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Master Electrician
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
Electrical contractors are master electricians or employ master electricians. They apply for and obtain permits for electrical work. They may do various types of construction or service work. They may specialize in certain types of projects, such as:
Duties and responsibilities vary from one job to another. In general, electrical contractors:
Most electrical contractors have a main crew of employees and hire more help as needed.
Working conditions on construction sites vary from one site to another. Electrical contractors often work long, irregular hours to meet project deadlines. They may travel to visit clients, job sites, and suppliers.
On construction sites, electrical contractors must wear personal protective equipment. For example, hard hats and safety boots reduce risk of injury. Dealing with unexpected delays, managing unrealistic expectations, and collecting overdue payments can be stressful.
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 supervising the activities of workers who install, repair and maintain electrical wiring, fixtures and control devices, power systems, telecommunication systems and cablevision systems; and in ensuring that standards for safe working conditions are observed; may supervise activities of related workers
Interest in co-ordinating and scheduling the activities of workers; and in resolving problems; may co-ordinate and schedule activities of apprentices, helpers and labourers
Interest in understanding the functioning of equipment and machinery and the production procedures used in electrical trades and telecommunications
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.
Electrical contractors need:
They should enjoy working on electrical systems and equipment under demanding conditions. They should also enjoy solving problems and co-ordinating / scheduling activities. They should be comfortable directing and supervising the work of others.
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 27 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 20, 2022 and Apr 16, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Resolve work problems and recommend measures to improve productivity | 20 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Supervise workers and projects | 18 |
| Tasks: Establish methods to meet work schedules and co-ordinate work activities with other work units | 18 |
| Attention to detail | 17 |
| Tasks: Co-ordinate and schedule activities | 17 |
| Tasks: Train or arrange for training | 15 |
| Tasks: Prepare production and other reports | 15 |
| Tasks: Read blueprints and electrical schematics | 14 |
| Tasks: Requisition or order materials, equipment and supplies | 14 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 11 |
Business success does not necessarily depend on education level. However, electrical contractors benefit from related education and supervisory experience. They may be journeyperson electricians or have post-secondary education in electrical engineering. For more information, see the Electrician, Electrical Engineering Technologist and Electrical Engineer occupational profiles.
To help electrical contractors operate successful and profitable businesses, the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta offers a Professional Education Program. It includes the following courses:
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.
To obtain electrical permits in Alberta, a contractor must have an Alberta Master Electrician’s certificate or employ someone who does.
Master electricians and professional electrical contractors can obtain electrical permits for electrical installations in Alberta. They may be electrical contractors themselves or work for companies that do electrical contracting work.
Master Electrician is a designation awarded under the Certification and Permit Regulation [pdf]. In Alberta, only Master Electricians awarded a Certificate of Competency by the Safety Codes Council are able to obtain electrical permits (other than homeowners)
Professional Electrical Contractor (PEC), Certified Master Electrician (CME) and Registered Master Electrician (RME) are titles awarded by the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta (ECAA). These titles and abbreviations are protected under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf]. You do not have to be registered with ECAA if you do not use one of these titles or abbreviations.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Electrical Contractor / Master Electrician.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Electrical contractors may be public companies, private businesses, or self-employed individuals. They are often contracted by large general contracting companies. Advancement generally means building an increasingly successful business or being assigned larger, more complex projects.
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 7202: Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations occupational group, 78.6% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7202: Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 98 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.
Earnings for self-employed electrical contractors vary a great deal from contractor to contractor and year to year.
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.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.19 | $44.42 | $35.51 | $35.40 |
| Overall | $25.96 | $55.00 | $39.71 | $40.15 |
| Top | $27.10 | $61.54 | $42.40 | $40.15 |
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 | $82,493 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $87,223 |
| Public Administration | $63,707 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Construction Labour Relations - Alberta website: www.clra.org
Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta website: www.ecaa.ab.ca
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.
