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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 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in comparing to clean, shape and polish fingernails and toenails and provide related treatments
Interest in serving - assisting clients by providing treatments to hands and feet designed to enhance physical appearance
Interest in manipulating and applying various specialized products
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.
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 104 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 29, 2025 and Apr 26, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Manicures | 76 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Clean, trim and polish nails | 72 |
| Tasks: Pedicures | 72 |
| Attention to detail | 70 |
| Tasks: Provide gel and acrylic nail extensions | 68 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 67 |
| Tasks: Nail art technics | 66 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 59 |
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 55 |
| Tasks: Custom designs | 54 |
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 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: 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 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, 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.
