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Mechanical Engineering Technologist: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Are you good at seeing a 3-D object from a 2-D drawing? Does building a machine from a drawing get you pumped? Then you may want to think about a career as a mechanical engineering technologist.
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Occupations in Alberta

Mechanical Engineering Technologist

Mechanical engineering technologists may work alone or with mechanical engineers. They help design, draw, develop and modify products, machines, mechanical systems, and manufacturing processes.

  • Avg. Salary $80,743.00
  • Avg. Wage $39.72
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary
  • Outlook below avg
  • Employed 2,400
  • In Demand High
Also Known As

Agricultural Engineering Technologist, Engineering Technologist, Manufacturing 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) 
  • 2006 NOC-S: Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (C132) 
  • 2011 NOC: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (2232) 
  • 2016 NOC: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (2232) 
Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years

47%
47%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
Starting $30.73
Overall $39.72
Top $48.38
  • Certification Provincially Regulated
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg
Interest Codes
The Mechanical Engineering Technologist is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Mechanical Engineering Technologists
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

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 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 More

Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Mechanical engineering technologists are typically involved in:

  • mechanical design and construction
  • manufacturing
  • plant engineering
  • safety issues
  • industrial engineering
  • estimating
  • project and quality management.

In general, they:

  • prepare specifications and drawings (for mechanical components, equipment, and systems)
  • inspect construction (of mechanical installations)
  • study costs (to ensure project budgets are wisely spent)
  • prepare layouts for new machines, tool designs, plants, and equipment
  • conduct performance tests on components, products, or equipment
  • study test results.

Those who work in design may provide CAD (computer-aided design) services for engineers.

Some work in agriculture (agricultural engineering technologists). They help design and develop specialized equipment, machines, and structures.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Mechanical engineering technologists often work in offices, labs, or manufacturing and processing plants. Sometimes they work at construction sites. They use drafting, word processing, and spreadsheet apps on computers. They may work overtime to meet project deadlines.

  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Mechanical engineering technologists need to possess:

  • the ability to see objects in 3 dimensions by looking at drawings
  • sketching or drawing skills
  • math skills and aptitude
  • the ability to solve problems
  • writing and speaking skills
  • the ability to work as part of a team.

They should enjoy:

  • doing precise work
  • obtaining and analyzing test results
  • finding creative solutions to problems
  • taking a methodical approach to their work.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018

The minimum requirement is a diploma in mechanical engineering technology.

Mechanical engineering technologists must adapt to major changes in skill requirements throughout their careers.

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 College

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

Red Deer College

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Certified Engineering Technologist

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

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must be a registered member of the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the title Certified Engineering Technologist (CET). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.

What You Need

Registration requires successful completion of:

  • an applied science, engineering or information technology program accredited at the technologist level by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) or equivalent
  • at least 2 years of acceptable technical experience
  • 3 professional references
  • completion of a competency report
  • successful completion of ASET’s Professional Practice Exam.

Other requirements may include:

  • ASET certification exam
  • proficiency in English
  • proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada.

For detailed official information about registration requirements, contact ASET.

Working in Alberta

Certified engineering technologists who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory body in another province may transfer to Alberta as a Certified Engineering Technologist or Applied Science Technologist if the two jurisdictions require similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the ASET website.

To learn about certification for internationally educated certified engineering technologists, see Electrical Engineering Technologist Certification Process and Mechanical Engineering Technologist Certification Process.

Contact Details

The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
1600, 9888 Jasper Ave.
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 5C6
Canada

Call: 780-425-0626
Toll-free in Alberta: 1-800-272-5619
Fax: 780-424-5053
Email: asetadmin@aset.ab.ca
Website: www.aset.ab.ca

Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)

Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practise independently in accordance with 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 be registered as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) by the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice, or to use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience) or the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.).

What You Need

To register as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience), you must have:

  • A designation as a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) in good standing
  • At least 6 years of work experience in areas that relate to engineering or geoscience, with at least 2 years under the supervision and control of an Alberta Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist in the your proposed area and scope of practice
  • At least 2 years of post-secondary education in areas that relate to your proposed area and scope of practice
  • At least 4 years of experience under the supervision and control of an Alberta Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist or at least 10 years of experience if your post-secondary education does not match your proposed area and scope of practice
  • 3 professional references
  • Proof of compliance with ASET’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program
  • Successful completion of the National Professional Practice Exam

Other requirements may include:

  • ASET Certification Exam
  • Demonstration of proficiency in English
  • Proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada

For detailed, official information, contact ASET.

Working in Alberta

Professional technologists with a license to practice engineering or geoscience are currently only recognized in Alberta. They may be eligible for a limited licence with engineering regulatory organizations in other jurisdictions. Information on obtaining a limited licence is available through the regulatory organizations.

Registered professional technologists in Alberta may transfer to another province and receive recognition as a Certified Engineering Technologist or Applied Science Technologist by completing the process set by the local provincial regulatory organizations for technologists. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the ASET website.

Contact Details

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
1600, 9888 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 5C6
Canada

Call: 780-425-0626
Toll-free in Alberta: 1-800-272-5619
Fax: 780-424-5053
Email: asetadmin@aset.ab.ca
Website: www.aset.ab.ca

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Mechanical engineering technologists work for:

  • consulting engineering firms
  • industrial, fabrication, manufacturing, and construction companies
  • mechanical equipment sales companies
  • processing companies (such as in the chemical, oil, gas, pipeline, and food industries)
  • government and regulatory agencies.

They most often work as members of a team focusing on:

  • industrial and plant engineering
  • production planning and control
  • mechanical design
  • estimating
  • quality management.

They may work as:

  • computer drafting specialists
  • designers
  • planners
  • inspectors
  • cost estimators
  • quality assurance co-ordinators
  • purchasers.

Mechanical engineering technologists may advance to work as supervisors or managers. They may also start their own companies or work in other service companies.

Mechanical engineering technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2232: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians. In Alberta, 77% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
  • location in Alberta
  • employment turnover (work opportunities that come up because of people leaving existing positions)
  • occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
  • size of the occupation.

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.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians

Survey Methodology

Survey Analysis

Overall Wage Details
Average Wage
Average Salary
Hours Per Week
Overall Wage Details
Average Wage $39.72 / hr
Average Salary $80,743.00 / yr
Hours Per Week 39.3 hrs
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $55.70 $30.73 $25.63
Overall $23.64 $70.72 $39.72 $37.50
Top $33.94 $84.88 $48.38 $45.67

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.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Industry Information
Health Care & Social Assistance
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
ALL INDUSTRIES
Public Administration
Manufacturing
Health Care & Social Assistance $86,465
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $84,898
ALL INDUSTRIES $80,743
Public Administration $73,227
Manufacturing $67,375
Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years

47%
47%)

Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties

6%
6%

Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months

2%
2%

Vacancy Rate

1%
Related High School Subjects
  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Media, Design and Communication Arts
    • Design Studies
  • Science
    • Physics
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2018

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

BuildForce website: www.buildforce.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2018. 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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