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Contract Operator, Control Centre Operator, Employee Operator, Equipment Operator, Gauger, Pipeline Operator, Pipeline Technician, Roustabout, Tank Farm 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
Oil pipeline operators and maintenance workers ensure that pipeline systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably. Pipeline systems transport oil and oil products via:
Workers’ responsibilities vary from one company to another. In general, pipeline maintenance workers:
Although their overall duties are similar, different types of pipeline operators and maintenance workers have different levels of responsibility.
In some companies, tank farm operators work at pumping stations. These are most often located near tank farms (large storage facilities for oil and oil products). From control rooms, they:
Tank farm operators report directly to station supervisors. They assume supervisory duties when station supervisors are absent.
In other companies, control centre operators monitor and control pipeline activities for large regions. For example, they may control activities not only for Alberta, but also western Canada, all of Canada, and the United States. From control rooms, they:
Other pipeline workers, often called gaugers and utility workers, work at pumping stations. In general, gaugers:
Under direct supervision, gaugers also may route the correct product to the pumps from the tanks. They may:
Utility workers or roustabouts work closely with and help gaugers. As they gain experience, utility workers often receive more responsibility. After 2 or 3 years, they may advance to gauger positions. Further to their work with gaugers, utility workers take charge of general maintenance and safety. They also perform housekeeping in the pumping station, such as cleaning walls and floors.
Pipeline systems operate 24 hours a day, year-round, so operators may work 10- or 12-hour shifts. They usually work in an office. They may need to work in a camp or be away from home for weeks at a time. Most times they are expected to provide their own transportation to and from location. Other workers may work 10-hour day shifts.
Utility workers and gaugers work both indoors and outdoors. They work in all types of weather. They need to lift heavy items.
All personnel must understand safety procedures for handling oil and oil products.
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 operators and maintenance workers need:
In an emergency, they must be able to assess the situation and respond to it quickly and correctly. The safety of a number of people and the efficient operation of the oil pipeline system often depends on their judgment. Control centre operators also need good colour vision to interpret colour computer graphics.
Oil pipeline operators and maintenance workers should enjoy:
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 20 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jul 13, 2022 and Apr 16, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Ensure adherence to safety regulations | 20 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Monitor outside process equipment | 20 |
| Tasks: Adjust equipment, valves, pumps and controls and process equipment | 20 |
| Tasks: Operate electronic or computerized control panel from a central control room | 19 |
| Tasks: Participate in safety audits and programs | 19 |
| Work Setting: Remote location | 19 |
| Tasks: Control process start-up, shut-down and troubleshooting | 19 |
| Tasks: Rotate between different processing units during shift cycles | 19 |
| Tasks: Work in a team with shared supervisory responsibilities | 19 |
| Tasks: Participate in training of other workers | 19 |
Oil pipeline operators and maintenance workers most often need a high school education and a valid driver’s license. Employers prefer applicants who have related post-secondary education and training or experience in:
Oil pipeline operators and maintenance workers are trained to respond to abnormal pipeline operating conditions. This includes emergencies. Most large employers provide in-house training for new employees. They also provide ongoing courses for experienced employees. Smaller companies may send employees to training providers for technical courses.
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.
First- to fourth-class engineering certificates are recommended for all plant workers. It is also an asset for field operators. Steam plant operator / engineering certification is an asset as well.
Most pipeline companies provide internal / in-house training and competency for workers to meet certification requirements.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Oil pipeline operators and maintenance workers typically start at entry-level positions and work their way up from there. Specialized oil pipeline companies and some integrated oil and gas companies operate pipelines. In general, applicants approach these companies directly for information about job openings in pumping station operations.
Inexperienced individuals often start as summer help or utility workers. With experience, they advance to gauger positions. Gaugers may become tank farm operators and station supervisors. Additional courses and technical school programs may be required to move into electronics, control centre operations, or mechanical maintenance 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.
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: 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.
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 |
Careers in Energy website: careersinenergy.ca
Energy Safety Canada website: www.energysafetycanada.com
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.
