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Assembly Line Worker, Circuit Board Assembler, Production Worker
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:
| Starting | $16.77 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $20.32 |
| Top | $24.46 |
Interest in precision working to assemble microcircuits requiring fine hand assembly, and to use microscopes and adhere to clean-room procedures; and to operate automatic and semi-automatic machines to position, solder and clean components on printed circuit boards
Interest in copying information to solder and assemble manually, various electronic components such as resistors, diodes, transistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, switches, wires and other electronic parts onto printed circuit boards; may repair and overhaul older devices
Interest in verifying dimensions and alignment of parts; may replace defective components
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 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.
Electronics assemblers and fabricators perform tasks required in making electronics (such as circuit boards, medical equipment, transmitters, receivers, automotive equipment, and measuring devices). These tasks mean working to precise specifications.
Electronics assemblers put together electronic components, sub-assemblies, products, or systems. They may:
Electronics fabricators set up, operate or monitor process equipment (such as automatic or semi-automatic machines) that fabricate, solder, clean, seal, and stamp electronic components.
Most electronics assemblers and fabricators work in assembly plants. They may need to do shift work.
Where electronics assemblers also do mechanical assembly, some heavy lifting is required.
Electronics assemblers and fabricators need to be able to:
They should enjoy:
There are no standard education requirements in this field. However, employers may prefer high school graduates. A basic knowledge of electronics is an asset. So is experience with soldering and identifying components.
Courses in basic electronics are offered by:
Many courses take place on evenings and weekends.
Electronics assemblers and fabricators are trained on the job. Training periods range from 1 week to 6 months. The length depends on the complexity of the work and the worker’s interest in learning more complex tasks.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Electronics assemblers and fabricators work for companies that make electronic devices. Plants tend to be in or near cities. This is where they have access to parts, courier services, and customers. They hire many employees on a temporary basis for peak periods. Employees may be laid off when production slows down. Those who are self-employed do piece work.
Experienced electronics assemblers and fabricators may advance to inspector and tester roles. Electronics inspectors check components and assemblies for production faults. They also keep records of inspection results. Electronics testers:
Moving up to electronics tester roles may require post-secondary education in basic electronic theory, testing techniques, and testing equipment. Without further education, it is hard to advance beyond testing components or supervising assembly lines.
Electronics assemblers and fabricators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 9483: Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Earnings depend on the level of skill needed and the terms of payment. Some assemblers are paid an hourly rate. Others are paid on a piece-work basis.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $13.97 | $28.00 | $16.77 | $15.00 |
| Overall | $16.85 | $30.00 | $20.32 | $18.00 |
| Top | $20.00 | $45.01 | $24.46 | $21.02 |
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* 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.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $42,303 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $42,089 |
Updated Mar 31, 2018. 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.