Estheticians, Electrologists, and Related Workers
(NOC 6562)
in All Sales and ServiceThese workers provide facial and body treatments designed to enhance an individual's physical appearance. They are employed in beauty salons, electrolysis studios, scalp treatment and hair replacement clinics and other similar establishments and in cosmetic departments of retail establishments such as pharmacies and department stores, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Estheticians, Electrologists, and Related Workers may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 48% of Estheticians, Electrologists, and Related Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $20,763. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$11.00
Minimum$16.00
Median$23.81
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,100
Minimum$13,710
Median$32,424
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$10.70
Minimum$12.50
Median$21.17
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
These workers provide facial and body treatments designed to enhance an individual's physical appearance. They are employed in beauty salons, electrolysis studios, scalp treatment and hair replacement clinics and other similar establishments and in cosmetic departments of retail establishments such as pharmacies and department stores, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
The following is a summary of main duties for some jobs in this group:
- Estheticians give facial and other body treatments using specialized products and techniques.
- Cosmeticians advise customers on the use of make-up and other beauty products and apply make-up to customers; may specialize in applying makeup to models or other individuals for special occasions.
- Electrologists remove unwanted hair permanently from client's face or body using needle only specialized electrical hair removal equipment, laser and other equipment.
- Manicurists and pedicurists clean, shape, and polish fingernails and toenails and provide related treatments.
- Scalp treatment specialists apply medicated lotions to treat scalp conditions and hair loss.
- Tattoo artists apply permanent designs to customer's skin, using electric needles and chemical dyes; may also apply temporary designs to customer's skin.
- Hair replacement technicians (non-medical) prepare and apply custom-made hair pieces to customer's scalp, weave customer's hair to hair pieces and provide scalp treatments.
Sample job titles
- beauty care specialist
- cosmetologist
- electrolysis technician
- esthetician
- hair removal specialist
- manicurist
- nail care technician
- skin care consultant
- skin care specialist
- tattoo artist
Skills
For this work, you must have good manual dexterity, imagination, and creativity. Good communication, organization, and interpersonal skills are definite assets. You should be tactful, patient, and able to follow directions closely. You must be in good health. Business skills are a definite asset.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school, college or beauty school programs for cosmeticians, estheticians, electrologists, manicurists and pedicurists is required or on-the-job training is provided.
- Electrologists usually require certification from an electrologist's educational or training institution.
- Membership in a provincial or national electrolysis association may be required.
- Completion of a registered dermal therapy program may be required to provide electrology laser and vascular treatments.
- Estheticians usually require certification from an esthetician's educational or training institution.
- A business licence is required for workers in this group who are owners/operators of businesses offering these services.
- Practitioners offering these personal services are required to adhere to infection control procedures.
Other considerations
Self-employment is common for these jobs. Earnings for people in these jobs are often supplemented by tips or gratuities. Therefore, an individual's income will likely depend upon their ability to attract and maintain a group of clients. This work usually occurs in clean, pleasant surroundings with good lighting and comfortable temperatures. The work can be tiring and physically demanding. Workers must be on their feet for long periods of time. This work is often carried out during evenings and weekends, when spas are busiest. There is little or no mobility among the different jobs in this group without additional specialized training.
Tattoo artists and body piercers and modifiers are also included in this group, and most apprentice to learn the trade. However, there are very few regulations or guidelines for these jobs in the province and the apprenticeship process is informal.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Other Services
Retail Trade
Information, Culture & Recreation
Other Professional Services
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
15-24
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
25-34
35-44
55-64
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
N/ATrades certificate
N/AHigh school
N/ABachelor's degree
N/ALess than high school
N/ACompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$12,982 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$19,514 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,486 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$20,807 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$18,797 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Aesthetician/esthetician and skin care specialist
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to cleanse, depilate, massage, and beautify the human body and to function as licensed estheticians and skin care specialists. These programs include courses in skin anatomy, physiology, and health; principles of nutrition; decontamination and infection control; health and safety; facial and body massage; body wrapping and spa treatments; temporary hair removal including waxing and tweezing; colour and skin analysis; client consultation and care; applicable laws and regulations; business practices; and sometimes related alternative healing regimens.
Institutions providing this program
315 Jamieson Street PO Box 33 Whitney Pier
Sydney, NS B1N 3B1
(902) 564-2222
363 Windmill Road
Dartmouth, NS B3A 1J2
(902) 469-7788
278 Lacewood Drive
Halifax, NS B3M 3N8
(902) 455-0535
26 Archibald Avenue
North Sydney, NS B2A 2W3
(902) 794-2460
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
77 Crescent Drive, Suite 4
New Minas, NS B4N 3G7
(902) 365-3933
14 Court Street, Suite 101
Truro, NS B2N 3H7
(902) 843-3868
Cosmetology/cosmetologist - General
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that generally prepares individuals to cut, trim, style, or remove scalp, facial, and body hair; apply cosmetic preparations; perform manicures and pedicures; massage the head and extremities; and prepare for practice as licensed cosmetologists in specialized or full-service salons. These programs include courses in hair cutting and styling, manicuring, pedicuring, facial treatments, shampooing, chemical applications, esthetics, shop management, sanitation and safety, customer service, and applicable professional and labour laws and regulations.
Institutions providing this program
315 Jamieson Street PO Box 33 Whitney Pier
Sydney, NS B1N 3B1
(902) 564-2222
26 Archibald Avenue
North Sydney, NS B2A 2W3
(902) 794-2460
50 Elliott Road
Lawrencetown, NS B0S 1M0
(902) 825-3491
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
14 Court Street, Suite 101
Truro, NS B2N 3H7
(902) 843-3868
Makeup artist/specialist
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to professionally apply cosmetic makeup preparations and perform complete and specialized appearance makeovers including hairdressing, wig work, masking, temporary prosthesis applications, cosmetic applications, and related costuming for leisure or for professional stage, camera, clinical, or security purposes. These programs include courses in period and contemporary hairstyling and costuming; wig work and hairpiece application; synthetic hair and masks; cosmetic preparations and treatments; makeup artistry; attachment, removal, and camouflaging of prostheses; health and safety; client consultation and care; preproduction and postproduction operations; set and crew conduct and relations; script, instruction, and prescription interpretation; labour relations; and business practices.
Institutions providing this program
363 Windmill Road
Dartmouth, NS B3A 1J2
(902) 469-7788
278 Lacewood Drive
Halifax, NS B3M 3N8
(902) 455-0535
Nail technician/specialist and manicurist
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to shape fingernails and toenails, remove unwanted skin and blemishes, apply polish and cosmetics to nails, and function as licensed manicurists or nail technicians/specialists. These programs include courses in manicuring theory; skin anatomy; nail growth, irregularities, and diseases; sterilization and sanitation; equipment and table maintenance; cuticle, blemish, and rough skin removal; nail filing, shaping, and polishing; cream application and extremity massage; nail sculpture and design art; product storage and use; customer service; laws and regulations; and business practices.
Institutions providing this program
26 Archibald Avenue
North Sydney, NS B2A 2W3
(902) 794-2460
19 Crane Lake Drive
Halifax, NS B3S 1B5
(902) 450-2160
77 Crescent Drive, Suite 4
New Minas, NS B4N 3G7
(902) 365-3933
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Practice: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to work in this job.