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CAD Technician / Technologist
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
Architectural technologists implement architects’ design concepts by:
Under an architect’s supervision, architectural technologists also may:
Architectural technologists generally work in an office environment. Their hours of work may be longer during peak construction periods, and overtime may be required to meet deadlines.
Technologists who work on construction sites may be required to climb ladders and scaffolding. They must follow safety precautions to avoid injury.
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 analyzing building codes, by-laws, space requirements, site requirements and other technical documents and reports
Interest in supervising to represent building architects on construction sites to ensure compliance with design specifications and maintenance of desired standards of materials and quality of work; may supervise construction projects and co-ordinate, monitor and inspect work done by others; may supervise draftspersons, technicians and technologists on architectural teams
Interest in precision working to assist in the development of architectural designs and to construct architectural and display models, and 3-D virtual models of architectural designs
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.
Architectural technologists need:
They should enjoy:
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 64 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 08, 2021 and Apr 16, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 43 |
|---|---|
| Computer and Technology Knowledge: AutoCAD | 42 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 41 |
| Tasks: Assist in design development | 40 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 38 |
| Construction Specialization: Initiative | 38 |
| Tasks: Analyze technical documents and reports | 38 |
| Tasks: Prepare working drawings | 38 |
| Tasks: Computer-aided design (CAD) | 36 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 35 |
The minimum educational requirement for employment as an architectural technologist is a diploma in architectural technology.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
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.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Certified engineering technologists (CETs) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need to be supervised by a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience).
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) is a protected title. This means that to call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET), you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET).
You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Engineering Technologist.
Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practice independently according to established methodologies and specifications in engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must register as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Architectural technologists may work for:
They may work part time, full time, or on a contract basis.
Architectural technologists usually start out as assistants to architects, other technologists, or engineers. Technologists who work with other technologists on a project may advance to the position of team captain in charge of producing working drawings and details. Other options include working as specifications writers for consulting firms or becoming self-employed.
Architectural technologists also may work in related fields such as:
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 2251: Architectural technologists and technicians occupational group, 75.1% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2251: Architectural technologists and technicians occupational group is expected to have an average annual growth of 1.9% 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.
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.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $19.96 | $42.78 | $24.54 | $22.77 |
| Overall | $27.08 | $62.96 | $38.45 | $39.49 |
| Top | $28.85 | $76.92 | $58.13 | $56.41 |
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 | $73,388 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $69,460 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $73,588 |
Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) website: www.aaa.ab.ca
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta - ASET website: www.aset.ab.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 20, 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.
