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Home Economist
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
Human ecologists are multidisciplinary specialists with a shared commitment to well-being, sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. They combine and apply several fields of study to provide services that address modern issues faced by people in their everyday lives. They use a holistic, strengths-based, preventive approach to help people manage their daily lives for the best possible outcomes.
To do this, human ecologists apply skills in communication, creative problem solving, research, and critical analysis to a wide range of topics. These topics include:
Human ecologists may:
Human ecologists work with the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in a wide range of office and field settings. Some apply their skills in corporate and government office environments. Others work in manufacturing plants, retail stores, small businesses, or social service agencies. Depending on the nature of their job, they may work evenings and weekends. Some jobs may require travel.
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 co-ordinating information to conduct research on the development of new products, to discover facts on food and nutrition, and to test the uses of new products and materials
Interest in consulting to advise consumers on the selection and proper use of food products, textiles and other consumer goods; may also provide consultative services in the areas of development and promotion of new food products, retail buying, social program administration and small business endeavours
Interest in handling food products, textiles and other consumer goods for research and demonstration purposes
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.
Human ecologists need:
They should enjoy:
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 91 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and Nov 13, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 52 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Dependability | 51 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 49 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 49 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 49 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 49 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 48 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 45 |
| Construction Specialization: Values and ethics | 45 |
| Tasks: Perform administrative tasks | 43 |
The minimum educational requirement is a 4-year bachelor of science (B.Sc.) degree in home economics, human ecology, family and consumer sciences, nutrition and food sciences, textiles and clothing, or equivalent.
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 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.
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.
Human ecologists and home economists develop, interpret, integrate and apply the principles of human ecology and home economics to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families. This includes advising individuals, families, organizations and communities, disseminating information, conducting research and planning, and conducting and evaluating related educational programs.
Professional Human Ecologist and Professional Home Economist are protected titles under Alberta's Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act and Human Ecologist and Home Economist Regulation. This means that to call yourself a Professional Human Ecologist or Professional Home Economist, you must be a registered member of the Alberta Human Ecology and Home Economics Association (AHEA). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself a Professional Human Ecologist or Professional Home Economist.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Human Ecologist/Home Economist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Human ecologists may work on a salaried or contract basis for:
They may move into a wide range of occupations. For example, with additional education a human ecologist may advise on nutrition as a dietitian in a hospital or food service institution. A human ecologist who prefers teaching can share their knowledge with students as a secondary school teacher or college, technical or vocational instructor.
Research positions generally require a post-graduate (master’s or doctoral) degree. Examples include policy analyst within the government sector or conservator or curator in the museum sector. For more examples, see Related Occupations.
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.
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
2016 NOC: 4164
85.4% 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: 2023-2025 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.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
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 | $23.08 | $43.90 | $34.75 | $36.05 |
| Overall | $26.10 | $54.40 | $41.66 | $41.29 |
| Top | $30.77 | $62.20 | $44.15 | $47.04 |
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 | $81,494 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $37,986 |
| Educational Services | $65,165 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $97,826 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $66,040 |
| Public Administration | $85,819 |
Alberta Human Ecology and Home Economics Association (AHEA) website: www.ahea.ab.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. 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.
