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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 monitor all the units in the plant to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Gas plant operators’ duties vary depending on the size of the plant. 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.
Junior operators, sometimes called trainee operators, work in units in gas plants. For example, they may work in the sulphur handling unit where sulphur is removed. Or they may work in the treating unit where water and impurities are removed and the gas is separated into components. Under the direction of unit operators, junior operators:
Unit operators ensure that an entire unit operates smoothly. They train and supervise junior operators and assist with or conduct equipment inspections. They are also in charge of:
Senior operators, sometimes called chief operators or lead hands, are in charge of operating several units. They usually are the most experienced operators on their shift. Senior operators spend most of their time working in a control room. They monitor numerous control panels, charts and an alarm system that sounds when a problem occurs. If adjustments need to be made in a unit, or an alarm goes off, senior operators call the unit operators concerned and outline the necessary procedures.
In sour gas plants, operators are trained in emergency evacuation and firefighting procedures.
Much of the work in gas plant operations is routine. Gas plant operators may go for long periods of time without a problem and then a serious failure or complication may occur. When this happens, operators must analyze the problem and act quickly and correctly.
Depending on the design of the plant, junior operators may spend about half of their time outdoors. Their job requires a lot of walking and lifting. Unit operators spend most of their time indoors but may be required to work outside when problems arise with outdoor equipment. Senior operators spend much of their time in the control room.
Gas plants operate 24 hours a day so operators work 8- or 12-hour shifts. They may need to work long hours to complete special tasks. Operators must follow safety precautions to avoid injuries resulting from exposure to toxic chemicals and gases.
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. They also 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 21 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 23, 2022 and Apr 10, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 20 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 20 |
| Tasks: Ensure adherence to safety regulations | 17 |
| Tasks: Monitor outside process equipment | 17 |
| Tasks: Adjust equipment, valves, pumps and controls and process equipment | 17 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 16 |
| Attention to detail | 16 |
| Work Setting: Remote location | 16 |
| Tasks: Participate in safety audits and programs | 16 |
| Tasks: Control process start-up, shut-down and troubleshooting | 16 |
In gas plants that use generating sources other than steam, 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 also may be required or recommended:
Gas plants with power boilers or sulphur recovery units require that operators have an Alberta Power Engineering Certificate. For details about power engineering certification, see the Power Engineer occupational profile. Most employers also want operators to complete at least 1 or 2 Gas Processing Operations (GPO) courses.
Some companies provide in-house training opportunities to help gas plant operators advance to more 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 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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 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. Alberta has hundreds of gas plants, some near major cities and others in remote areas.
Individuals often start in field positions or as junior operators. Advancement to more senior positions such as unit operator and senior operator usually depends on experience and education. In gas plants that require power engineering certificates, operators may need higher certification to advance to senior positions.
Senior operators may 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.
In the 9232: Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing occupational group, 77.9% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 9232: Petroleum, gas and chemical process operators occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 78 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
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
PetroLMI, Careers in Oil and Gas (COG) website: www.careersinoilandgas.com
Energy Safety Canada website: https://www.energysafetycanada.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.
