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Construction Tradesperson
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
Duties vary from one position to another but, in general, electricians read and interpret electrical, mechanical and architectural drawings, specifications and codes to determine wiring layouts. To follow through, they:
Electricians specialize in construction, maintenance and other types of electrical work, or in specific types of installations:
Electricians typically work a 40 hour, five day workweek and may see overtime when the project requires it. They often must be willing to travel to where the work exists.
Working conditions vary from one job to another. Electricians who work indoors may encounter anything from clean, open areas to dirty, cramped spaces. Those who work outdoors may work from scaffolds. They may be required to lift or move items that weigh up to 25 kilograms. There is some risk of injury due to accidental electric shock. Safe work practices are essential.
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 precision working to test continuity of circuits using test equipment to ensure compatibility and safety of a system, following installation, replacement and repair
Interest in analyzing to troubleshoot and isolate faults in electrical and electronic systems, and to remove and replace faulty components
Interest in speaking - signalling to conduct preventive maintenance programs; and in keeping maintenance records
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.
Interest in precision working to install, examine, replace and repair electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, fibre optic and coaxial cable assemblies, lighting fixtures and other electrical components, and to install, maintain and calibrate industrial instrumentation and related devices
Interest in analyzing to troubleshoot, maintain and repair industrial electrical and electronic control systems and other related devices
Interest in speaking - signalling to conduct preventative maintenance programs; and in keeping maintenance records
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.
Electricians need:
Those who install or maintain equipment in homes or businesses should enjoy keeping a neat appearance and dealing with customers.
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 107 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 28, 2021 and Apr 25, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Install, replace and repair electrical controls and panel boxes | 95 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Splice, join and connect wires | 92 |
| Tasks: Test and measure voltage, loads, ground faults integrity of circuits | 87 |
| Tasks: Troubleshoot and isolate faults | 87 |
| Tasks: Read and interpret blueprints, maps, drawings and specifications | 79 |
| Tasks: Install underground wiring and cables | 70 |
| Attention to detail | 69 |
| Tasks: Renovate electrical systems in residential and commercial structures | 69 |
| Tasks: Install surface mount and/or overhead cables | 61 |
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Electrician Trade Certification | 49 |
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 62 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 28, 2021 and Apr 25, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 38 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 36 |
| Tasks: Troubleshoot, maintain and repair industrial, electrical and electronic control systems and other related devices | 36 |
| Tasks: Install, examine, replace or repair electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, fibre-optic and coaxial cable assemblies, lighting fixtures and other electrical components | 35 |
| Tasks: Read and interpret drawings, blueprints, schematics and electrical code specifications to determine layout of industrial electrical equipment installations | 34 |
| Tasks: Test electrical and electronic equipment and components for continuity, current, voltage and resistance | 34 |
| Health benefits: Vision care benefits | 33 |
| Attention to detail | 31 |
| Tasks: Interpret electrical code specifications | 31 |
| Tasks: Maintain, repair, test and install electrical motors, generators, alternators, industrial storage batteries and hydraulic and pneumatic electrical control systems | 31 |
To work in Alberta, an electrician must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
The term of apprenticeship is 4 years (four 12-month periods) that include a minimum of:
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Electrician apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
Electricians need to keep up with changing technologies in their field.
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.
Electricians install, alter, repair and maintain electrical systems designed to provide heat, light, power, control, signal or fire alarms for all types of buildings, structures and premises. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile on Alberta’s Tradesecrets website
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to install, alter, repair or maintain electrical systems in Alberta.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Electrician.
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.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Electricians are employed by construction and maintenance contractors, manufacturers, resource companies and other large organizations. Especially in construction, there may be no guarantee of permanent placements, and some work is seasonal.
Experienced electricians may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman, manager or superintendent. With experience they may also become an estimator or electrical inspector, or start their own contracting businesses. In Alberta, a valid Master Electrician Identification Number is required to obtain an electrical work permit for a building contract. See Certification Requirements for details.
Membership in a trade union is voluntary but some contractors employ only union people.
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 7241: Electricians (except industrial and power system) occupational group, 81.9% of people work in:
In the 7242: Industrial electricians occupational group, 87.2% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7241: Electricians (except industrial and power system) 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, 255 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
In Alberta, the 7242: Industrial electricians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 59 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.
Journeyperson electricians wage rates vary, but generally range from $30 to $50 an hour plus benefits (2020 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 50% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 60% in the second, 70% in the third and 80% in the fourth.
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.
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 | $31.00 | $41.59 | $37.34 | $39.00 |
| Overall | $30.00 | $42.07 | $38.34 | $40.00 |
| Top | $34.00 | $46.80 | $42.10 | $41.40 |
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 | $80,275 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $80,512 |
| Manufacturing | $82,309 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $73,691 |
| Educational Services | $72,438 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $91,211 |
| Public Administration | $85,842 |
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 | $20.10 | $52.43 | $33.11 | $29.03 |
| Overall | $32.00 | $52.70 | $41.15 | $41.60 |
| Top | $33.00 | $58.56 | $44.97 | $46.45 |
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 | $87,004 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $83,828 |
| Manufacturing | $80,352 |
| Wholesale Trade | $86,527 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Electrical Contractors Association website: www.ecaa.ab.ca
Safety Codes Council website, master electrician information: www.safetycodes.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.
