Skip to the main content
This website uses cookies to give you a better online experience. By using this website or closing this message, you are agreeing to our cookie policy. More information
Alberta Supports Contact Centre

Toll Free 1-877-644-9992

Engineering Design and Drafting Technologist

Engineering design and drafting technologists develop engineering designs and drawings. They develop these from early concepts and specifications. They prepare technical reports and construction specifications. They also prepare cost and materials estimates and contract documents.

Also Known As

CAD Technician, CAD Technologist, Civil / Structural Engineering Technologist, Mechanical Designer, Pressure Vessel Designer, Process Designer

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

  • 2253.1: Drafting Technologists

2006 NOC-S

  • C153: Drafting Technologists and Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 2253: Drafting technologists and technicians

2016 NOC

  • 2253: Drafting technologists and technicians

2021 NOC

  • 22212: Drafting technologists and technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 22212.01: Drafting technologists
Duties
Updated Apr 08, 2022

Engineering design and drafting technologists often work on a team with engineers and other professionals. They use CADD (computer-aided design and drafting) software, engineering design software, scientific calculators, and other equipment. They prepare:

  • Engineering drawings
  • Flow diagrams and schematics
  • Layouts
  • Specifications
  • Maps
  • Detailed construction or assembly drawings

They use methods identified by their profession to design and apply industry standards, codes, and regulations.

Engineering design and drafting technologists may also help:

  • Estimate project costs and materials
  • Manage contracts
  • Prepare and understand specifications
  • Write reports
  • Supervise technicians

Their duties depend on their field. For example, they may work for companies that specialize in:

  • Industrial control and automation
  • Process (piping or vessel) design
  • Machine design
  • Structural design
  • Electrical design
  • HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) design
  • Highway design
  • Subdivision design
  • Mapping
  • Environmental consulting
  • Urban and regional planning
Working Conditions
Updated Apr 08, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Engineering design and drafting technologists often work in offices. They tend to work standard office hours. They sometimes work overtime to meet deadlines.

Senior technologists may do field and site work or supervise projects.

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.

Drafting Technologists

2006 NOC: 2253.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in supervising and training other technologists, technicians and draftspersons; and in ensuring that drawings conform to specifications

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing data to complete documentation packages and produce drawing sets

OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to operate computer assisted design (CAD) and drafting workstations, and to check and verify conformance of drawings to design data

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

Engineering design and drafting technologists need:

  • Detail, precision, and accuracy
  • The ability to visualize objects in 3 dimensions by looking at drawings
  • The ability to visualize how parts go together
  • Writing and speaking skills (to convey design ideas and solutions clearly and concisely)
  • An aptitude for math and physics
  • The ability to solve problems

They should enjoy:

  • Working methodically
  • Analyzing data
  • Finding creative solutions
  • Working with equipment and instruments at precision tasks

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

Drafting technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2253

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 226 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 01, 2023 and Dec 04, 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: Prepare engineering designs and drawings
Tasks: Develop and prepare design sketches
Tasks: Complete documentation packages and drawing sets
Tasks: Examine drawings for conformity and errors
Attention to detail
Tasks: Prepare construction specifications, costs and material estimates
Organized
Tasks: Write technical reports
Team player
Tasks: Write specifications
Educational Requirements
Updated Apr 08, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

The minimum requirement is a related 2-year technical diploma or a university degree.

Required Education

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

Lethbridge Polytechnic
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Related Education

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

Bay River College
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

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

Engineering design and drafting technologists work for:

  • Machine design firms
  • Engineering consulting firms
  • Government departments
  • Construction, manufacturing, and assembly firms
  • Petrochemical, food processing, pulp and paper, and energy firms
  • Electronics manufacturing firms
  • Electronics design firms
  • Concrete, steel, timber, and precast firms

Advancement prospects include supervisor or manager roles. They may also start their own companies. Or they may find career prospects outside Canada with international engineering consulting firms.

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.

Drafting technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2253

77.0% 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.

Drafting technologists and technicians
2021 NOC: 22212
Medium
Demand
4,900
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.

Drafting technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2253
2.5%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
134
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

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.

Drafting technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2253
Average Wage
$35.88
Per Hour
Average Salary
$72,398.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.9
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2253 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 $19.00 $40.00 $26.66 $25.00
Overall $24.11 $47.19 $35.88 $35.62
Top $28.50 $65.20 $45.81 $43.96

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
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
35%
35%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
24%
24%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
5%
5%
Vacancy Rate
2%
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): www.aset.ab.ca

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.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.

Was this page useful?