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Engineer, Professional Engineer
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:
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 synthesizing information to conduct studies of ground-water flow and contamination; to develop guidelines for site selection, treatment and construction; to analyze and prepare recommendations for construction and improvement projects such as rock excavation, pressure grouting and hydraulic-channel erosion control; and to analyze and prepare reports on settlement of buildings, stability of slopes and fills, and probable effects of landslides, and earthquakes to support construction and civil engineering projects
Interest in precision working to design, develop and implement computer applications for geophysics, geochemistry, geology, mapping and related fields, and to plan, develop, co-ordinate and conduct studies in mining exploration, evaluation and feasibility
Interest in supervising technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists; and in providing recommendations on the suitability of locations for civil engineers, mining and oil and gas projects
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.
Geotechnical engineers use their knowledge of soil and rock properties to evaluate risk and solve problems on infrastructure projects. These can include:
Geotechnical engineers work with geologists, scientists, and other engineers. They often specialize or take part in working groups in specific areas. They may be generalists within that area or specialize further. These areas can include:
In general, geotechnical engineers:
Duties most often fall into 3 stages.
During literature review or desktop study, geotechnical engineers assess whether planned projects are feasible from an engineering point of view. They:
During site investigation or monitoring, they carry out “ground truthing” exercises to assess potential risks to humans and the environment. They:
During lab testing and reporting, they:
Geotechnical engineers may spend a large part of their working hours outdoors. This is most likely early in their careers.
They may work on projects in remote locations, which requires a lot of travel. Otherwise, they may have to travel less than half of their time.
They may have to carry heavy bags of soil. This is most likely early in their careers.
Geotechnical engineers need:
They should enjoy:
The basic educational requirement for geotechnical engineers is a 4-year bachelor’s degree. The degree must include courses in a related engineering discipline. This could be civil or geological engineering.
A graduate degree in this field is an asset. Along with several years of practice, it provides confidence in decision making.
Geotechnical engineers need to know how to use geotechnical software such as GeoStudio™, LPile, gINT®, and Settle 3D.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
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.
Certification is not required. However, it may be an asset when seeking employment.
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.
Professional engineers design, construct, evaluate, advise, monitor, and report on the performance of materials, equipment, systems, works, processes, and structures.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Engineering and Geoscience Professions General Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) to practice as a Professional Engineer or engage in the practice of engineering.
You do not have to register if you work under the direct supervision of a professional engineer and do not call yourself a Professional Engineer or use the word “engineer” in your job title.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Engineer.
Geotechnical engineers may work for or contract out to:
Success in this career requires practical knowledge and good engineering judgment. Engineering judgment comes mostly from experience and mentorship. New engineers can gain these through co-op, internship, or practicum programs, or part- or full-time employment.
Landing a job may be hard without related experience. Some companies provide internship and practicum programs to new graduates. These are also open to international professionals with no North American experience. This builds resumés to enter the job market or obtain professional engineer certification.
Experienced geotechnical engineers may become:
They may also move into management. Working with experts in many different fields may help them develop management skills. They may move into positions in:
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 2144: Geological engineers occupational group, 89.6% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2144: Geological engineers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 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.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Earnings vary depending on factors such as:
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.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $26.00 | $75.91 | $39.13 | $33.00 |
| Overall | $31.50 | $101.21 | $61.52 | $56.84 |
| Top | $44.92 | $103.04 | $88.08 | $93.27 |
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 | $122,937 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $110,852 |
| Public Administration | $99,029 |
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca
Engineers Canada website: engineerscanada.ca
Geological Association of Canada (GAC) website: gac.ca
Petroleum Industry Human Resources Committee (PIHRC) website: www.oilandgascareerinfo.ca
PetroLMI, Careers in Energy website: careersinenergy.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.
