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Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers specify, design, construct, analyze, maintain, troubleshoot, and test electrical and electronic components and systems, and are responsible for their safe operation.

Also Known As

Communications Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Digital Systems Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Engineer, Instrumentation Engineer, Power Systems Engineer

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

  • 2133: Electrical and Electronics Engineers

2006 NOC-S

  • C033: Electrical and Electronics Engineers

2011 NOC

  • 2133: Electrical and electronics engineers

2016 NOC

  • 2133: Electrical and electronics engineers

2021 NOC

  • 21310: Electrical and electronics engineers

2023 OaSIS

  • 21310.00: Electrical and electronics engineers
Duties
Updated Apr 08, 2022

Electrical engineers work with systems. These systems generate, transmit, distribute, store, control, or use electromagnetic energy or electrically coded information. Engineers may be involved in developing, manufacturing, or applying electrical and electronic devices, circuits, systems, products, and equipment. They produce single-line diagrams (SLD), schematics, wiring diagrams, cable tray layouts, junction box layouts, and so on. They must comply with safety codes and industry standards. They may be involved in developing those standards.

Electrical engineers may specialize in:

  • Biomedical engineering (to learn more, see the Biomedical Engineer occupational profile)
  • Communications engineering (for example, compressing, transmitting, routing, and receiving multimedia or digital data on the internet or mobile phones)
  • Computer engineering (to learn more, see the Computer Engineer and Software Engineer occupational profiles)
  • Control systems engineering (for instance, controlling chemical processes like those used in petroleum extraction, refining, and delivery)
  • Digital systems engineering (such as developing hardware systems for communications, process control, computers, and signal processors)
  • Electronic materials and nanotechnology (for instance, integrating semiconductor devices and nanoscale sensors)
  • Electronics engineering (such as designing integrated circuits for the electronic equipment used in communication or automotive systems)
  • Electromagnetics and photonics (such as radio frequency antennae and laser applications)
  • Power systems engineering (for example, generating, transmitting, and distributing electrical energy)
  • Embedded systems engineering (such as designing a device or part of a device to do specific tasks using little computer memory or hardware)
  • Electrical systems for buildings (such as lighting, power distribution, fire alarm and security systems, and information technology distribution systems)
  • Design of electrical and communications infrastructure supporting the development of new communities

In each of these fields, electrical engineers may further specialize in areas such as:

  • Maintaining and solving problems with existing systems
  • Conducting research
  • Specifying, designing, simulating / studying, implementing, and testing products and systems
  • Designing and simulating electronic product prototypes (working models)
  • Designing manufacturing processes
  • Developing test and quality control procedures to ensure products meet quality specifications and safety standards

As well as their technical duties, electrical engineers often:

  • Study design proposals, write reports, and make suggestions on the specifications, design, development, manufacture, testing, or application of products and systems
  • Prepare contract documents such as drawings and specifications for project construction
  • Supervise and coordinate the work of others
Working Conditions
Updated Apr 08, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Most electrical engineers work in offices. They may travel to operating, construction, or infrastructure sites, or manufacturing facilities. They may work long hours and deal with pressure to meet deadlines and design standards. In rare cases they may be exposed to chemical gases or work in severe climate conditions.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
I
Investigative
This occupation
You
R
Realistic
E
Enterprising
This occupation
You

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Your Work Personalities

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Electrical and electronics engineers
2023 OaSIS: 21310.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Apr 08, 2022

Electrical engineers need:

  • Natural curiosity
  • Observation skills
  • The ability to study and solve problems
  • Math and science skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Persistence
  • Organization skills
  • Time-management skills
  • Speaking and writing skills
  • The ability to work well in teams made up of people from varied backgrounds

They should enjoy:

  • Being innovative
  • Doing precision work
  • Keeping up to date with technology
  • Working on their own and as part of a team
  • Making decisions

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Electrical and electronics engineers

2016 NOC: 2133

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 102 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 07, 2023 and Oct 08, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Attention to detail
Team player
Tasks: Design electrical and electronic components, systems and equipment
Tasks: Develop maintenance and operating standards for electrical and electronic systems and equipment
Tasks: Conduct feasibility, design operation and performance research of electrical generation and distribution networks
Client focus
Accurate
Tasks: Prepare material cost and timing estimates, reports and design specifications
Tasks: Supervise and inspect the installation and operation of electrical and electronic systems and equipment
Effective interpersonal skills
Educational Requirements
Updated Apr 08, 2022
  • Minimum Education 4 years post-secondary

The minimum requirement for electrical engineers is a 4-year bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Many programs include optional paid internships or cooperative components to give students work experience.

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Apr 08, 2022
  • Certification Provincially regulated

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.

Engineer

Professional engineers design, construct, evaluate, advise, monitor, and report on the performance of materials, equipment, systems, works, processes, and structures.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Engineering and Geoscience Professions General Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) to practice as a Professional Engineer or engage in the practice of engineering.

You do not have to register if you work under the direct supervision of a professional engineer and do not call yourself a Professional Engineer or use the word “engineer” in your job title.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Engineer.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Apr 08, 2022

Electrical engineers may work for:

  • Consulting firms
  • Electrical utilities
  • Construction companies
  • Governments
  • Electrical equipment makers
  • Resource extraction and processing firms
  • Transportation firms
  • Communication (including telecommunication) firms
  • Health authorities
  • Universities
  • Research institutions
  • Process plants

Many engineers spend their entire careers in technical jobs. Some engineers become managers, administrators, or sales reps. To learn more, see the Technical Sales Representative occupational profile.

Industry Concentration

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 engineers
2016 NOC: 2133

80.0% 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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation 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.

Electrical and electronics engineers
2021 NOC: 21310
Cold
Job Market
5,500
Employed in AB

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.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Electrical and electronics engineers
2016 NOC: 2133
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
68
New Positions

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Apr 08, 2022

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.

Electrical and electronics engineers

2021 NOC: 21310
Average Wage
$54.04
Per Hour
Average Salary
$110,757.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.5
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 21310 Wage Profile

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.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $30.77 $60.00 $41.46 $37.50
Overall $38.44 $83.64 $54.04 $47.40
Top $41.42 $88.72 $65.86 $69.23

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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
52%
52%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
6%
6%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
3%
3%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering, Architecture and Related Studies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Apr 08, 2022

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.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.

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