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Instrumentation Engineering Technologist: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you have an interest in electronics and computer equipment? Are you a visual thinker? Are you good at math, chemistry, and physics? Then a career as an instrumentation engineering technologist may be right for you.
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Occupations in Alberta

Instrumentation Engineering Technologist

Instrumentation engineering technologists work in business, engineering, and industry. They apply what they know about pneumatic, electronic, and microcomputer measurement, and control systems.

Contents View Full Profile
Also Known As

Industrial Instrumentation Technologist, Engineering Technologist

NOC Codes

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: Mechanical Engineering Technologists (2232.1);  Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists (2241.1) 
  • 2006 NOC-S: Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (C132);  Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians (C141) 
  • 2011 NOC: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (2232);  Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (2241) 
  • 2016 NOC: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (2232);  Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (2241) 
  • 2021 NOC: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (22301);  Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (22310) 
Interests & Abilities

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.

Mechanical Engineering Technologists

2006 NOC: 2232.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working with instruments to design moulds, tools, dies, jigs and fixtures for use in manufacturing processes

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing results of tests conducted on machines, components and materials to determine their performance, strength, response to stress and other characteristics

METHODICAL

Interest in supervising and monitoring installations, construction projects, maintenance programs and operations of mechanical plants; and in preparing operations and maintenance standards and schedules of mechanical plants

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists

2006 NOC: 2241.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to set up and operate specialized and standard equipment to test the performance of components, assemblies and systems

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing information to carry out applied research in the fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics under the direction of scientists and engineers; and in diagnosing and analyzing the performance of components, assemblies and systems

METHODICAL

Interest in supervising the building and testing of prototypes according to general instructions and established standards; and in conducting and supervising the installation, commissioning and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems other than aircraft electronics or instruments

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Duties
Updated Apr 12, 2022

Pneumatic, electronic, and microcomputer instruments measure and control pressure variables in industrial processes. These include flow, temperature, level, pressure, and chemical makeup. Instruments can be as simple as mechanical float level controls or as complex as multisensor calculated computer-based systems.

Duties vary from one role to another. Instrumentation engineering technologists may:

  • Help design, specify, size, and choose measurement, safety, and control systems with engineers and others
  • Recommend and make changes to measurement, safety, and control systems
  • Program and configure microprocessor-based measurement, safety, and control systems
  • Work for vendors in technical sales and service roles (to learn more, see the Technical Sales Representative occupational profile)
  • Update and stamp their own engineering drawings (if they have their P.Tech. designation)

Some instrumentation engineering technologists may need to be certified (to learn more, see Certification Requirements).

Working Conditions
Updated Apr 12, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

Instrumentation engineering technologists may work in design, maintenance, or construction. Those in design work mostly indoors. Those in maintenance and construction may work outdoors at processing facilities or construction sites. They must take safety precautions to avoid injury.

Technologists may work standard weekday hours or shifts. They may be on call or work overtime to meet deadlines or solve problems.

Traits & Skills
Updated Apr 12, 2022

Instrumentation engineering technologists need:

  • Math, chemistry, and physics skills
  • The ability to visualize 3D objects from 2D drawings
  • Persistence
  • Speaking and listening skills
  • People skills to work in teams
  • Hands-on mechanical skills to troubleshoot equipment in the field

They should enjoy:

  • Doing precise work
  • Finding and analyzing test results
  • Finding innovative solutions
  • Taking a methodical approach to their work

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2232

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 84 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2021 and May 26, 2023.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Prepare and interpret engineering design, drawings and specifications
Tasks: Participate in machinery installation, repair and maintenance
Tasks: Assist in inspection of mechanical installations and construction
Attention to detail
Tasks: Assist in preparing design, drawings and specifications
Tasks: Supervise, monitor and inspect mechanical installations and construction projects
Construction Specialization: Team player
Health benefits: Health care plan
Tasks: Test machines and equipment
Construction Specialization: Organized
Tasks: Prepare and interpret engineering design, drawings and specifications 41
Tasks: Participate in machinery installation, repair and maintenance 41
Tasks: Assist in inspection of mechanical installations and construction 39
Attention to detail 36
Tasks: Assist in preparing design, drawings and specifications 35
Tasks: Supervise, monitor and inspect mechanical installations and construction projects 33
Construction Specialization: Team player 32
Health benefits: Health care plan 31
Tasks: Test machines and equipment 31
Construction Specialization: Organized 30

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2241

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2021 and May 26, 2023.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Install, maintain and service equipment
Tasks: Assist in inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components
Tasks: Design, develop and test power equipment and systems
Tasks: Set up and operate specialized and standard test equipment to diagnose, test and analyze the performance of electrical and electronic components, assemblies and systems
Attention to detail
Tasks: Calibrate electronic equipment and instruments
Tasks: Assist in design, development and testing
Tasks: Assist in preparing estimates, schedules, specifications and reports
Tasks: Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems
Health benefits: Health care plan
Tasks: Install, maintain and service equipment 65
Tasks: Assist in inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components 63
Tasks: Design, develop and test power equipment and systems 56
Tasks: Set up and operate specialized and standard test equipment to diagnose, test and analyze the performance of electrical and electronic components, assemblies and systems 53
Attention to detail 49
Tasks: Calibrate electronic equipment and instruments 48
Tasks: Assist in design, development and testing 47
Tasks: Assist in preparing estimates, schedules, specifications and reports 46
Tasks: Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems 45
Health benefits: Health care plan 40
Educational Requirements
Updated Apr 12, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

The minimum requirement for instrumentation engineering technologists is a related 2-year engineering technology diploma.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Red Deer Polytechnic
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

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 Requirements
Updated Apr 12, 2022
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

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.

Certified Engineering Technologist

Certified engineering technologists (CETs) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need to be supervised by a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience).

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) is a protected title. This means that to call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET), you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET).

You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Engineering Technologist.

Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)

Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practice independently according to established methodologies and specifications in engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must register as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to:

  • Practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice
  • Use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience)
  • Use the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.)

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).

Employment & Advancement
Updated Apr 12, 2022

Instrumentation engineering technologists work for:

  • Engineering firms
  • Oil, gas, and petrochemical companies
  • Power, gas, and water utilities
  • Pulp and paper mills
  • Food processors
  • Chemical plants
  • Mining companies
  • Meter and controls design and sales companies

Experienced technologists may advance to become supervisors or managers. They may also be self-employed consultants.

Industry Concentration

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 2232: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians occupational group, 76.2% of people work in:

In the 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians occupational group, 79.2% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

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Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.
  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 2232: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

In Alberta, the 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians 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, 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.

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Apr 12, 2022

Salaries for instrumentation engineering technologists vary quite a bit.

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.

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2232
Average Wage
$45.06
Per Hour
Average Salary
$92,218.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.4
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2232 Wage Profile

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.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $20.00 $69.71 $35.89 $32.68
Overall $25.00 $82.10 $45.06 $41.83
Top $30.00 $96.81 $54.06 $45.23

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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Public Administration
Manufacturing
ALL INDUSTRIES $92,218
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $89,707
Public Administration $80,411
Manufacturing $74,759

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
36%
36%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
6%
6%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
N/A

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2241
Average Wage
$40.37
Per Hour
Average Salary
$81,708.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2241 Wage Profile

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.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $16.00 $61.12 $32.48 $30.00
Overall $20.55 $66.67 $40.37 $40.25
Top $28.50 $78.39 $47.84 $46.00

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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

Public Administration
Health Care & Social Assistance
ALL INDUSTRIES
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Construction
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Public Administration $92,006
Health Care & Social Assistance $89,989
ALL INDUSTRIES $81,708
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $79,031
Construction $76,543
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) $75,680
Manufacturing $69,620
Wholesale Trade $67,247

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
31%
31%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
24%
24%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related High School Subjects
  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Resources
    • Environmental Stewardship
  • Science
    • Chemistry
    • Physics
  • Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation
    • Electro-Technologies
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Apr 12, 2022

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: www.aset.ab.ca

The International Society of Automation (ISA) website: www.isa.org

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.

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