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Industrial Design Technologist, Engineering Design Technologist, Method Specialist
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 precision working with instruments to design moulds, tools, dies, jigs and fixtures for use in manufacturing processes
Interest in analyzing results of tests conducted on machines, components and materials to determine their performance, strength, response to stress and other characteristics
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
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.
Mechanical design technologists finalize products for production. They may work on their own or with engineers and industrial or mechanical designers. Specific duties vary based on the size and type of employer and the field in which they work. Some work for companies that produce commercial or consumer products. Others work on industrial assemblies. Some help with mechanical or electronic parts.
In general, mechanical design technologists:
Mechanical design technologists often work indoors in offices, workshops, and production facilities. They may sit at a computer for long periods of time. They may have to work overtime to meet project deadlines.
Mechanical design technologists 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 70 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2021 and Apr 01, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Prepare and interpret engineering design, drawings and specifications | 33 |
|---|---|
| Attention to detail | 30 |
| Tasks: Participate in machinery installation, repair and maintenance | 30 |
| Tasks: Assist in inspection of mechanical installations and construction | 28 |
| Tasks: Assist in preparing design, drawings and specifications | 27 |
| Tasks: Prepare standards and schedules | 26 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 25 |
| Tasks: Estimate costs and materials | 25 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 24 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 24 |
Mechanical design technologists need to understand:
Mechanical design technologists may come from a wide range of educational backgrounds. For example, they may have an Engineering Design Technology diploma with computer software training in 3D design. Or they may have diplomas in mechanical or electronics engineering technology.
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 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.
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 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).
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 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.
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:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Some mechanical design technologists are self-employed. Others work for manufacturers, engineering companies, or design firms. With time on the job and further education and training, technologists may advance. Prospects include mechanical, industrial, or product designer positions.
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:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
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.
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.
Earnings can vary a lot based on the location, size, and type of employer. Employers in large cities tend to pay more than those in smaller centres.
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 | $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
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $92,218 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $89,707 |
| Public Administration | $80,411 |
| Manufacturing | $74,759 |
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.
