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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 Expand All
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

  • 2232.1: Mechanical Engineering Technologists
  • 2241.1: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists

2006 NOC-S

  • C132: Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • C141: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 2232: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
  • 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC

  • 2232: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
  • 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2021 NOC

  • 22301: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
  • 22310: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 22301.01: Mechanical engineering technologists
  • 22310.01: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists
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.

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

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 167 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 26, 2023 and Apr 24, 2025.

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: Assist in inspection of mechanical installations and construction
Tasks: Assist in preparing design, drawings and specifications
Tasks: Supervise, monitor and inspect mechanical installations and construction projects
Tasks: Design tools, moulds, jigs and fixtures
Tasks: Carry out a limited range of mechanical tests and analyses of machines, components and materials
Tasks: Estimate costs and materials
Tasks: Assist in the design of moulds, tools, dies, jigs and fixtures
Tasks: Prepare standards and schedules
Tasks: Test machines and equipment
Tasks: Prepare and interpret engineering design, drawings and specifications 142
Tasks: Assist in inspection of mechanical installations and construction 123
Tasks: Assist in preparing design, drawings and specifications 108
Tasks: Supervise, monitor and inspect mechanical installations and construction projects 106
Tasks: Design tools, moulds, jigs and fixtures 96
Tasks: Carry out a limited range of mechanical tests and analyses of machines, components and materials 92
Tasks: Estimate costs and materials 86
Tasks: Assist in the design of moulds, tools, dies, jigs and fixtures 77
Tasks: Prepare standards and schedules 77
Tasks: Test machines and equipment 77

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 183 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 26, 2023 and Apr 24, 2025.

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: Set up and operate specialized and standard test equipment to diagnose, test and analyze the performance of electrical and electronic components, assemblies and systems
Tasks: Assist in inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components
Tasks: Assist in design, development and testing
Tasks: Calibrate electronic equipment and instruments
Tasks: Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems
Tasks: Assist in preparing estimates, schedules, specifications and reports
Attention to detail
Tasks: Carry out applied research in fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics
Tasks: Assist in building and testing prototypes to specifications
Tasks: Collect and compile operational or experimental data
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 138
Tasks: Assist in inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components 135
Tasks: Assist in design, development and testing 123
Tasks: Calibrate electronic equipment and instruments 111
Tasks: Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems 109
Tasks: Assist in preparing estimates, schedules, specifications and reports 101
Attention to detail 95
Tasks: Carry out applied research in fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics 81
Tasks: Assist in building and testing prototypes to specifications 80
Tasks: Collect and compile operational or experimental data 79
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 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.

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 (CET) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their technological areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need supervision 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], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the protected title Certified Engineering Technologist (CET).

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 the fields of 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 with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) 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.

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2232

76.2% of people in this occupational group work in:

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2241

79.2% 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.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

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.

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
2021 NOC: 22301
Balanced
Job Market
2,000
Employed in AB
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2021 NOC: 22310
Balanced
Job Market
2,800
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 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.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • 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
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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.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2232
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
62
New Positions
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2241
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
152
New Positions

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.

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

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

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

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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