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(Eyelash / Lash) Artist, (Eyelash / Lash) Extension Technician
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
In general, lash technicians consult with clients to tell them about options, learn their preferences, and choose a flattering look. They also:
Lash technicians may perform eyelash tinting, perming, and lifting (curling). They also:
Eyelash extensions come in various lengths, thicknesses, curls, and colours. They may be made of synthetic silk, faux mink, horsehair, human hair, or other synthetic and natural materials. Each product has advantages and disadvantages. For example, synthetic silk is relatively inexpensive but heavy on the eyes. Faux mink is lighter but more expensive. Horsehair is lighter and softer than synthetics but may trigger allergic reactions.
Types of lash extensions include:
Premade and handmade fans are attached to a band that is glued to the skin at the lash line. They are intended for single-day use. Clusters or flares are groups of 5 to 8 lashes glued together in a flare shape. Each flare is then glued to small groups of natural eyelashes. They last 1 to 2 weeks.
Classic lashes are single extensions applied to each natural eyelash. Volume lashes involve attaching a cluster of two or more lashes to each natural lash. This requires further training. With proper care and maintenance, volume lashes may last 4 to 6 weeks.
Lash technicians may work full time or part time. Weekend and evening work often is required.
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.
Lash technicians need:
Lash technicians should enjoy the beauty business and working with clients. They should be committed to providing safe eyelash-enhancement services by using professional products according to established protocols.
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 207 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 22, 2024 and Dec 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Manicures | 143 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Pedicures | 140 |
| Tasks: Clean, trim and polish nails | 132 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 125 |
| Tasks: Provide gel and acrylic nail extensions | 124 |
| Tasks: Nail art technics | 123 |
| Attention to detail | 122 |
| Tasks: Schedule and confirm appointments | 100 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 93 |
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 86 |
Most emerging occupations develop from more than one occupation. People working in this occupation may come from a variety of education and training backgrounds. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should contact associations and employers in this field to investigate education options and employment possibilities.
There are no standard educational requirements for lash technicians. However, when seeking employment, a high school diploma and related training as a certified makeup artist or esthetician are considered assets. Employers prefer to hire lash technicians with professional certification in eyelash extensions and at least one year of experience or a portfolio of their previous work. Experience in a retail environment is helpful.
In Alberta, eyelash extension technician training and certification is offered by many private schools. For current information about courses and enrolment requirements, check the training provider’s calendar, visit their website, or contact them directly.
People interested in this occupation should discuss their training options with practicing lash technicians 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 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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Emerging occupations typically are the result of:
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation, but future demand for it is unknown.
Lash technicians work on an hourly or contract basis in:
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: 2023-2025 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:
Explore emerging workplace trends in Alberta that could affect this occupation.
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.
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, no current provincial salary data is available for this occupation.
Lash technicians’ earnings range widely depending on location, employer, services offered, and the technician’s reputation. There may be fixed rates for each set of eyelash extensions applied, so earnings can vary with the type and number of applications performed each day. Some technicians receive hourly or daily rates.
In a spa setting, lash technicians can earn $25 to $35 per hour (2019 estimate). Self-employed technicians may charge $50 and hour or more, depending on their proficiency and speed.
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 |
Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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.
