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Mechanical Engineering Technologist: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Are you good at visualizing a 3D object from a 2D drawing? Does building a machine from a drawing get you pumped? Do you enjoy designs and processes in current technology? Then you may want to design 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, modify, and optimize products, machines, mechanical systems, and manufacturing processes.

Contents View Full Profile
Also Known As

Agricultural Engineering Technologist, Engineering Technologist, Manufacturing Engineering Technologist, Industrial 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) 
  • 2021 NOC: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (22301) 
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

Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Mechanical engineering technologists are typically involved in:

  • Mechanical design and construction
  • Manufacturing
  • Plant engineering / automation
  • Safety issues
  • Industrial engineering
  • Cost 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, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

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

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Mechanical engineering technologists need:

  • The ability to see objects in 3D by looking at 2D 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 with minimal supervision

They should enjoy:

  • Doing precise work
  • Obtaining and analyzing test results
  • Finding creative solutions to problems
  • Taking a methodical approach to their work
  • Liaising between company leadership, technical departments, and the factory floor

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 88 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2021 and Jun 02, 2023.

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: Participate in machinery installation, repair and maintenance
Tasks: Assist in inspection of mechanical installations and construction
Attention to detail
Tasks: Assist in preparing design, drawings and specifications
Tasks: Supervise, monitor and inspect mechanical installations and construction projects
Construction Specialization: Team player
Construction Specialization: Organized
Health benefits: Health care plan
Tasks: Test machines and equipment
Tasks: Prepare and interpret engineering design, drawings and specifications 44
Tasks: Participate in machinery installation, repair and maintenance 44
Tasks: Assist in inspection of mechanical installations and construction 42
Attention to detail 39
Tasks: Assist in preparing design, drawings and specifications 37
Tasks: Supervise, monitor and inspect mechanical installations and construction projects 36
Construction Specialization: Team player 35
Construction Specialization: Organized 33
Health benefits: Health care plan 33
Tasks: Test machines and equipment 33
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

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
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 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.

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.

Certified Engineering Technologist

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).

Legislation

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 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 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 as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) 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 Mar 31, 2022

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:

  • CAD specialists
  • Designers
  • Planners
  • Inspectors
  • Cost estimators
  • Quality assurance coordinators
  • Purchasers
  • Project coordinators

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

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.

In the 2232: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians occupational group, 76.2% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

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OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.
  • 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, 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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2022

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

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
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, 2022

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, 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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