Working as an Esthetician/ Cosmetologist/ Make-up Artist
Industry Overview
This is an entrepreneurial business. You secure your job by building your clientele. Happy clients will follow you if you change salons, and having an established client list makes you more valuable to employers.
Estheticians trained in skin care, body treatments, massage, and nail art are more in demand than people trained only in manicures and pedicures.
As job openings and job seekers are projected to be at relatively similar levels over the 2019-2028 period, the balance between labour supply and demand seen in recent years is expected to continue over the projection period.
Sources: Career Cruising (profiles of Esthetician and Cosmetologist), Job Bank Canada, Job Prospects for Esthetician
Job Outlook in BC
Estheticians, Cosmetologists and Makeup Artists
Chart from WorkBC
WorkBC provides employment outlook within BC regions for 2019-2029, including these two regions:
You can learn more about working as an esthetician, cosmetologist and make-up artist in BC from:
Types of Employers
Estheticians and cosmetologists work in a variety of settings:
- beauty salons and spas
- electrolysis studios
- cosmetic departments of retail stores such as pharmacies and department stores
- beauty salons/spas in hotels, resorts and on cruise ships
- beauty product companies
- sales representatives for beauty product companies
Make-up artists work for:
- television and film production companies
- theatre and dance companies
- modelling agencies
- photographers
- retail outlets
- bridal parties and other special events
You may also be self-employed.
Salary
In BC, the median salary is $31,284. Your salary depends on:
- the size and reputation of the salon or spa
- the size of your established clientele
- the type of work being done
- the number of hours you work
- if you are working on a commission compensation basis
Tips received from your clients may be a significant part of your earnings.
If you run your own business, you can earn a higher salary.
Job Bank Canada provides hourly wages for estheticians and other related occupations in BC regions:
Chart from Job Bank Canada
Sources: Career Cruising & WorkBC
Working Hours
You may be expected to work a variety of hours, including daytime, evenings and weekends. Part-time work is very common, especially at the beginning of your career. Some people also work 7 to 8 hours a day, and a minimum of 35 to 40 hours a week.