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Electronics Engineering Technologist

Electronics engineering technologists help develop electronics-based circuits. They set up and service electronic equipment and systems. They use both electronics theory and practical skills for these tasks.

Also Known As

Computer Engineering Technologist, 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 13, 2022

There are many areas of electronics. Technologists usually specialize in one of the following:

  • Applied research and product development
  • Electronic devices and systems design and manufacture
  • Electronic systems and equipment setup, maintenance, and repair
  • Systems management
  • Technical sales
  • Engineering assistance
  • Embedded systems
  • Automated testing

In general, electronics engineering technologists:

  • Assemble, install, repair, maintain, calibrate, design, prototype, and modify electronic circuitry, components, and systems
  • Help with production and quality control
  • Assemble circuitry for electronic systems according to engineering instructions and technical manuals
  • Troubleshoot electronic instruments and systems using electronic test equipment
  • Replace defective components and parts using hand tools, precision instruments, and other industrial maintenance procedures
  • Build prototypes (models) from sketches or plans
  • Do acceptance and performance tests on new components or systems
  • Educate users about the proper use of equipment
  • Consult with users about equipment needs and uses
  • Inspect newly installed equipment to adjust or correct problems
  • Write software programs
  • Use computers to plan, schedule, and manage work functions
  • Write technical reports or manuals

Technologists may also depict electronics systems through sketches, graphs, and drawings. They work on many types of equipment, including:

  • Analog and digital communication circuits and systems
  • Digital networks
  • Embedded microprocessor-controlled equipment and programmable logic controllers
  • Computers, computer-controlled equipment, and computer networks
  • Radio and TV broadcasting equipment
  • Telephone switching equipment
  • Microwave, satellite, and fibre optic communications systems
  • Instrumentation such as biomedical, oilfield, or environmental instruments
  • Electronic sensors, circuits, and systems in manufacturing, including nanofabrication
  • Computers and electronic equipment used in fields including medical, manufacturing, industrial control, telecommunications, aeronautical, and military
  • Building systems such as building automation
  • Security systems such as video surveillance and access control
  • Wi-Fi networks
  • Transition or communication networks (cellular)
  • Robotics (for manufacturing, for example)
Working Conditions
Updated Apr 13, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

Electronics engineering technologists often work in offices, shops, or production departments. Sometimes they work outdoors. They may travel to install or service equipment. They often work on project teams. Deadline pressures and the need for intense focus can be stressful.

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 13, 2022

Electronics engineering technologists need:

  • Speaking and writing skills
  • Math and science skills
  • Patience and persistence
  • Time-management skills
  • Critical-thinking skills
  • Technical problem-solving skills
  • Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
  • The ability to work on a team
  • The ability to work to deadlines under pressure
  • An interest in continued learning

In some positions, good colour vision is important.

They should enjoy:

  • Working with tools, equipment, instruments, and machinery at precise tasks
  • Studying problems and finding creative solutions
  • Taking a step-by-step approach to their work
  • Supervising 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.

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 161 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 26, 2023 and Dec 23, 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: 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 inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components
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
Tasks: Assist in preparing estimates, schedules, specifications and reports
Attention to detail
Tasks: Assist in building and testing prototypes to specifications
Organized
Tasks: Collect and compile operational or experimental data
Educational Requirements
Updated Apr 13, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

Electronics engineering technologists must have at least a related 2-year diploma of technology.

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

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Red Deer Polytechnic

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 13, 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 13, 2022

Electronics engineering technologists work for:

  • Manufacturers and retailers
  • Users of electronic equipment and components
  • Companies that use computers, biomedical equipment, integrated circuits instrumentation, and communications devices
  • Energy, communication, and industrial automation companies
  • Research and testing labs
  • Microelectronic and nanofabrication centres
  • Health care facilities
  • Environmental monitoring companies
  • Engineering consulting firms
  • The Canadian Armed Forces

Demand is growing for technologists to work in technical sales and customer relations (to learn more, see the Technical Sales Representative occupational profile). They are also needed to supervise technical personnel. These positions require excellent people skills, including good speaking and listening skills.

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 13, 2022

Salaries for electronics engineering technologists vary quite a bit.

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 13, 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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