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Heat Treater, Stress Reliever
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
Heat treating often is called Post Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT) or Stress Relieving. It involves heating work pieces (for example, pipes or vessels) to high temperatures in a controlled manner and maintaining those temperatures for a prescribed time, then cooling work pieces at prescribed rates to achieve the required properties. Field heat treatment technicians use a variety of heat treatment methods (for example, electrical resistance heating, combustion fuel firing or electrical induction heating). They also may do other heat-related work such as:
In general, field heat treatment technicians:
Field heat treatment services are typically provided on a contract basis to clients engaged in the construction, maintenance or operation of facilities that have welded structures, piping or vessels (for example, refineries, power plants, fabrication facilities, pipelines, mining and steam assisted gravity drainage operations).
Field heat treatment services are provided throughout the year, often in outdoor environments and sometimes in adverse weather conditions. The work environment may include any combination of high noise areas, working at heights, confined spaces and congested work sites. Field heat treatment technicians can find themselves in remote locations or shop environments.
Hours of work vary from long term scheduled shifts to short notice "call out" projects. Overtime often is required to meet production and start-up deadlines. Depending on the contractor’s workload, extensive travel and extended stays away from home may be required.
Safety precautions are required to reduce the risk of injury. Most work sites and contractors require pre-employment, periodic and/or random drug and alcohol screening.
Heat treatment equipment can be large and bulky. Technicians occasionally must lift items that weight up to 25 kilograms.
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 operate and maintain geophysical survey and well logging instruments and equipment; to assist in preparing rock, mineral and metal samples; and to assist in conducting physical and chemical laboratory tests
Interest in compiling geophysical and survey data from hydrogeological field and laboratory studies in order to assist with preparation of reports
Interest in assisting to carry out a limited range of other technical functions in support of geology, geophysics and petroleum and mining engineering
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.
Field heat treatment technicians need:
They should enjoy working at a variety of work sites and in varied conditions.
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 13 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 25, 2022 and Nov 30, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Data interpretation and evaluation | 11 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 11 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 11 |
| Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Office | 11 |
| Attention to detail | 11 |
| Work under pressure | 9 |
| Type of Industry Experience: Energy | 9 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 8 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 8 |
| Construction Specialization: Judgement | 8 |
Employers generally prefer to hire applicants who have a high school diploma with a strong background in science, the ability to do trade math, good English verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to read technical documents written at a Grade 12 or higher reading level. Field heat treatment technicians need to be well-versed with the technology used in the industry (digital control, measuring instruments, software), and to understand the principles of metallurgy, electricity, combustion and heat transfer.
A trade or technology certificate in one of the welding, machining, pipe or metalworking trades is an asset but not required. Employers may provide the safety training required for working on industrial sites, working at heights and working with hazardous materials (for example, Industrial First Aid, H2S, Confined Space, CSTS, WHIMIS, Working at Heights, Fall Protection).
Field heat treatment technician is a designated trade in Alberta. Certification is available from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training but is not required to work in Alberta.
Applicants must have at least 48 months of training and 7,200 hours of work experience. Formal classroom training is available through the Quality Control Council of Canada.
Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the hours required.
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.
Field heat treatment technicians set up and perform controlled heat treating to offset the high temperature effects of welding. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
In Alberta, government-legislated certification is available for field heat treatment technicians.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Field Heat Treatment Technician.
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
Field heat treatment technicians work for companies that specialize in providing contract heat treating services. This work is highly specialized and international so there are relatively few people employed in this occupation compared to the number of people employed in associated trades and occupations.
Most heat treating work in Alberta is on high pressure welded piping systems and vessels used for refining, chemical processing or power generation. Well trained, certified field heat treatment technicians are in high demand.
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 2212: Geological and mineral technologists and technicians occupational group, 79.4% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2212: Geological and mineral technologists and technicians occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 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.
Most of the industry is subject to wage and benefit agreements negotiated by the Quality Control Council (QCC). The negotiated hourly rate for an individual possessing an occupational certificate is $35 to $55 an hour plus pension benefits (2020 estimates). Wage rates are comparable for field heat treatment technicians outside the QCC agreements.
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 | $21.00 | $57.69 | $36.40 | $34.00 |
| Overall | $21.00 | $74.39 | $46.23 | $42.30 |
| Top | $28.00 | $121.95 | $59.98 | $45.67 |
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 | $90,343 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $122,793 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $68,752 |
| Public Administration | $81,019 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: www.tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Quality Control Council of Canada website: qcccanada.com
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.
