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Heavy Equipment Mechanic (Off Road), Industrial Mechanic, Mechanic, Motor Vehicle Trades, Service Technician, Trailer Mechanic, Truck Mechanic
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
In Alberta, the heavy equipment technician trade has the following branches:
Duties vary from one position to another but, in general, they:
Heavy equipment technicians maintain, repair and overhaul heavy vehicles and industrial equipment such as:
Heavy duty equipment mechanics (off-road) maintain, repair and overhaul heavy vehicles and industrial heavy equipment such as:
Transport trailer mechanics maintain, repair and overhaul commercial transport devices connected to or moved by a power unit such as:
Truck and transport mechanics maintain, repair and overhaul on-highway vehicles such as:
The working environment for heavy equipment technicians varies considerably from one job to another. Some heavy equipment technicians work in modern laboratories. Others work at construction or industrial sites, sometimes outdoors in all types of weather conditions. Travel requirements and hours of work also vary.
There is some risk of injury when working with heavy equipment and power tools.
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 with hand and power tools to adjust equipment and repair and replace defective parts, components and systems
Interest in cleaning, lubricating and performing other routine maintenance work, and in servicing attachments and working tools such as harvesting and tillage equipment, blades, ploughs, winches and side booms
Interest in analyzing to diagnose faults and malfunctions, using computerized and other testing equipment, to determine extent of repair required
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.
Interest in precision working to test and adjust repaired systems to manufacturers' performance specifications
Interest in analyzing information to diagnose faults and malfunctions and to inspect and test mechanical units
Interest in speaking with supervisors to confirm findings on faults and malfunctions to determine whether to repair or replace units
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.
Heavy equipment technicians need:
They should enjoy doing precision work, solving problems, and working with their hands.
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 132 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 29, 2024 and Apr 24, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts | 109 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Troubleshoot and inspect equipment to detect faults and malfunctions | 106 |
| Tasks: Diagnose faults or malfunctions using computerized and other testing equipment to determine extent of repair required | 104 |
| Tasks: Clean, lubricate and perform other maintenance work | 103 |
| Tasks: Test repaired equipment for proper performance and to ensure that work meets manufacturers' specifications | 102 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 88 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 84 |
| Tasks: Keep maintenance reports and documentation | 77 |
| Tasks: Service attachments and working tools | 75 |
| Experience: 3 years to less than 5 years | 68 |
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 162 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 29, 2024 and Apr 24, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Perform scheduled maintenance service | 120 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Test and adjust repaired systems to manufacturer's specifications | 100 |
| Tasks: Adjust, repair or replace parts and components of automotive systems | 100 |
| Tasks: Complete reports to record problems and work performed | 90 |
| Tasks: Inspect and test mechanical units to locate faults and malfunctions | 89 |
| Tasks: Review work orders and discuss work with supervisor | 89 |
| Tasks: Repair or replace mechanical units or components | 87 |
| Tasks: Diagnose faults and malfunctions and confirm findings with supervisor to determine whether to repair or replace unit | 87 |
| Tasks: Inspect motor in operation, road test motor vehicles and test automotive systems and components | 87 |
| Tasks: Estimate parts and labour costs | 82 |
To work in Alberta, a heavy equipment technician must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.
Terms of apprenticeship are different for each branch of this trade:
Apprentices generally are required to provide their own basic hand tools.
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Heavy duty equipment mechanic (off-road) and truck and transport mechanic apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
Heavy equipment technicians need to keep up with changing technologies in their field.
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.
Heavy equipment technicians maintain, repair and overhaul heavy vehicles and industrial heavy equipment, and commercial transport devices connected to or moved by a power unit.
In Alberta, this trade includes multiple branches: heavy equipment technician, heavy duty equipment mechanic (off-road), transport trailer mechanic, and truck and transport mechanic. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to maintain, repair or overhaul towed or self-propelled heavy vehicles, industrial heavy equipment or commercial transport devices connected to or moved by a power unit.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Heavy Equipment Technician.
Vehicle inspection technicians determine vehicle condition, and complete inspection certificates or affix decals to vehicles.
Under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act [pdf] and Vehicle Inspection Regulation [pdf], you must be approved by Government of Alberta to complete and sign an inspection certificate and, when applicable, affix a decal to commercially registered vehicles and privately registered vehicles.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Vehicle Inspection 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
Places of employment may vary from one branch of the trade to another:
In industries that are sensitive to changes in the economy, transport trailer mechanics and heavy duty equipment mechanics (off road) may experience periods of unemployment.
Experienced technicians may advance to supervisor or service manager positions, or start their own business.
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 7312: Heavy-duty equipment mechanics occupational group, 78.8% of people work in:
In the 7321: Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers occupational group, 78.5% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7312: Heavy-duty equipment mechanics occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.4% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 272 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
In Alberta, the 7321: Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers occupational group is expected to have an average annual growth of 1.9% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 308 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.
Journeyperson heavy equipment technician wage rates for all branches vary but generally range from $30 to $60 an hour, plus benefits (2019 estimates).
Apprentices earn at least 60% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in their first year of apprenticeship, 70% in the second. For branches with longer training, the wage rates are 80% in the third and 90% in the fourth.
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 | $22.00 | $45.00 | $32.81 | $32.00 |
| Overall | $28.00 | $47.60 | $38.15 | $38.00 |
| Top | $32.00 | $64.62 | $45.62 | $45.00 |
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 | $80,789 |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | $69,173 |
| Forestry, Logging, Fishing and Hunting | $91,833 |
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $85,299 |
| Construction | $79,497 |
| Manufacturing | $77,114 |
| Wholesale Trade | $76,942 |
| Retail Trade | $74,737 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $81,189 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $87,113 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $76,178 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $83,931 |
| Public Administration | $89,778 |
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 | $21.50 | $42.00 | $31.64 | $32.00 |
| Overall | $25.00 | $45.24 | $35.13 | $35.00 |
| Top | $30.77 | $55.00 | $41.06 | $40.00 |
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 | $73,818 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $70,510 |
| Construction | $81,440 |
| Manufacturing | $73,085 |
| Wholesale Trade | $78,845 |
| Retail Trade | $74,571 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $74,798 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $54,400 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $69,421 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $69,552 |
| Educational Services | $69,171 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $45,928 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $71,299 |
| Public Administration | $85,153 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
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.
