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Arbitrator: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Are you good at seeing both sides of an argument? Are you able to weigh facts and resolve disputes? Do you recognize the duty to treat people equally and fairly? Then you may want to assess your potential as an arbitrator.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Arbitrator

Arbitrators are formally empowered to resolve disputes by reviewing evidence and arguments and rendering decisions that may be filed in a court of law and legally enforced.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Conflict Resolution Specialist, Dispute Resolution Specialist, Legal Arbitrator

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

  • 1121: Specialists in Human Resources

2006 NOC-S

  • B021: Specialists in Human Resources

2011 NOC

  • 1121: Human resources professionals

2016 NOC

  • 1121: Human resources professionals

2021 NOC

  • 11200: Human resources professionals

2023 OaSIS

  • 11200.00: Human resources professionals
Duties
Updated Mar 17, 2023

Arbitrators have responsibilities similar to those of judges, but their “courtroom” can be anywhere. The place and arbitrator are usually chosen by the disputants (the people involved in the dispute).

In general, arbitrators hold an initial meeting with disputants to outline the arbitration process and establish guidelines. They then settle procedural matters such as meeting locations and arbitration fees. They also:

  • Determine the number of witnesses and how much time dispute resolution is likely to take
  • Conduct structured hearings in which each disputant gets a chance to present evidence and arguments, call witnesses and cross-examine the other party’s witnesses
  • Listen and assess the merits and validity of the arguments and evidence presented
  • Handle complex factual material, analyze problems, identify and separate the issues involved, and apply legislation and precedents to decisions
  • Write a clear, logical, and concise decision (called an award) that is binding on the disputants and states the reasons for the award

Unlike other dispute resolution practitioners, only arbitrators produce a result that can be filed with the court and enforced as a court order.

Arbitration may be used to resolve disputes between parties including:

  • Management and labour
  • Businesses and consumers
  • Claimants and insurance companies
  • Business partners
  • Residential and commercial construction
  • Almost any alleged breach of contract
  • Marriage partners

Arbitration is recommended over taking a dispute to court when:

  • The disputants want to resolve the conflict quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively
  • The dispute involves complicated matters that require an arbitrator who has expertise in a particular field
  • The dispute involves confidential matters
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 17, 2023
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Arbitration can be formal or informal, depending on the circumstances and the wishes of the parties. Arbitrators may conduct hearings in boardrooms, hotel conference rooms, on construction sites, or anywhere else that is acceptable to all parties. This can include using digital means such as Zoom, Teams, and WebEx. Hearing dates and times are negotiated by the parties or set by the arbitrator at the beginning of the process.

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.

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.
E
Enterprising
This occupation
You
S
Social
C
Conventional
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

Human resources professionals
2023 OaSIS: 11200.00

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    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.

  • 2
    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.

  • 3
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

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.

Human resources professionals
2023 OaSIS: 11200.00

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

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 17, 2023

Arbitrators need:

  • An unbiased attitude
  • Good judgment
  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Analytical and logical thinking
  • Problem-solving skills

They should enjoy:

  • Synthesizing information that leads to innovative approaches for conflict resolution
  • Coordinating information
  • Dealing with people

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

Human resources professionals

2016 NOC: 1121

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 09, 2024 and Oct 07, 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.
Tasks: Plan, develop, implement and evaluate human resources policies and programs
Tasks: Co-ordinate employee performance and appraisal programs
Tasks: Advise managers and employees on the interpretation of human resources policies, benefit programs and collective agreements
Tasks: Hire, train and supervise staff
Tasks: Research and prepare occupational classifications, job descriptions and salary scales
Tasks: Manage training and development strategies
Attention to detail
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years
Organized
Effective interpersonal skills
Tasks: Plan, develop, implement and evaluate human resources policies and programs 70
Tasks: Co-ordinate employee performance and appraisal programs 56
Tasks: Advise managers and employees on the interpretation of human resources policies, benefit programs and collective agreements 54
Tasks: Hire, train and supervise staff 52
Tasks: Research and prepare occupational classifications, job descriptions and salary scales 51
Tasks: Manage training and development strategies 48
Attention to detail 43
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years 42
Construction Specialization: Organized 42
Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills 41
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 17, 2023
  • Minimum Education Varies

Although many arbitrators have a professional background, there are no specified minimum education requirements. However, arbitrators need:

  • An appreciation of the principles of justice and procedural fairness
  • A working knowledge of contract law and evidence, including any laws applicable to the specific dispute
  • An understanding of the Alberta Arbitration Act [pdf] and other relevant legislation

Expertise related to the nature of the dispute is often an asset.

In Alberta, the following organizations offer mediation, negotiation, and conflict management training:

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Mount Royal University
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
University of Lethbridge

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

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 17, 2023
  • Certification Not regulated

The ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC) offers the designation Chartered Med-Arbitrator (C.Med-Arb.) to members who have the prescribed levels of training and experience. Members with appropriate training and experience can also apply to the International Mediation Institute (IMI) for the Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb.) designation, which indicates they have been practising at an intermediate level.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 17, 2023

Arbitrators often work in other occupations and contract their services as arbitrators when they are needed. Generally, arbitrators are hired on a one-off basis. An arbitrator hired by one party on a regular or recurring basis may be thought of as biased in favour of that employer.

When people agree to take their dispute to arbitration, they must find a mutually acceptable arbitrator, preferably someone who has:

  • Training or experience in arbitration
  • A reputation for making sound, impartial decisions
  • Some knowledge of the subject area of the dispute

Where parties cannot agree on an arbitrator, the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta will appoint one. Parties may also agree to have an institution such as ADRIA or ADRIC appoint the arbitrator.

Disputants may obtain a directory of arbitrators and mediators from the ADRIA or ADRIC.

Procedures for appointing arbitrators vary. Disputing parties may choose a single arbitrator or a panel of 3 arbitrators.

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.

Human resources professionals
2016 NOC: 1121

76.1% of people in this occupational group work in:

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.

Human resources professionals
2021 NOC: 11200
Hot
Job Market
13,400
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
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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.

Human resources professionals
2016 NOC: 1121
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
273
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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 17, 2023

Arbitrators’ fees are negotiated with disputants at the beginning of the arbitration process and vary greatly. Sometimes arbitrators volunteer their time. Arbitrators who are lawyers, engineers, accountants, or other professionals usually charge fees in line with their other professional fee structures.

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.

Human resources professionals

2021 NOC: 11200
Average Wage
$41.51
Per Hour
Average Salary
$81,797.00
Per Year
Average Hours
37.9
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 11200 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 sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

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 $24.54 $56.73 $37.21 $35.74
Overall $26.95 $64.90 $41.51 $39.94
Top $29.85 $78.15 $51.08 $49.05

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
Oil & Gas Extraction
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Transportation and Warehousing
Information, Culture, Recreation
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Accommodation & Food Services
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $81,797
Oil & Gas Extraction $104,321
Construction $73,087
Manufacturing $95,793
Wholesale Trade $94,780
Retail Trade $74,942
Transportation and Warehousing $63,305
Information, Culture, Recreation $74,911
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing $75,845
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $85,234
Educational Services $76,563
Health Care & Social Assistance $70,366
Accommodation & Food Services $51,052
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) $86,431
Public Administration $88,456

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
50%
50%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
12%
12%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
3%
3%
Vacancy Rate
5%
Related High School Subjects
  • English Language Arts
  • Business, Administration, Finance and IT
    • Financial Management
    • Management and Marketing
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Business, Management and Administrative Studies
  • Social Sciences, Law and Religious Studies
  • Social, Community and Protective Services
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 17, 2023

ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC) website: adric.ca

Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society (AAMS) website: canadamodern.org/alberta-arbitration-and-mediation-society  

National Family Law Arbitration Course website: nflac.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 17, 2023. 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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