Skip to the main content
This website uses cookies to give you a better online experience. By using this website or closing this message, you are agreeing to our cookie policy. More information
Alberta Supports Contact Centre

Toll Free 1-877-644-9992

Alert

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM). This year’s DEAM IDEA Conference, hosted by the Alberta Employment First Network (AEFN), returns on October 3rd at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary. The event highlights the need for equitable workplaces and spaces for people experiencing disability. Register now to take part in DEAM’s many events and happenings.

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers research, design, and evaluate machines, devices, equipment, systems, and processes. They plan and oversee their development, installation, operation, and maintenance.

Also Known As

Design Engineer, Engineer, Professional Engineer

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

  • 2132: Mechanical Engineers

2006 NOC-S

  • C032: Mechanical Engineers

2011 NOC

  • 2132: Mechanical engineers

2016 NOC

  • 2132: Mechanical engineers

2021 NOC

  • 21301: Mechanical engineers

2023 OaSIS

  • 21301.00: Mechanical engineers
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Mechanical engineers work on a variety of systems, including:

  • Industrial systems and processing such as in refineries, petrochemical facilities, and mines
  • Manufacturing systems, plants, and products
  • Environmental control systems such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
  • Transportation equipment for land, sea, air, or space
  • Utility systems and infrastructure delivering water, gas, oil, and power

They can work in emerging fields such as:

  • Robotics
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Commercial space travel
  • Lasers
  • Nanotechnology
  • Telecommunications
  • Computer components and systems

This field is diverse and broad. Mechanical engineers can specialize in many different areas.

Design engineers create plans for new products, machines, industrial equipment, instruments, processes, and systems. They provide technical support when making changes to existing systems.

Development engineers analyze, test, and improve proposed products or processes.

Manufacturing engineers plan, develop, and research tools, processes, machines, and equipment. They strive to create the best products at the best prices.

Sales engineers work in technical sales and service.

Research engineers explore and develop new materials, processes, and engineering tools. These may lead to the creation of new products, systems, and applications.

Project engineers design, purchase, test, inspect, approve, install, and start mechanical equipment.

Piping engineers ensure safe operation of pipe and pipelines. They design and maintain piping and pipeline systems within and between industrial sites, and within commercial buildings. They also perform stress analysis of piping systems.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Mechanical engineers may work in office, lab, shop, or field settings. They do field work to review site conditions and inspect design construction. They may work in research and development labs. In the production departments of factories, they may supervise product testing and manufacturing.

Many need to travel often for project management, engineering, or technical sales. This may include domestic or international travel.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
I
Investigative
This occupation
You
R
Realistic
C
Conventional
This occupation
You

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Your Work Personalities

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Mechanical engineers
2023 OaSIS: 21301.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Mechanical engineers need:

  • Persistence and determination
  • Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • People skills
  • The ability to do math and think in abstract terms
  • The ability to visualize 3D objects from 2D drawings
  • The ability to work as part of a team
  • Comfort with mechanical things
  • A practical approach to tasks
  • An interest in technical processes
  • A commitment to ethics and professionalism

They should enjoy:

  • Being innovative
  • Doing precise, detail-oriented tasks
  • Following established processes
  • Making decisions
  • Supervising and delegating work to others

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 engineers

2016 NOC: 2132

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 Sep 14, 2022 and Sep 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: Investigate mechanical failures or unexpected maintenance problems
Tasks: Plan and manage projects, and prepare material, cost and timing estimates, reports and design specifications for machinery and systems
Tasks: Conduct research into the feasibility, design, operation and performance of mechanisms, components and systems
Organized
Attention to detail
Reliability
Team player
Excellent oral communication
Excellent written communication
Tasks: Develop maintenance standards, schedules and programs
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Minimum Education 4 years post-secondary

Mechanical engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

They must adapt to dramatic changes in skill requirements throughout their careers. They must be comfortable understanding and working with codes and standards.

Required Education

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

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 Mar 31, 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.

Engineer

Professional engineers design, construct, evaluate, advise, monitor, and report on the performance of materials, equipment, systems, works, processes, and structures.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Engineering and Geoscience Professions General Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) to practice as a Professional Engineer or engage in the practice of engineering.

You do not have to register if you work under the direct supervision of a professional engineer and do not call yourself a Professional Engineer or use the word “engineer” in your job title.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Engineer.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Mechanical engineers work in:

  • Natural resources such as forestry, agriculture, oil and gas, and mining
  • Energy conversion such as thermal and hydroelectric power stations, solar, wind, and biofuels
  • Processing such as petrochemical refining and food and beverage production
  • Manufacturing such as vehicles, appliances, furnishings, and telecommunication equipment
  • Construction of mechanical systems such as elevators, air conditioning, heating, or ventilation systems
  • Transportation systems such as road, rail, air, marine, and space vehicles
  • Utility systems such as water, natural gas, and electricity
  • Consumer electronics such as technology and automation
  • Engineering consulting firms

Engineers may advance to administrative or management positions. They may become self-employed consultants. Those with graduate degrees may teach at the post-secondary level or conduct research.

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 engineers
2016 NOC: 2132

79.6% 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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation 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 engineers
2021 NOC: 21301
Cold
Job Market
6,400
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

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

Mechanical engineers
2016 NOC: 2132
2.5%
Annual Growth
(Above average)
218
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.

Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2022

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Mechanical engineers

2021 NOC: 21301
Average Wage
$50.41
Per Hour
Average Salary
$103,650.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.5
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 21301 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 $26.67 $54.86 $39.51 $36.00
Overall $35.90 $72.50 $50.41 $46.07
Top $38.46 $79.42 $58.49 $55.82

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
Wholesale Trade
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
52%
52%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
20%
20%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
4%
4%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
  • Engineering, Architecture and Related Studies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca

Society of Mechanical Engineers website: www.sme.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.

Was this page useful?