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Emerging Occupations

Lash Technician

Lash technicians apply extensions to natural eyelashes to enhance their clients’ physical appearance.

This is an emerging occupation. It may have evolved from an existing occupation or emerged in response to consumer needs or technological advances.

Also Known As

(Eyelash / Lash) Artist, (Eyelash / Lash) Extension Technician

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

  • 6482.1: Estheticians

2006 NOC-S

  • G922: Estheticians, Electrologists and Related Occupations

2011 NOC

  • 6562: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations

2016 NOC

  • 6562: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations

2021 NOC

  • 63211: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations

2023 OaSIS

  • 63211.01: Estheticians
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

In general, lash technicians consult with clients to tell them about options, learn their preferences, and choose a flattering look. They also:

  • Apply extensions using special techniques and medical-grade adhesive
  • Use approved practices to maintain a sanitary and safe work station by disinfecting and sterilizing instruments and equipment
  • Provide after-care guidance and recommend products to upkeep lash extensions

Lash technicians may perform eyelash tinting, perming, and lifting (curling). They also:

  • Provide advice on false lashes and products that extend the life of lashes
  • Shape eyebrows and apply extensions
  • Apply facial makeup
  • Offer microblading as a specialty service

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 or handmade fans or band eyelashes
  • Clusters or flares
  • Volume lashes

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.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Lash technicians may work full time or part time. Weekend and evening work often is required.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Estheticians

2006 NOC: 6482.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in compiling information on clients' facial and skin conditions

SOCIAL

Interest in serving - assisting clients by offering facial and other body treatment services

OBJECTIVE

Interest in manipulating various products and using specialized techniques

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

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 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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Lash technicians need:

  • Artistic talent
  • Good hand-eye co-ordination
  • Good vision and depth perception
  • Steady hands with good finger dexterity
  • Attention to detail
  • Professionalism
  • Accuracy and consistency
  • Preparedness and time-management skills
  • Endurance and patience
  • Multitasking skills
  • Excellent customer-service skills

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations

2016 NOC: 6562

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 255 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Sep 07, 2024 and Oct 06, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Manicures
Tasks: Pedicures
Tasks: Clean, trim and polish nails
Attention to detail
Client focus
Tasks: Provide gel and acrylic nail extensions
Tasks: Nail art technics
Reliability
Tasks: Schedule and confirm appointments
Hand-eye co-ordination
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Varies

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.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Advance Institute of Wellness & Esthetics
Aesthetics Pro
Alberta Academy of Aesthetics
Artists Within Makeup Academy
Bella Elite Beauty & Barber Academy Ltd.
Delmar College - Red Deer Campus
Delmar College of Esthetics & Wellness
Eternal Beauty Institute
European Institute of Esthetics, Esthetic and Laser Training Centre
International Academy of Esthetics
Jyot's Aesthetics Academy
Lakeland College
Marvy's Skincare Laser & Esthetics Institute
MC College - Calgary
MC College - Edmonton
MC College - Red Deer
Numa International Institute of Makeup and Design
One Beauty Lethbridge
Sultana's Beauty Clinic and School
The Esthetic Institute Training Center

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Emerging occupations typically are the result of:

  • An increased human need
  • Technological advances
  • Greater specialization within an occupation

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:

  • Beauty salons
  • Cosmetology shops
  • Spas
  • Home-based or mobile businesses
Industry Concentration

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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

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.

Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations
2021 NOC: 63211
Medium
Demand
7,400
Employed

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.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment

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.

Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations
2016 NOC: 6562
2.7%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
116
New Positions

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

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.

Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations

2016 NOC: 6562
Average Wage
$19.67
Per Hour
Average Salary
$30,911.00
Per Year
Average Hours
30.4
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 6562 Wage Profile

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.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
60%
60%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
81%
81%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
18%
18%
Vacancy Rate
5%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Personal and Food Services

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.

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