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Artisan, Artist, Carver, Caster, Ceramicist, Metal Worker, Modeller, Potter, Smith, Wood Worker
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
The boundaries between categories in the visual arts are much less distinct today than they once were. Traditionally, sculptors have used materials that can be physically manipulated or shaped by processes such as:
Sculptors may work with traditional materials, such as stone, bronze, glass, concrete, wood, clay and plaster. Today, many sculptors use or incorporate materials and methods normally associated with other disciplines. For example, they may work in, and experiment with, photography, metals of all kinds, fired ceramics, electricity, video and digital media, sound, wax, ice, plastics, performance art, fibre, textiles and other materials. They may produce only one or a limited number of copies of each piece of work.
Some sculptors design their work entirely on a computer, using computer aided design (CAD) software, then fabricate their sculptures with digital tools. For example, they might use computer numeric controlled (CNC) machines, 3D printers or computer-controlled laser cutters. Others may create the design using software and then use conventional methods to produce the work.
Digital tools allow sculptors to:
Sculptures can range in size from a small coin to several hundred acres of “live art.” Today’s sculptors experiment in new and emerging areas using different materials, installation techniques and mixed-media applications. In some cases, sculptors enlist the help of engineers, programmers, mechanics and other technical experts.
Kinetic sculptures are ones that do not remain stationary; they move or change according to external forces applied, such as wind, sun, rain or temperature. They may also move due to winding up, dropping or moving a part to initiate mechanical reactions from the rest of the piece. Some modern sculptors strive to involve the audience in kinetic works. Instead of treating the viewer as a passive observer of a piece, some sculptures are meant to be touched, played with and can even change or react uniquely according to audience interactions with it.
Many sculptors study different techniques and experiment with materials and processes on an ongoing basis. They keep up to date with what is going on in the art world by reading and attending exhibitions at art galleries.
Sculptors’ working conditions vary with their media. They may use a variety of hand and power tools. Some materials and tools require attention to safety practices to prevent injury.
Studios may be clean and well ventilated, or they may have less-than-ideal working conditions. Flying particles, sharp tools, falling objects, fumes, heat and chemicals are common occupational hazards. Sculptors may work at home, wherever large pieces are situated or in studios located in artist-run centres or warehouses.
The work can be physically demanding. Lifting requirements vary depending on the medium.
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.
Sculptors
2023 OaSIS: 53122.02
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:
Sculptors need:
They should enjoy working independently and with others, finding innovative ways to present ideas, and using a methodical approach to tasks.
There are no formal education requirements for sculptors. However, they need:
Prospective sculptors should look for education programs that offer the best blend of technical and creative course materials for their particular interests and needs. Some galleries prefer to feature sculptors who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fine 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 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
Sculptors may receive commissions or fees paid in advance that allow them to buy materials and cover some living expenses while they finish a site-specific or major work. However, few sculptors can support themselves on their artwork alone. Many cover living costs and studio rent by:
Private buyers or public works committees may commission sculptures, or sculptors may sell their work in retail markets, from their home studios or through agents. They also may display their art in:
Sculptors may market or promote their work through online digital media. Sometimes, filmmakers rent available ready-made sculptures.
Emerging sculptors can get a start by entering art competitions, art festivals or arranging their own shows in their homes or artist-run centres. Before approaching gallery owners, sculptors should do some research to identify galleries that have a style compatible with their own. Sculptors usually have 1 gallery representative per city.
The Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Canada Council for the Arts purchase artworks and offer grants for promising sculptors to enable them to study and work for a few months or a year at a time.
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.
Painters, sculptors and other visual artists
2016 NOC: 5136
82.0% 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.
Some sculptors receive commissions or fees paid in advance that allow them to buy materials and cover some living expenses while they finish site-specific or major works.
Sculpture prices vary considerably depending on the sculptor’s reputation, size of the piece, materials used and availability of the sculptor’s work. Most galleries deduct a commission ranging from 50% to 70%.
A few well-established sculptors hire agents to handle marketing, bookkeeping and sales transactions. Agents may take a 20% to 40% commission.
Sculptors are part of the larger 2021 National Occupational Classification 53122: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists.
According to the 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Painters, sculptors and other visual artists occupational group earned on average from $21.85 to $30.36 an hour. The overall average was $26.11 an hour. For more information, see the Painters, sculptors and other visual artists wage profile.
Alberta Foundation for the Arts website: www.affta.ab.ca
Alberta Society of Artists website: www.albertasocietyofartists.com
Canada Council for the Arts website: canadacouncil.ca
Sculptors’ Association of Alberta website: sculptors-alberta.com
Sculptors Society of Canada (SSC) website: www.sculptorssocietyofcanada.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2021. 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.
