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Aircraft Structural Engineers
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
Aircraft structures technicians:
They may also:
Aircraft structures technicians work in hangars or shops. Sometimes they work outdoors on airport ramps. They may be exposed to harsh weather, fumes, or other hazards. They need to use safety equipment and wear safety clothing. Their work area may be noisy. At times, they may be in awkward positions, work in tight spaces, or on scaffolds. They use hoists to move large, heavy objects. Working quickly while observing safety standards can be stressful.
Aircraft structures technicians work a variety of shifts. They may need to work days, evenings, nights, or holidays and weekends when aircraft are not in use.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to reassemble, adjust and test engine operations to conform with specifications
Interest in analyzing information to troubleshoot aircraft structural, mechanical and hydraulic systems to identify problems, and to adjust and repair systems according to specifications, technical drawings, manuals and established procedures
Interest in installing and modifying aircraft engines, mechanical, hydraulic, flight control, fuel and pneumatic systems; in performing and documenting routine maintenance; and in ordering and maintaining inventory of parts and supplies
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Aircraft structures technicians need:
They should enjoy using tools, equipment, and machinery. They should also enjoy analyzing information and solving problems. They should have an organized approach to their work.
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.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 70 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 03, 2021 and Apr 16, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 51 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 50 |
| Tasks: Repair and overhaul aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems | 41 |
| Type of Industry Experience: Repair and overhaul facility | 39 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 38 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 37 |
| Tasks: Troubleshoot aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems to identify problems and adjust and repair systems according to specifications, technical drawings, manuals and established procedures | 35 |
| Mechanical Maintenance and Repair Specialization: Aircraft maintenance - general | 34 |
| Attention to detail | 34 |
| Tasks: Perform and document routine maintenance | 34 |
Aircraft structures technicians must be high school graduates. They must have related post-secondary education approved by Transport Canada. Many companies provide ongoing training to help employees upgrade and update their qualifications.
Technicians can train to upgrade to licensed aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs). Engineers certify that the work done on aircraft meets standards.
Transport Canada issues 5 different AME licences. Each has sub-groups. Training, experience, and exam requirements vary. In general, applicants must:
With an AME - Category S (Structures) licence, an engineer can certify structural work. To qualify, applicants must:
Time spent in a related Transport Canada accredited trade school program may go towards completion of their AME maintenance rating apprenticeship.
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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Aircraft structures technicians may work for:
Once in the field, aircraft structures technicians may often choose to specialize in repair of either sheet metal or composite materials. Most companies prefer employees who specialize in one of these materials. Aircraft structures technicians must supply their own hand tools. The employer usually provides specialized tools and equipment.
Employers may favour employees who are willing to move.
Some technicians advance to become supervisors or managers. Others work as quality control inspectors or sales reps for aeronautical products.
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.
In the 7315: Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors occupational group, 78.2% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7315: Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for aircraft structures technicians depend on factors such as location, business size, and the type and quality of equipment and aircraft.
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.
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 sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $19.71 | $34.70 | $26.17 | $27.41 |
| Overall | $25.00 | $43.27 | $32.70 | $30.00 |
| Top | $37.56 | $55.00 | $44.24 | $45.00 |
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
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $66,631 |
|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | $66,304 |
| Public Administration | $103,877 |
Alberta Aviation Council website: www.albertaaviationcouncil.com/education
Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA) website: avaerocouncil.ca
Transport Canada website: tc.gc.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. 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.
