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Emerging Occupations

Fuel Cell Technician

Fuel cell technicians install and maintain fuel cell systems and equipment. They design and develop fuel cell systems or processes. They also test fuel cells.

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

Also Known As

Engineering Technician, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technician

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

  • 2211.2: Chemical Technicians*

2006 NOC-S

  • C111: Chemical Technologists and Technicians*

2011 NOC

  • 2211: Chemical technologists and technicians*

2016 NOC

  • 2211: Chemical technologists and technicians*

2021 NOC

  • 22100: Chemical technologists and technicians*

2023 OaSIS

  • 22100.02: Chemical technicians*

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

Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical and thermal energy. This energy can power vehicles or power and heat buildings. Hydrogen is the fuel used most often. Natural gas and methanol are also used. Fuel cell technicians work with fuel cell systems and equipment.

Fuel cell technicians may:

  • Read and follow instruction manuals or technical drawings
  • Install, maintain, and operate fuel cell systems and equipment
  • Design and develop processes related to fuel cell systems
  • Conduct fuel cell testing
  • Maintain and repair fuel cells, fuel cell-powered vehicles, or other equipment
  • Help fuel cell engineers design and test new fuel cell systems
  • Provide technical help to site technicians and regional representatives
  • Provide customer training
  • Assess the safety risks of hydrogen fuel
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

Fuel cell technicians often work in labs or workshops. In general, they work regular weekday hours. They may have to travel to service and maintain equipment. Some of this work may take place outdoors or at remote sites.

They sometimes work with hazardous chemicals or service vehicles or equipment. At these times, they may need to use safety equipment.

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.

Chemical Technicians*

2006 NOC: 2211.2

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Fuel Cell Technician occupation.

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in compiling records for analytical studies; and in preparing solutions of gas and liquid, reagents and sample formulations

OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus, and to assist with environmental air and water quality monitoring and protection

innovative

Interest in assisting to develop and conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards; and in carrying out a limited range of other technical functions in support of chemical research, tests and analyses

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

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Fuel cell technicians need:

  • Aptitude for math, physics, and chemistry
  • Strong technical skills
  • The skills to read technical plans and follow instructions
  • Attention to detail
  • The skills to work to exact specifications
  • Analytical skills
  • Writing and speaking skills
  • The ability to closely follow safety procedures and guidelines
  • The ability to work as part of a team

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

Chemical technologists and technicians*

2016 NOC: 2211

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Fuel Cell Technician occupation.

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 74 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and Dec 02, 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.
Attention to detail
Organized
Tasks: Assist in developing and conducting sampling and analysis
Tasks: MS Office
Accurate
Health benefits: Health care plan
Tasks: Assist in set up and conduction of chemical experiments
Health benefits: Dental plan
Tasks: Compile records and interpret experimental or analytical results
Tasks: Compile records for analytical studies
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Minimum Education Varies

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.

Most employers require post-secondary study in a relevant college or technical school program.

Fuel cell technicians need training on:

  • Dealing with compressed gases
  • Handling hydrogen and other flammable gases and liquids safely
  • Using and servicing fuel cell systems and fuel cell test stations

They also need to know about:

  • Chemistry and chemical processes
  • Electricity and electrical systems and equipment
  • Thermal processes
  • Lab tests and working with scientific equipment
  • Safe handling of hazardous materials
Related Education

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

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Fuel Cell Technician occupation.

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 31, 2024
  • 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 Technician

A Certified Technician (C.Tech.) is an applied science, information technology, or engineering technology professional. They perform routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision. They also may assume limited responsibility for decision-making processes.

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 Technician (C.Tech.).

You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Technician.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Technician.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2024

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.

Fuel cell technicians may work for:

  • Fuel cell makers and distributors
  • Alternative or renewable energy companies
  • Building owners or operators
  • Automotive manufacturers or garages that produce, retrofit, or service fuel cell-powered vehicles
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.

Chemical technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2211*

80.6% of people in this occupational group work in:

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Fuel Cell Technician occupation.

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.

Chemical technologists and technicians*
2021 NOC: 22100
Medium
Demand
4,400
Employed

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Fuel Cell Technician occupation.

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

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

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Chemical technologists and technicians*
2016 NOC: 2211
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
73
New Positions

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Fuel Cell Technician occupation.

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2024

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.

Chemical technologists and technicians*

2016 NOC: 2211

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Fuel Cell Technician occupation.

Average Wage
$42.15
Per Hour
Average Salary
$81,510.00
Per Year
Average Hours
37.6
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2211 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 $18.50 $50.24 $34.14 $35.90
Overall $20.52 $63.59 $42.15 $41.28
Top $21.08 $86.31 $46.60 $43.73

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
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
19%
19%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
5%
5%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: www.aset.ab.ca

Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) website: www.chfca.ca

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

Updated Mar 31, 2024. 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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