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CAD Technician, Engineering Technician, Structural Detailer
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
Drafting technicians use CADD (computer-aided design and drafting) software and scientific calculators. They also do manual drafting. They prepare:
The plans they create can be for many disciplines. Engineering plans can be for structural, mechanical, electrical, infrastructure, and process piping. Architectural and interior design plans can be for residential, industrial, institutional, and commercial buildings.
Drafting technicians may also be involved in related activities, such as:
Drafting technicians may work for companies that specialize in:
Drafting technicians often work standard weekday hours in an open office setup. They spend a lot of time working with computers. They may work outside of standard hours to meet project deadlines. They may also need to visit construction sites.
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 compiling data on dimensions, locations, elevations, cross-sections, projections and other details to verify completeness and accuracy of final drawings
Interest in assisting technologists and engineers to prepare engineering drawings, diagrams and layouts
Interest in precision working to operate computer-assisted drafting equipment and conventional drafting stations, and to use measuring instruments
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.
Drafting technicians 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 112 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 06, 2024 and Jul 14, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Prepare engineering designs and drawings | 96 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Develop and prepare design sketches | 88 |
| Tasks: Complete documentation packages and drawing sets | 85 |
| Tasks: Examine drawings for conformity and errors | 81 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 61 |
| Tasks: Prepare construction specifications, costs and material estimates | 61 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 58 |
| Attention to detail | 58 |
| Computer and Technology Knowledge: AutoCAD | 53 |
| Tasks: Consult with client, engineers or production specialists to establish product requirements | 52 |
Many employers require a year of related post-secondary education. They may accept an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some programs can be completed in 6 to 8 weeks.
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.
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.
A Certified Technician (C.Tech.) is an applied science, information technology, or engineering technology professional. They perform routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision. They also may assume limited responsibility for decision-making processes.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the protected title Certified Technician (C.Tech.).
You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Technician.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Technician.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Drafting technicians work for:
Drafting technicians’ work is like that of architectural technologists or engineering design technologists. However, their work is always supervised. They must work for several years and upgrade their education before they can take on as much responsibility as technologists.
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.
Drafting technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2253
77.0% 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: 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.
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.
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 2021 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 | $21.15 | $40.52 | $28.66 | $26.77 |
| Overall | $26.50 | $54.37 | $38.24 | $36.51 |
| Top | $30.00 | $71.39 | $46.45 | $43.59 |
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 | $76,036 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $71,709 |
| Manufacturing | $72,544 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $78,653 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $73,003 |
| Public Administration | $79,288 |
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 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.
