There was an error. Please try again.
This page is already listed in your guide. Please choose a different page to add.
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
2023 OaSIS
Gas plant operators take care of the day-to-day operation of natural gas plants. They oversee and control all the equipment and processes in the plant to ensure everything is performing as intended. The design of each gas plant may determine specific duties of the gas plant operator. However, they will often include removing contaminants such as hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide, dehydration (removing water so it’s safe for distribution and consumption), and extracting and separating natural gas liquids (such as ethane, propane, butane, and pentane-plus liquids). Additional processes are common. These could include sulphur recovery, power generation, steam and waste-heat boiler operations, water treatment, and utilities such as instrument air and fuel gas system operation.
Duties of gas plant operators can vary depending on the size, complexity, and design of the facility, but often include:
Large facilities often require more operators, and their jobs are specialized. Smaller gas plants may require fewer people who each have a wider range of duties. Level of seniority will often also determine the plant operator responsibilities. In general, with increased experience, demonstrated knowledge and abilities, and technical qualifications, a plant operator’s career can advance rapidly.
Junior operators are generally the entry level operator. This position is the beginning of the plant operator’s career. Prior experience within gas plants is often necessary, to orient them regarding working safely in gas plants. Junior operators may work individual units of the plant unsupervised once trained to do so, or multiple units of the plant with supervision.
Intermediate operators, sometimes referred to as unit operators, ensure that an entire unit operates smoothly and is achieving optimal performance. They train and supervise junior operators and assist with or conduct equipment inspections. In general, the unit operator will have more responsibility for overall plant performance, including safe preparation of equipment for required maintenance activities.
Senior operators, sometimes called lead operators, are in charge of operating several units and generally responsible for the continuous supervision of the plant equipment and processes. They are the most experienced operators on their shift and their duties may include supervising a team of intermediate and junior operators. Senior operators often work a control room, where they monitor numerous control panels, data trends, and an alarm system that indicates when process conditions are deviating to targets. Overseeing the entire plant for optimal performance, the senior operator troubleshoots and makes decisions for necessary plant process adjustments to maintain efficient and safe operation of the plant.
Depending on the design and demands of the plant equipment and its processes, gas plant operators can expect to work in various conditions. They work outdoors in all types of weather with plant equipment. This includes climbing, lifting, and manipulating valves, which can be physically demanding. Indoor work requires awareness of surroundings and working safely around equipment such as pumps, boilers, turbines, compressors, and various other plant equipment. Control room plant operators often work inside a control station, monitoring and controlling plant processes.
Gas plants operate 24 hours a day, all year long except for planned maintenance shutdown periods. Operators generally work 12-hour shifts, rotating between dayshifts and nightshifts, including weekends and holidays. Schedule rotations differ between plants. However, the plant operator generally works 14 shifts (typically 7 dayshifts and 7 nightshifts) within a 28-day period.
Sites are often remote, and operators often stay in work camps or hotels during their work rotations. Having a driver’s license with a reliable vehicle is recommended. Most companies provide transport from their shop to the job site.
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 controlling process start-up, shut-down and troubleshooting; and in operating electronic or computerized control panels from a central control room; and in shutting down, isolating and preparing process units or production equipment for maintenance
Interest in analyzing information to develop operator procedures for normal operations, start-up and shut-down of units; and in participating in safety audits and programs, and in providing emergency response when required
Interest in speaking with team members and trainees to authorize or co-sign maintenance work orders; in ensuring adherence to safety and environmental regulations; may work in a team with shared supervisory responsibilities and participate in training other workers
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.
Gas plant operators need:
Gas plant operators should enjoy controlling equipment, instruments, and machinery within a regimented routine. They should enjoy working in a team to analyze information and solve problems. They should be comfortable working under pressure and in high-stress situations.
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 20 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jul 13, 2022 and Apr 16, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Monitor outside process equipment | 20 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Adjust equipment, valves, pumps and controls and process equipment | 20 |
| Tasks: Ensure adherence to safety regulations | 20 |
| Tasks: Participate in safety audits and programs | 19 |
| Tasks: Work in a team with shared supervisory responsibilities | 19 |
| Tasks: Operate electronic or computerized control panel from a central control room | 19 |
| Tasks: Rotate between different processing units during shift cycles | 19 |
| Attention to detail | 19 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 19 |
| Work Setting: Remote location | 19 |
In gas plants that use heat-generating sources other than steam or high-pressure thermal liquids, operators may not need specific formal education. However, a high school diploma with courses in mathematics, chemistry, and physics is a definite asset. The following safety courses may be required or recommended:
Alberta gas plants with power boilers or sulphur recovery units that generate high-pressure steam, or high-capacity thermal liquid rated plants, require that operators have an Alberta Power Engineering Certificate. Depending on the operator position this can range from fired-process heater operator certification (FPHO) for smaller plants, to 4th, 3rd, and 2nd class power engineering requirements for larger, more complex facilities. For details about power engineering certification, see the Power Engineer occupational profile. Often employers also seek operators who have completed gas processing operations (GPO) courses.
Some companies provide in-house training opportunities to help gas plant operators advance to senior positions.
Post-secondary schools that offer power engineering programs also may offer GPO courses and other gas plant operations training by distance education (computer-managed learning or modularized materials).
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 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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta. The Power Engineer Regulation [pdf] under the Safety Codes Act governs any requirements for plant operators requiring power engineering certification.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Gas plant operators work for oil and gas companies in gas plants. In general, these are located as close as possible to gas fields, which exist across the province. Alberta has hundreds of gas plants, some near major cities and others in remote areas.
Gas plant operators require a certain level of experience, even to begin as a junior operator, to handle the worksite and situations well. Each gas plant is unique and may have its own set of processes and operational requirements. Individuals often start in field positions or as junior operators. Some start out as maintenance, mechanic, or construction crew members, where they learn about plant operations and how things operate onsite, before becoming junior operators.
Often employers seek graduates of GPO and/or power engineering programs. Advancement to more senior positions such as unit operator and senior operator usually depend on experience, demonstrated ability, and further education. In gas plants that require power engineering certificates, operators may need higher certification to advance to senior positions. This can be completed with self-study and passing of examinations while working full time.
Senior operators may also move into supervisory positions. They may then advance to management positions located either at the plant or in major cities.
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.
Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing
2016 NOC: 9232
77.9% 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.
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.
Source: 2024-2026 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.
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:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
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.
Salaries for gas plant operators vary depending on the plant and the qualifications of the operator.
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.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $27.85 | $62.02 | $39.46 | $37.00 |
| Overall | $35.13 | $74.99 | $50.78 | $50.62 |
| Top | $44.85 | $90.80 | $59.57 | $57.50 |
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 | $105,676 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $115,988 |
Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) website: www.absa.ca
Careers in Energy website: careersinenergy.ca
Energy Safety Canada website: energysafetycanada.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2025. 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.
