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Surface Land Agent, Surface Landman, Surface Land Advisor
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
Licensed land agents negotiate on behalf of their employer, as an agent on behalf of another person or company, or on the person’s own behalf with landowners to acquire interest in land. They also may:
Land agents most often work in an outdoor field setting. They may spend a lot of time travelling in rural areas. They stay in motels, eat in restaurants, and work on their own for the most part. Permanent land agents may spend more time in offices coordinating the activities of interim land agents. They may respond to questions, such as concerns about project management on well or pipeline projects. They advise senior management on potential difficulties and benefits of development plans.
Working hours vary depending on stakeholder availability. For example, landowners may only be able to attend early morning or late-night meetings during seeding and harvest times. Some land agents may be on call 7 days a week, depending on project needs.
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 compiling information to establish delivery schedules and to monitor progress
Interest in negotiating or determining contract terms and conditions and in awarding supplier contracts or recommending contract awards; may hire, train and supervise purchasing clerks
Interest in contacting clients and suppliers to resolve problems
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.
Land agents need:
They should enjoy coordinating office and field services, dealing with legal matters, and working with people from all walks of life.
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 180 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 27, 2023 and May 05, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Purchase general and specialized equipment, materials or business services | 150 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Consult with suppliers | 138 |
| Tasks: Review quotations | 135 |
| Tasks: Determine contract terms and conditions | 132 |
| Tasks: Establish delivery schedules | 127 |
| Tasks: Contact clients and suppliers to resolve problems | 125 |
| Tasks: Monitor progress of delivery schedules | 120 |
| Tasks: Assess requirements of establishment | 113 |
| Tasks: Develop specifications for equipment, materials and supplies to be purchased | 104 |
| Attention to detail | 99 |
For entry level land agent positions, employers may prefer applicants with relevant post-secondary education.
Employers may require a land agent to:
Employers may also need land agents to be familiar with several Acts, including:
Licensed land agents need a good understanding of contracts and leasing agreements for interests in land or commitments to landowners or occupants. This includes a working knowledge of related legislation and regulations. They should understand potential impacts on residents and communities.
They should also have knowledge on subjects such as:
They should understand:
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.
Land agents negotiate with landowners to acquire surface rights agreements. They negotiate rights-of-way for well sites, pipelines, power lines, coalmines, roadways, cell towers, wind and solar installations, road easements, and other surface uses.
Under Alberta’s Land Agents Licensing Act [pdf] and Land Agents Licensing Regulation [pdf], you must be a licensed land agent to:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Land Agent.
Land agents may obtain industry certification such as:
In Alberta, people who work as active permanent land agents or hold a provincial equivalent may apply for certification through the Canadian Association of Land and Energy Professionals (CAPEL) or the International Right of Way Association (IRWA). The requirements for certification include a combination of qualifying experience, designated mandatory courses, academic achievement, and successful completion of a written exam.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Land agents work for oil and gas companies, land service companies, engineering firms, pipeline companies, electric and gas utilities, railways, communications companies, sustainable energy companies (such as wind and solar), and government agencies. They may work in various positions, such as:
Some land agents work as self-employed consultants. Work as a land agent may be seasonal and depends on construction in the energy sector. This may include new well sites, pipelines, and wind and solar installations.
Advancement opportunities vary depending on the agent’s educational qualifications and experience.
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.
Purchasing agents and officers
2016 NOC: 1225
77.6% 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: 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.
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.
Salaries for land agents vary greatly depending on the type of work involved, the individual’s background, and the employer.
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 | $20.00 | $59.51 | $34.84 | $31.74 |
| Overall | $25.00 | $79.18 | $44.05 | $38.75 |
| Top | $26.87 | $111.90 | $53.24 | $47.60 |
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 | $87,546 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $118,926 |
| Construction | $72,777 |
| Manufacturing | $63,737 |
| Wholesale Trade | $70,402 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $94,462 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $69,473 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $71,594 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $82,892 |
| Educational Services | $69,383 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $70,617 |
| Public Administration | $84,234 |
Alberta Association of Surface Land Agents (AASLA) website: aasla.com
Canadian Association of Petroleum Land Administration website: caplacanada.org
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers website: capp.ca
Canadian Association of Land and Energy Professions (CAPEL) website: calep.ca
International Right of Way Association (IRWA) website: www.irwaonline.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2025. 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.
