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Chauffeur
Chauffeurs drive limousines, large sedans and 14-passenger vans. Their passengers range from children to party-goers to corporate executives.
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Avg. Salary N/A
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Avg. Wage N/A
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Minimum Education Varies
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Outlook above avg
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Employed 7,700
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In Demand Medium
Also Known As
Driver
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: Chauffeurs (7413.2)
- 2006 NOC-S: Taxi and Limousine Drivers and Chauffeurs (H713)
- 2011 NOC: Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs (7513)
- 2016 NOC: Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs (7513)
Interest Codes
The Chauffeur is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Chauffeurs
- OBJECTIVE
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Interest in driving employers, and passengers designated by employers, to destinations in automobiles and limousines, and to meet and pick up employers according to requests, appointments and schedules
- METHODICAL
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Interest in copying to clean and make minor repairs to vehicles, and to take vehicles for servicing
- SOCIAL
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Interest in speaking to perform business and personal errands for employers such as delivering and picking up mail, business documents and parcels
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
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 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.
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2019
A chauffeur’s main job is to drive safely and efficiently. But chauffeurs also:
- Pick up or meet passengers in response to dispatched calls or advance bookings
- Help passengers, including elderly people and those with disabilities, get in and out of the limousine
- Help with clients’ luggage
- Give information about the local area
- Collect payments from customers
- Keep their limousines clean inside and out
- Do routine vehicle checks, including checking tires and fluid levels
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Chauffeurs may work part time, on call or full time. They spend most of their work time driving or waiting for passengers. Chauffeurs often work nights and weekends. Some may work shifts. They usually wear a suit or uniform.
Chauffeurs may deal with difficult passengers, and may hear confidential information while driving.
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Strength Required Lift over 20 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Chauffeurs need:
- Driving skills
- Discretion
- Manners
- Patience and self-discipline
- Communication skills
- A neat personal appearance
- The ability to keep their vehicle clean
They should enjoy:
- Driving and talking to people
- Taking a methodical approach to cleaning and servicing vehicles
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
In Alberta, chauffeurs must have a Class 4 Alberta Operator’s Licence. This means passing a medical exam, written exam and road test. Depending on where they work, chauffeurs may also need a municipal chauffeur’s permit to begin training. To get the permit, they may need to complete an English exam and defensive driving course.
Municipalities and employers monitor demerit points and moving convictions. They may not allow drivers to work if they have more than 6 demerit points.
Chauffeurs may also need to pass tests about their knowledge of the city. They may need a police abstract showing they have no criminal convictions.
Chauffeurs who work for limousine companies that offer liquor service in their vehicles must complete ProServe Liquor Staff Training. ProServe is meant to ensure liquor service and sales are socially responsible. The course can be taken online or through self-directed study using a manual and video at home.
Some limousine companies offer on-the-job training.
For a list of driving schools in Alberta, please go to the Alberta Transportation website.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Most chauffeurs work for limousine or cab companies that provide car service for special occasions, like business meetings, weddings, graduations, concerts and formal parties. Some chauffeurs work only for specific organizations or people, or for themselves.
Most companies recruit for chauffeurs twice a year.
In general, employers prefer job applicants who:
- Have a good driving record
- Have experience in hospitality
- Have strong personal and work references
- Have a good disposition
- Take pride in their appearance
- Know the local area and house-numbering systems
- Know where important buildings, landmarks, and popular restaurants and bars are
- Can describe points of interest and recommend restaurants and nightclubs that suit clients
Some limousine companies require their chauffeurs to be 25 years of age or older. This way, they qualify for lower insurance rates.
Chauffeurs are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7513: Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
- Transportation and Warehousing [pdf]
- Retail Trade [pdf]
- Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing [pdf]
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industries listed above
- Location in Alberta
- Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
- Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
- Size of the occupation
Over 6,300 Albertans are employed in the Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 132 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As chauffeurs form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for chauffeurs.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the H713: Taxi and Limousine Drivers and Chauffeurs occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 132 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Chauffeurs earn up to $35.00 per hour (2018 estimate). However, earnings vary considerably, depending on the employer and the number of hours worked. Chauffeurs may be paid by the hour, as a percentage of the amount charged to customers, or as a monthly salary. They also earn gratuities, which are usually 10% to 25%. Chauffeurs may be required to purchase expensive uniforms.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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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