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Cultural Interpreter, Guide, Interpreter, Museum Interpreter, Program Leader, Recreation Guide
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 speaking with people to answer inquiries and provide information
Interest in copying information when collecting tour tickets and fees; and in conducting successive tours
Interest in conducting tours of museums, galleries and historical, heritage and other sites
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.
Duties and responsibilities may vary considerably from one position to another but, in general, heritage interpreters:
To make information interesting and meaningful to visitors, heritage interpreters may act the part of a real or fictional character, or provide hands-on learning opportunities.
Heritage interpreters may work indoors in museums or galleries, or outdoors at historical or heritage sites. They may spend much of their time on their feet. A costume or uniform often is required. As part of role-playing, they may be required to lift and carry objects or perform physical activities (for example, chopping wood or weaving).
Hours of work may be part time or full time, and often include evenings and weekends.
Heritage interpreters need:
They should enjoy talking with people, synthesizing information to develop innovative programs, and conducting tours.
Heritage interpreters need a combination of related post-secondary education and experience. This is a multidisciplinary field that draws from a wide range of academic disciplines including education, recreation and leisure studies, science, communication arts and other liberal arts disciplines. For example, a background in anthropology, history, native studies, fine arts, crafts, performing arts, psychology or sociology may be helpful. An ability to speak 2 or more languages and familiarity with audio, video and computer technologies are definite assets.
When choosing a post-secondary program, prospective heritage interpreters should discuss their career plans with people currently employed in this field.
Associations such as Interpretation Canada, Alberta Museums Association, the Canadian Museums Association and the Interpretive Guides Association also offer professional development opportunities.
Employers prefer to hire individuals who have a:
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, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
However, Tourism HR Canada (formerly the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council or CTHRC) offers voluntary Heritage Interpreter training. Recognized across Canada, this program leads to a Tourism Certified Manager (TCM) designation. Certification training is accessible from the emerit website.
Interpreters may be employed full time, part time or on a contract basis by:
Many positions are seasonal. These temporary positions can provide excellent experience for students or supplementary income for retired or semi-retired persons. Competition for permanent positions is keen so related work experience (as an employee or volunteer) is essential.
Experienced interpreters may:
In some organizations, advancement to supervisory and management positions requires a graduate degree and years of related experience.
Heritage interpreters are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5212: Technical occupations related to museums and art galleries. In Alberta, 84% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5212: Technical occupations related to museums and art galleries occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 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.
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 | $15.00 | $35.96 | $20.48 | $17.00 |
| Overall | $16.50 | $47.29 | $26.09 | $25.00 |
| Top | $16.50 | $47.48 | $28.30 | $28.00 |
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
| Public Administration | $73,259 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $44,415 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $26,485 |
Alberta Museums Association website: www.museums.ab.ca
American Alliance of Museums website: aam-us.org
Canadian Museums Association website: www.museums.ca
emerit website: emerit.ca
International Council of Museums (ICOM) website: icom.museum
Interpretation Canada website: interpretationcanada.ca
Interpretive Guides Association (IGA) website: interpretiveguides.org
National Association for Interpretation [United States] website: www.interpnet.com
The Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums website: alhfam.org
Tourism HR Canada website: tourismhr.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2021. 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.