful decorating service requires extensive work experience, good business skills, equipment such as a digital camera and colour printer, and sufficient funds to purchase supplies before customers pay for them.
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.
In the 5242: Interior designers and interior decorators occupational group, 84.7% of people work in:
In the 6421: Retail salespersons occupational group, 83.8% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5242: Interior designers and interior decorators 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, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
In Alberta, the 6421: Retail salespersons occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 913 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.
After completing their on-the-job training, most interior decorators work on a commission basis. Incomes therefore vary greatly from one person to another and from one month to another. A decorator who works on commission may be required to pay for costs if they make a mistake.
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 | $35.90 | $24.31 | $23.59 |
| Overall | $22.07 | $46.01 | $31.42 | $29.66 |
| Top | $22.85 | $71.95 | $39.59 | $36.00 |
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 | $62,660 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $64,281 |
| Retail Trade | $47,026 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $68,125 |
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.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $23.00 | $16.58 | $15.00 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $36.36 | $20.14 | $17.00 |
| Top | $15.75 | $76.60 | $29.29 | $22.50 |
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 | $31,434 |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | $19,333 |
| Construction | $64,492 |
| Manufacturing | $52,964 |
| Wholesale Trade | $61,896 |
| Retail Trade | $30,085 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $18,102 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $48,188 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $58,705 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $45,152 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $28,482 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $42,626 |
Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) website: www.aaa.ab.ca
Decorators and Designers Association of Canada (DDA Canada) website: ddacanada.com
Interior Designers of Alberta (IDA) website: www.idalberta.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2017. 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.
