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Cosmetologist, Manicurist, Mast Nail Technician, Nail Artist, Nail Professional, Nail Technologists, Onychologists, Pedicurist
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
Duties vary but, in general, nail technicians:
They also may:
Most nail technicians work in beauty salons. They sit for most of their working hours. Some work from home or provide a mobile service. They may work full or part time. Saturday and evening shifts are normally required.
In general, nail technicians work with other technicians or beauty professionals. Most often, there are several manicure and pedicure stations. Technicians may be paid by the hour, on commission, or as a contractor who is renting a station. Each person builds and maintains their own clientele.
Running a business from home or offering mobile services are two common ways to start in this business. There are few overhead costs.
Nail salons should be clean and professional. Technicians should follow local health codes and regulations. However, clients go to nail salons as much to relax as for grooming. Because of this, technicians must follow rules while also creating a relaxing, pampering environment.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Manicurists and pedicurist
2023 OaSIS: 63211.04
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Nail technicians need:
They should enjoy:
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 135 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jul 09, 2025 and Oct 08, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Manicures | 89 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Pedicures | 88 |
| Tasks: Clean, trim and polish nails | 85 |
| Attention to detail | 83 |
| Tasks: Provide gel and acrylic nail extensions | 81 |
| Tasks: Nail art technics | 79 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 74 |
| Tasks: Custom designs | 61 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 57 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 57 |
There are no standard requirements for nail technicians. However, a high school diploma and related training are assets. Some salons ask for training in specific spa services (such as pedicures, gel toenails, body polishes, or body wraps). Workshops and training programs are available for those who want to specialize in nail care. Many established nail technicians are willing to advise on techniques and products to assist those interested in joining the profession.
Nail technicians must have training from a recognized school to buy products from professional suppliers. Those interested in this work should discuss training options with practicing nail technicians, potential employers, and suppliers.
Many beauty salons employ just one nail technician. Shops that specialize in this field tend to be small. As a result, on-the-job training may be difficult to find.
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
Nail technicians work at beauty salons as employees or contractors. Some set up their own shops.
Without further training, chances to advance are limited.
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 Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation 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: 2024-2026 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:
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.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Earnings for nail technicians vary widely. They depend on location, services offered, and the technician’s reputation. Rates are often set for each type of service, so earnings may vary from day to day. More experienced or more highly trained technicians tend to have higher earnings.
Nail technicians may rent space in a beauty salon and keep their earnings separate from those of the salon. Or they may work for the salon and receive a basic salary plus commission. Those who are self-employed must pay overhead costs, such as rent and supplies.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 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 | $22.00 | $17.52 | $16.00 |
| Overall | $16.00 | $46.70 | $23.72 | $20.00 |
| Top | $16.00 | $60.44 | $28.06 | $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 | $39,004 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $40,012 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $39,010 |
Updated Mar 31, 2024. 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.
