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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
Oil pipeline control centre operators ensure that pipeline systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably. Pipeline systems transport oil and oil products via:
Operators’ duties vary with the complexity of the system they are operating. For example, is it a single line or a multiproduct pipeline? In general, control centre operators:
Most pipeline control centres are located in urban areas where pipeline companies have their headquarters. Most oil pipeline control centre operators work in offices surrounded by monitors, phones, and other electronic control equipment. They often deal with multiple situations at once, from instrument analysis to responding to personnel.
Pipeline systems operate 24 hours a day, year-round. Control centre operators often work 8- or 12-hour rotating shifts. Shifts may include nights, holidays, weekends, and on-call shifts on a rotating basis. Overtime may be required.
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 controlling process start-up, shut-down and troubleshooting; and in operating electronic or computerized control panels from a central control room; and in shutting down, isolating and preparing process units or production equipment for maintenance
Interest in analyzing information to develop operator procedures for normal operations, start-up and shut-down of units; and in participating in safety audits and programs, and in providing emergency response when required
Interest in speaking with team members and trainees to authorize or co-sign maintenance work orders; in ensuring adherence to safety and environmental regulations; may work in a team with shared supervisory responsibilities and participate in training other workers
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.
Oil pipeline control centre operators need:
In an emergency, they must be able to assess the situation and respond quickly and correctly. The safety of people and the environment, as well as the efficient operation of the pipeline system often depend on their judgment.
Operators should enjoy controlling equipment, instruments, and machinery. They should be comfortable analyzing information to solve problems. They should like working with 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.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 22 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 23, 2022 and Sep 16, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 21 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 21 |
| Tasks: Ensure adherence to safety regulations | 18 |
| Tasks: Monitor outside process equipment | 18 |
| Tasks: Adjust equipment, valves, pumps and controls and process equipment | 18 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 17 |
| Attention to detail | 17 |
| Work Setting: Remote location | 17 |
| Tasks: Participate in safety audits and programs | 17 |
| Tasks: Work in a team with shared supervisory responsibilities | 17 |
Most employers offer extensive internal training with console training simulators and guidance from experienced operators.
There are no standard education requirements for oil pipeline control centre operators. However, employers generally prefer to hire applicants who have at least one of the following:
An excellent understanding of how the oil and gas industry works is an asset. This should include knowledge of petroleum products, their characteristics, and transportation methods. Operators should understand how fluid reacts within a pipeline under various conditions. This will help them safely operate various pipelines in different gathering systems.
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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Oil pipeline control centre operators work for:
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.
Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing
2016 NOC: 9232
77.9% 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: 2023-2025 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.
Salaries for oil pipeline control centre operators vary. Factors include the plant and the operator’s qualifications.
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.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $27.85 | $62.02 | $39.46 | $37.00 |
| Overall | $35.13 | $74.99 | $50.78 | $50.62 |
| Top | $44.85 | $90.80 | $59.57 | $57.50 |
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 | $105,676 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $115,988 |
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) website: www.capp.ca
Energy Safety Canada website: www.energysafetycanada.com
Careers in Energy website: careersinenergy.ca
Pipeline Contractors Association of Canada website: pipeline.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. 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.
