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Emerging Occupations

Electronics Recycling Worker

This is an emerging occupation. It may have evolved from an existing occupation or emerged in response to consumer needs or technological advances.

Electronics recycling workers take electronics apart to salvage reusable materials and dispose of hazardous waste in a safe manner.

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

  • 9619: Other Labourers in Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities*

2006 NOC-S

  • J319: Other Labourers in Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities*

2011 NOC

  • 9619: Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities*

2016 NOC

  • 9619: Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities*

2021 NOC

  • 95109: Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities*

2023 OaSIS

  • 95109.00: Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities*

*This NOC group is considered similar to the Electronics Recycling Worker occupation. Because this occupation is only similar to the NOC group, related details and labour market information may not be accurate.

Duties
Updated Mar 02, 2021

Electronics recycling plants use different methods to disassemble end-of-life computers, televisions, printers, photocopiers, phones, stereos and other electronics into hazardous material and other materials that may be recycled for other uses. In general, electronics recycling workers:

  • Load and unload electronic parts
  • Dismantle, check and weigh materials and products
  • Safely dispose of hazardous materials such as mercury, lead and brominated flame retardant
  • Separate other materials such as plastic, aluminium, zinc, copper, steel and precious metals
  • Operate and monitor shredding equipment, baling equipment or other machines used in recycling
  • Maintain clean equipment and work areas
  • Maintain records as required

Some organizations also accept reusable electronics. In those recycling plants electronics recycling workers also may:

  • Evaluate and assess functionality of electronic components
  • Securely strip and dispose of personal data from electronic devices such as computer hard-drives, laptops and smartphones
  • Repair or refurbish computers to be resold or donated to not-for-profit organizations and schools
  • Prepare invoices and other documentation for customers
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 02, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Electronics recycling workers work in recycling plants where the environment may be dusty and noisy. Electronic waste may contain hazardous materials. Safety boots, hard hats, earplugs, safety glasses and other personal protective equipment are required to reduce the risk of exposure and injury. Shift work and overtime sometimes are required.

The work involves repetitive tasks, considerable walking, standing and climbing ladders or stairs. Lifting up to 45 kilograms is often required.

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.

Other Labourers in Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities*

2006 NOC: 9619

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Electronics Recycling Worker occupation.

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in comparing information to clean work areas and equipment

OBJECTIVE

Interest in handling to transport raw materials, finished products and equipment throughout plant manually and using powered equipment

innovative

Interest in checking and weighing materials and products

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 Mar 02, 2021

Electronics recycling workers need:

  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
  • An ability perform routine tasks and remain alert
  • An ability to work at a steady, rapid pace
  • An ability to distinguish colours used to identify wires and components
  • Oral communication skills and ability to work well as part of a team.

They should enjoy operating equipment, performing precision tasks, and having clear rules and organized methods for their work.

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

Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities*

2016 NOC: 9619

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Electronics Recycling Worker occupation.

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 115 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 22, 2024 and Apr 18, 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: Perform other labouring and elemental activities
Tasks: Clean machines and immediate work areas
Tasks: Sort, pack, crate and package materials and products
Tasks: Check and weigh materials and products
Experience: Will train
Tasks: Assist machine operators, assemblers and other workers
Tasks: Transport raw materials, finished products and equipment throughout plant manually or using powered equipment
Attention to detail
Hand-eye co-ordination
Construction Specialization: Team player
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 02, 2021
  • Minimum Education High school diploma

Most emerging occupations develop from more than one occupation. People working in this occupation may come from a variety of education and training backgrounds. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should contact associations and employers in this field to investigate education options and employment possibilities.

There are no standard education requirements in this occupation. However, employers may prefer to hire high school graduates. Electronics recycling workers are trained on the job. A forklift permit and basic knowledge of electronics are assets.

The following safety courses also may be required or recommended:

  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
  • Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
  • First Aid and CPR
  • Forklift training
  • Hazard Assessment training

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 02, 2021
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 02, 2021

Emerging occupations typically are the result of:

  • An increased human need
  • Technological advances
  • Greater specialization within an occupation

Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation, but future demand for it is unknown.

Additional training related to computer software certification may be required to advance to technician positions. Electronic recycling workers with experience and leadership skills may move into supervisory positions. Management positions generally require post-secondary education in business administration or marketing.

Electronics recycling workers are employed by private electronics recycling companies that may contract services to municipalities.

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.

In the 9619: Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities* occupational group, 76.2% of people work in:

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Electronics Recycling Worker occupation.

Employment Outlook

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

Explore emerging workplace trends in Alberta that could affect this occupation.

In Alberta, the 9619: Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities* 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, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Electronics Recycling Worker occupation.

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

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 02, 2021

Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, no current provincial salary data is available for this occupation.

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.

Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities*

2016 NOC: 9619

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Electronics Recycling Worker occupation.

Average Wage
$21.55
Per Hour
Average Salary
$44,514.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.7
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 9619 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 $15.00 $32.83 $18.35 $17.00
Overall $15.20 $34.70 $21.55 $21.50
Top $15.40 $37.89 $25.89 $26.00

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
Manufacturing
Business, Building and Other Support Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
61%
61%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
27%
27%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
13%
13%
Vacancy Rate
6%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 02, 2021

ECO Canada website: eco.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 02, 2021. 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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