Esthetician: Occupations In Alberta - ALIS

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OCC info Occupations in Alberta Esthetician

Estheticians specialize in beautifying treatments for the body, including skin, face, and nails.

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• • Avg. Salary $39,004.00
  • Avg. Wage $23.72
• Minimum Education Varies
• Certification Not regulated
• • 3-Year Forecast Cool
  • Employed in AB 11,900
• • 5-Year Forecast Above avg
  • New Positions 116
• Job Postings 35 listings

Contents Expand All

• NOC Codes
• Duties
• Working Conditions
• Work Personalities
• Abilities
• Traits & Skills
• Educational Requirements
• Certification Requirements
• Employment & Advancement
• Related Alberta Job Postings
• Wage & Salary
• Related High School Subjects
• Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
• Other Sources of Information
• Related Occupational Profiles

Also Known As

Cosmetologist

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, 2024

Estheticians work directly with clients one on one. In general, they:

• Assess the client’s skin characteristics, condition, and appearance
• Administer treatment plans and schedule visits to provide specific services for skin and nail care, such as extractions, peels, and masks
• Advise clients on how to treat skin or nail issues at home
• Show clients the best ways to clean and care for their skin
• Advise clients on the purchase and use of professional skin-care products

They may also:

• Provide makeup artistry for everyday wear and special occasions
• Do retail sales and advise on the use of makeup
• Clean, shape, and polish fingernails and toenails
• Apply artificial nails and nail art (gel and acrylic)
• Tint and perm lashes and brows
• Do microblading
• Care for eyelashes and apply extensions
• Provide treatments for hands and feet
• Give relaxation massages, such as hot stone massages
• Bleach body and facial hair
• Remove unwanted hair using techniques such as soft and hard wax, sugaring, hot and cold laser treatments, and dermal planing
• Provide other aesthetic services such as aromatherapy, microneedling, facials, dermal rolling, and chemical peels
• Provide other body services such as body polishing, body wrapping, spray tanning, airbrushing, and microdermabrasion

When not working with clients, estheticians:

• Keep their equipment and work stations clean
• Keep records of client needs, preferences, and services provided
• Track inventory and order supplies

If working in a salon or spa, they also may take bookings or perform other front-desk duties.

Working Conditions Updated Mar 31, 2024

• Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Estheticians may work full time or part time. They may need to work some Saturdays and evenings.

Work Personalities

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.

• Estheticians

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit Fit Guide An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you. S Social This occupation You R Realistic E Enterprising This occupation You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Estheticians 2023 OaSIS: 63211.01

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

• 1 Social

  Social jobs are about helping and working with people. People in these jobs enjoy teaching, caring for others, or giving advice. They often work in schools, hospitals, or community centres. These jobs involve talking, listening, and supporting others. Examples include teachers, nurses, and counsellors.

• 2 Realistic

  Realistic jobs focus on working with your hands, tools, machines, or animals. People in these jobs often fix, build, or take care of things. They like clear tasks and working in a physical way. These jobs usually don’t need much paperwork or teamwork. Examples include mechanics, farmers, and builders.

• 3 Enterprising

  Enterprising jobs are about leading, selling, or starting new projects. People in these jobs like to take charge, make decisions, and reach goals. They often work in business or politics. These jobs may involve some risk and require strong people skills. Examples include managers, salespeople, and entrepreneurs.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

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.

• Estheticians

Estheticians 2023 OaSIS: 63211.01

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

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.

lower a match higher Typical ability expectations for this NOC group Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

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
• Numbers and Patterns
• Physical Activity
• Mind-Body Coordination
• Senses

Critical Thinking

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:

lower a match higher Typical ability expectations for this NOC group Your abilities

Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning Verbal Ability Information Ordering Categorization Flexibility Deductive Reasoning Fluency of Ideas Problem Identification Written Comprehension Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

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:

lower a match higher Typical ability expectations for this NOC group Your abilities

Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing Perceptual Speed Pattern Organization Speed Numerical Ability Mathematical Reasoning Multitasking Pattern Identification Spatial Orientation Spatial Visualization Selective Attention

Physical Activity

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:

lower a match higher Typical ability expectations for this NOC group Your abilities

Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina Static Strength Trunk Strength Explosive Strength Body Flexibility Dynamic Strength Gross Body Coordination Gross Body Equilibrium Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

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:

lower a match higher Typical ability expectations for this NOC group Your abilities

Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion Rate Control Arm-Hand Steadiness Control of Settings Finger Dexterity Manual Dexterity Multi-Signal Response Reaction Time Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

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:

lower a match higher Typical ability expectations for this NOC group Your abilities

Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity Speech Clarity Peripheral Vision Auditory Attention Depth Perception Far Vision Glare Tolerance Near Vision Night Vision Speech Recognition Sound Localization Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills Updated Mar 31, 2024

Estheticians need:

• A caring and charismatic attitude
• An aptitude for complementary and contrasting colour
• An interest in beauty, health, and appearance
• A willingness to continue education (both technical and product based)
• The desire to achieve and maintain a positive personal appearance, and help others do the same

They should enjoy:

• Taking a methodical approach to compiling information and solving problems
• Serving, interacting with, and helping people
• Using special products and techniques

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

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 109 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Aug 20, 2025 and Dec 29, 2025.

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.

Attention to detail Tasks: Manicures Tasks: Pedicures Tasks: Clean, trim and polish nails Tasks: Nail art technics Hand-eye co-ordination Tasks: Provide gel and acrylic nail extensions Team player Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years Tasks: Custom designs

Attention to detail	77
Tasks: Manicures	72
Tasks: Pedicures	72
Tasks: Clean, trim and polish nails	67
Tasks: Nail art technics	67
Hand-eye co-ordination	65
Tasks: Provide gel and acrylic nail extensions	65
Construction Specialization: Team player	63
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years	60
Tasks: Custom designs	60

Educational Requirements Updated Mar 31, 2024

• Minimum Education Varies

There are no standard education requirements for estheticians. Most salons and spas require esthetics training. High school courses in art, biology, practical chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and business methods are assets.

People interested in this occupation should discuss their training options with practising estheticians 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

• Clinical Aesthetics
• Esthetics
• Master of Aesthetics

Aesthetics Pro

• Advanced Aesthetics

Alberta Academy of Aesthetics

• Aesthetics

Alberta College of Body Art

• Body Modification Professional Certificate (Specialization in Tattooing or Body Piercing)

Beauty Maker Institute

• Clinical Aesthetics

Bella Elite Beauty & Barber Academy Ltd.

• Elite 1800 Hour Beauty Diploma
• Evolution Esthetics Diploma

Canada Institute of Clinical Aesthetics

• Clinical Aesthetics

Delmar College - Red Deer Campus

• Clinical Esthetics
• Professional Esthetician

Delmar College of Esthetics & Wellness

• Clinical Esthetician
• Esthetician
• Master of Esthetics
• Professional Esthetician

Eternal Beauty Institute

• Clinical Esthetics
• Clinical Laser Technician

European Institute of Esthetics, Esthetic and Laser Training Centre

• Advanced Clinical Esthetics
• Full Esthetics

GD College

• Advanced Esthetics Diploma
• Clinical Esthetics Diploma
• Esthetics Diploma

Glowup Aesthetic Academy

• Full Esthetician Program

International Academy of Esthetics

• Esthetics

Jyot's Aesthetics Academy

• Advanced Aesthetics

Lakeland College

• Clinical Esthetician
• Esthetician

Marvy's Skincare Laser & Esthetics Institute

• Full Esthetics Diploma

MC College - Calgary

• Esthetics

MC College - Edmonton

• Esthetics

MC College - Red Deer

• Esthetics

MTG Healthcare Academy - Calgary

• Esthetics Program

MTG Healthcare Academy - Edmonton

• Esthetics Program

MTG Healthcare Academy - Red Deer

• Esthetics Program

NIWE Academy Inc.

• Clinical Aesthetics
• Comprehensive Aesthetics
• Professional Esthetics

One Beauty Academy - Calgary

• 1800 Hour Blended Hairstyling, Esthetics and Makeup Artistry

Sultana's Beauty Clinic and School

• Aesthetics

The Esthetic Institute Training Center

• Advanced Clinical Esthetic Program
• Full Esthetic Program
• Full Esthetics CIDESCO Program

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

• Esthetician
• 2006 NOC 6482.1: Estheticians

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, 2024

• Certification Not regulated

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

Employment & Advancement Updated Mar 31, 2024

• • 3-Year Forecast Cool
  • Employed in AB 11,900

  • Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

• • 5-Year Forecast Above avg (2.7%)
  • New Positions 116

  • Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Estheticians may work as employees or contractors at:

• Beauty salons
• Spas, including day spas and medi-spas
• Fitness centres
• Medical clinics
• Mobile services
• Home-based salons

Opportunities for advancement are limited. Some estheticians open their own shops. Others teach at vocational schools. With further training, estheticians may move into related occupations by specializing in one or more services. For more information, see the Electrologist, Makeup Artist and Massage Therapist occupational profiles.

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 occupations2016 NOC: 6562

79.9% of people in this occupational group work in:

• Other Services

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.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities. 3-Year Job Market Forecast

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.

Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations 2021 NOC: 63211 Cool Job Market 11,900 Employed in AB

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.

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, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

© iStock.com/filadendron OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

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.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings Wage & Salary Updated Mar 31, 2024

Estheticians’ earnings vary a great deal depending on their specialty, continued education, and reputation. Rates are typically set for each type of treatment. Earnings vary depending on the type and number of treatments performed each day.

Estheticians may:

• Rent space in a related business and keep their earnings separate from those of the business
• Be employed by a salon or spa and paid an hourly rate or commission, whichever is higher

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.

• Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations

Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations

2021 NOC: 63211 Average Wage $23.72 Per Hour Average Salary $39,004.00 Per Year Average Hours 32 Per Week Average Months on Payroll 12 Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 63211 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 sourcesTo make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources 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.

Chart Table

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	$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

• 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 Health Care & Social Assistance Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)

ALL INDUSTRIES	$39,004
Health Care & Social Assistance	$40,012
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)	$39,010

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years

38% 38%)

Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties

37% 37%

Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months

9% 9%

Vacancy Rate

5% Related High School Subjects

• Fine Arts
  • Visual Arts
• Science
• Health, Recreation and Human Services
  • Esthetics

Related Post-Secondary Field of Study

• Personal and Food Services

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.

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