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Electrical Engineering Technologist

Electrical engineering technologists apply their knowledge and understanding of electrical theory in business, engineering, industrial, and design settings.

Also Known As

Engineering Technologist

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

  • 2241.1: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists

2006 NOC-S

  • C141: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC

  • 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2021 NOC

  • 22310: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 22310.01: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists
Duties
Updated Apr 08, 2022

Electrical engineering technologists work on their own or as part of a team. Teams include other technologists, engineers, and tradespeople. In general, technologists:

  • Design and operate power, lighting, control, and communications systems in buildings and industrial plants
  • Design and operate electrical generation, transmission, and distribution systems
  • Write specifications (specs) for electrical installations and equipment
  • Oversee industrial networks and data communications
  • Manage electrical energy systems through load flow, power quality, and energy management
  • Prepare project cost estimates from electrical drawings
  • Manage electrical projects
  • Write and perform procedures to test and commission electrical installations
  • Design, install, and maintain electrical control systems and industrial automation systems
  • Test and maintain electrical equipment such as switch gear, control circuits, transformers, motors, protective relays, variable speed drives, and programmable logic controllers
  • Use computer software to design, test, and control electrical equipment and installations, including specialized functions such as distribution system design, fault calculations and relay settings, harmonic analysis, and arc flash
  • Maintain material specs
  • Recommend material purchases and estimates required for projects
Working Conditions
Updated Apr 08, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

Many electrical engineering technologists work regular hours in engineering, consulting, or sales offices. Others work shifts in industrial plants, power generating facilities, substations, labs, and construction sites. They must follow safety procedures to avoid injury or death from electrical shock. Regardless of where they work, they may need to work overtime to meet deadlines.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists

2006 NOC: 2241.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to set up and operate specialized and standard equipment to test the performance of components, assemblies and systems

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing information to carry out applied research in the fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics under the direction of scientists and engineers; and in diagnosing and analyzing the performance of components, assemblies and systems

METHODICAL

Interest in supervising the building and testing of prototypes according to general instructions and established standards; and in conducting and supervising the installation, commissioning and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems other than aircraft electronics or instruments

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

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 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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Apr 08, 2022

Electrical engineering technologists need:

  • The ability to adapt to change and adopt new ideas
  • Math and science skills (especially in physics)
  • The ability to study and interpret plans and diagrams, solve problems with circuits, and test materials and products
  • Leadership skills and the ability to work well with others as part of a team
  • Speaking and writing skills

In some positions, good colour vision is important.

Electrical engineering technologists should enjoy:

  • Working with tools, computers, instruments, and machinery
  • Performing work that requires precision
  • Taking a methodical approach to their work
  • Studying problems and finding creative solutions

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 engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2241

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 145 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 26, 2023 and Oct 11, 2024.

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.
Tasks: Assist in inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components
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
Tasks: Assist in design, development and testing
Tasks: Calibrate electronic equipment and instruments
Tasks: Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems
Attention to detail
Tasks: Assist in preparing estimates, schedules, specifications and reports
Tasks: Assist in building and testing prototypes to specifications
Organized
Tasks: Carry out applied research in fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics
Educational Requirements
Updated Apr 08, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

The minimum requirement to work as an electrical engineering technologist is a 2-year diploma of technology. This may be obtained through a continuing education program. Many employers require electrical engineering technologists to have a class 5 driver’s licence.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

Related Education

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.

Certified Engineering Technologist

Certified engineering technologists (CET) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their technological areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need supervision by a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience).

Legislation

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 Engineering Technologist (CET).

You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Engineering Technologist.

Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)

Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practice independently according to established methodologies and specifications in the fields of engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) to:

  • Practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice
  • Use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience)
  • Use the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.)

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).

Employment & Advancement
Updated Apr 08, 2022

Electrical engineering technologists work in areas such as:

  • Power systems and protection
  • Electrical engineering and design
  • Field service testing and commissioning
  • Construction
  • Industrial automation
  • Industrial networks and communication
  • Energy systems (including alternative and renewable energy)
  • Electrical maintenance
  • System operations and process control
  • Metering
  • Energy management
  • Power quality
  • Lighting design
  • Programmable logic controllers
  • Technical sales and support

They work for:

  • Electrical and electronic suppliers
  • Utility companies and industrial plants
  • Electrical and construction contractors
  • Engineering consulting firms
  • Electrical field service companies
  • Manufacturers and distributors
  • Government, regulatory, and related agencies
  • Building and industrial maintenance firms
  • The oil and gas industry

With time on the job, technologists may be promoted to supervisor. They may also become consultants or start their own companies.

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 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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

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.

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2021 NOC: 22310
High
Demand
3,000
Employed

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.

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 engineering technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2241
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
152
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

Salaries for electrical engineering technologists vary considerably.

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.

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2241
Average Wage
$40.37
Per Hour
Average Salary
$81,708.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2241 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.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


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 $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

  • 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
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
31%
31%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
24%
24%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Apr 08, 2022

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: www.aset.ab.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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