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Bed Truck Operator, Bulk Haul Truck Operator, Driver, Multi-Wheel Truck Operator, Winch Tractor Operator
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
Oilfield transportation operations use specialized vehicles that are fitted with auxiliary equipment designed for:
In Alberta, oil and gas transportation services is a designated occupation that includes:
For information about the duties of truck drivers in general, see the Truck Driver occupational profile.
Oilfield transportation operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in all weather conditions.
Operators typically work long hours and often travel at night. They may be exposed to the dirt, dust, noise and fumes that exist around drilling and service rigs, and may be away from home for extended periods.
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 copying to record cargo information, distance travelled, fuel consumption and other information in log books or on on-board computers, and to obtain special permits and other documents required to transport cargo on international routes; and in performing pre-trip inspections of vehicle systems and equipment such as tires, lights, brakes, and cold storage
Interest in driving straight and articulated trucks to transport goods and materials; may drive as part of a two-person team or convoy, and may transport hazardous products and dangerous goods
Interest in speaking to communicate with dispatchers and other drivers using citizens' band (CB) radios, cellular telephones and on-board computers; and in overseeing all aspects and functions of vehicle such as condition of equipment, loading and unloading, and safety and security of cargo
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.
People in oil and gas transportation services occupations need:
They should enjoy taking a methodical approach to recording information and obtaining required documentation, driving and talking to others involved in loading and receiving shipments.
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 347 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 19, 2025 and Jul 18, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Perform pre-trip, en route and post-trip inspection and oversee all aspects of vehicle | 295 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Oversee condition of vehicle and inspect tires, lights, brakes, cold storage and other equipment | 278 |
| Tasks: Record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled and fuel consumption | 276 |
| Tasks: Load and unload goods | 274 |
| Tasks: Operate and drive straight or articulated trucks to transport goods and materials | 267 |
| Tasks: Receive and relay information to central dispatch | 243 |
| Tasks: Tarping and ensuring safety and security of cargo | 242 |
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Driver's License (Class 1 or A) | 230 |
| Tasks: Perform preventive maintenance | 207 |
| Tasks: Perform emergency roadside repairs | 197 |
Knowledge and skills related to oilfield transportation operations can be learned on the job. However, most employers prefer to hire high school graduates or people who already have related training or experience.
Oil and gas transportation services is a designated trade in Alberta. Certification is not required to work in the trade, but trainees can apply to Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training for a journeyperson certificate. Certification requires completion of a petroleum competency program managed by Energy Safety Canada.
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.
Truck operators must hold appropriate operators licenses as required under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act [pdf].
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.
Oil and gas transportation swampers and operators transport the equipment and supplies used in the exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
In Alberta, government-legislated certification is available for oil and gas transportation swampers and operators.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Oil and Gas Transportation Swampers and Operators.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
People in oil and gas transportation services occupations are employed by contractors in the oil and gas industry. Some self-employed operators work for drilling companies or other operators who own their own equipment.
New hires generally start as swampers (helpers) and, after they earn the appropriate driver’s licenses, advance to operator positions. Depending on the size and nature of the company, experienced operators may move into supervisory 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.
Transport truck drivers
2016 NOC: 7511
75.1% 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.
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.
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 | $19.89 | $37.00 | $27.65 | $28.00 |
| Overall | $23.00 | $41.00 | $32.43 | $33.00 |
| Top | $25.00 | $51.92 | $37.34 | $36.09 |
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 | $75,663 |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | $52,580 |
| Forestry, Logging, Fishing and Hunting | $86,046 |
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $89,474 |
| Construction | $72,020 |
| Manufacturing | $59,205 |
| Wholesale Trade | $65,846 |
| Retail Trade | $53,712 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $79,829 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $72,947 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $62,276 |
| Public Administration | $66,805 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training offices website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors website: caodc.ca
Energy Safety Canada website: www.energysafetycanada.com
PetroLMI, Career in Oil and Gas (COG) website: careersinoilandgas.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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.
