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Cathodic Protection Specialist / Surveyor / Tester / Field Technician, Corrosion Technician
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
Cathodic protection controls the corrosion of metal surfaces in structures that are in contact with soil or water. These include buildings, pipelines and bridges. Cathodic protection technicians install, monitor, assess, maintain and repair cathodic protection systems. They also commission and decommission these systems.
Cathodic protection systems also protect:
In Alberta, this is a designated occupation with 2 levels.
Level 1 technicians:
Level 2 technicians can do all the above, plus:
Cathodic protection technicians usually work a standard 40-hour week. They may sometimes put in overtime to meet project deadlines. Some work on call and provide 24/7 support. Cathodic protection technicians work in all weather conditions. They must wear safety gear, such as gloves, goggles or masks. Since many cathodic protection systems are in remote locations, technicians may have to travel. Their job may include a lot of time in the field.
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 conduct life tests (burn-ins) on assemblies, to install, operate and maintain electrical and electronic equipment and systems, and to calibrate equipment and instruments according to technical manuals and written instructions
Interest in compiling and collecting operational and experimental data; and in assisting in building and testing prototypes to specifications
Interest in assisting to carry out a limited range of technical functions in support of research in electrical and electronic engineering and physics
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.
Cathodic protection technicians need:
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 161 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 26, 2023 and Dec 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Set up and operate specialized and standard test equipment to diagnose, test and analyze the performance of electrical and electronic components, assemblies and systems | 119 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Assist in inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components | 118 |
| Tasks: Assist in design, development and testing | 107 |
| Tasks: Calibrate electronic equipment and instruments | 97 |
| Tasks: Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems | 94 |
| Tasks: Assist in preparing estimates, schedules, specifications and reports | 91 |
| Attention to detail | 88 |
| Tasks: Assist in building and testing prototypes to specifications | 75 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 72 |
| Tasks: Collect and compile operational or experimental data | 71 |
Most employers look for candidates with high school completion. Some may require a relevant college or technical school program. A valid class 5 drivers license is also needed. Safety courses, such as first aid or WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) are assets.
Employers tend to prefer applicants who have a trade certificate. Some may be okay with applicants who are willing to obtain these skills through training.
Cathodic protection is a designated trade in Alberta. Certification is not legally required to work.
Level 1 applicants who qualify based on a recognized credential must have 1,000 hours of work experience over 12 months and complete one of the following NACE International courses:
Level 1 applicants who qualify based on work experience do not need to complete NACE training. But they must have 1,500 hours of work experience over 18 months.
Applicants for level 2 occupational certificate must have the level 1 certification and 1,000 hours of work experience over 12 months. They must also complete one of the following NACE International courses:
Certification based on work experience is not available for level 2.
To learn about courses and enrolment requirements, check the training provider’s calendar, visit their website or contact them.
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 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.
Generally certification is voluntary for this designated occupation. However, certification is required to perform some electrical tasks. See below for details about the available certifications.
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.
Cathodic protection technicians install, maintain and repair cathodic protection systems. These systems control the corrosion of metal surfaces in structures that are in contact with soil or water, such as buildings, pipelines and bridges. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile on Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
In Alberta, government-legislated certification is available for Cathodic Protection Technicians.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Cathodic Protection Technician.
Electricians install, alter, repair and maintain electrical systems designed to provide heat, light, power, control, signal or fire alarms for all types of buildings, structures and premises. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile on Alberta’s Tradesecrets website
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to install, alter, repair or maintain electrical systems in Alberta.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Electrician.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Cathodic protection technicians may work for:
With experience and further training, cathodic protection technicians may become cathodic protection technologists, designers, specialists or managers. Some may start their own cathodic protection businesses.
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.
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2241
79.2% 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.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta 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.
Source: 2023-2025 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.
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:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
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.
According to Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, there are about 350 full-time cathodic protection technicians in the province (2019 estimate).
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
The earnings for cathodic protection technicians vary. Certified level 1 technicians can earn from $25 to $40 an hour, while those certified at level 2 can earn from $35 to $50 an hour (2019 estimates).
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.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $61.12 | $32.48 | $30.00 |
| Overall | $20.55 | $66.67 | $40.37 | $40.25 |
| Top | $28.50 | $78.39 | $47.84 | $46.00 |
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 | $81,708 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $76,543 |
| Manufacturing | $69,620 |
| Wholesale Trade | $67,247 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $79,031 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $89,989 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $75,680 |
| Public Administration | $92,006 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Training website: www.tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Energy Safety Canada website: www.energysafetycanada.com
NACE International website: www.nace.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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.
