Employment Outlook

The employment outlook will be moderate for Hairstylists and barbers (63210) in Prince Edward Island for the 2022-2024 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
• A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Continued population growth by way of immigration will support the demand for workers in this occupation over the forecast period. Job opportunities for hairstylists and barbers are highly sensitive to consumer discretionary spending. Individuals willing to work long and varying shifts may have an advantage in securing employment. For example, hairstylists may need to work early shifts on weekends preparing clients for special events. Some clients may also prefer or need home visits, including seniors in assisted living residences, therefore flexibility is an asset. Hairstylists and barbers can increase their client base by keeping up to date with the latest trends and by using social media tools for self-marketing.

Openings will stem primarily from very high staff turnover. Many workers leave this occupation after a few years, mainly because of poor working conditions: low income, evening and weekend work, heavy competition from home workers and so on.

Employment changes in this occupation depend, for the most part, on the economic situation and demographic factors. Hairstylists and barbers interested in establishing their own business may wish to explore appropriate investment opportunities.

Here are some key facts about Hairstylists and barbers in Prince Edward Island:

• Approximately 400 people work in this occupation.
• Hairstylists and barbers mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): more than 95%
• The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
  • Full-time workers: 75% compared to 84% for all occupations
  • Part-time workers: 25% compared to 16% for all occupations
• 36% of hairstylists and barbers work all year, while 64% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
• 62% of hairstylists and barbers are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: less than 5% compared to 51% for all occupations
  • Women: more than 95% compared to 49% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: n/a
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 8% compared to 28% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 68% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor’s: 16% compared to 25% for all occupations
  • bachelor’s degree: 7% compared to 17% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

Source: Job Bank

Prevailing Wages