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Operating Engineer, Plant Operator, Stationary Engineer, Steam Engineer
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
Power engineers oversee the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of industrial equipment that produces power. This includes boilers, steam and gas turbines, generators, gas and diesel internal-combustion engines, pumps, condensers, compressors, pressure vessels, and related controls. In large industrial or building complexes, they may be responsible for heating, air-conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, fire systems, and building control systems.
Duties vary from one position to another. In general, power engineers control, start up, shut down, and track the operation of boilers and related equipment. They may use automatic or manual controls, or computerized systems. They also:
Industrial plants and building operations often are automated to enhance production efficiency and improve safety. In some plants, senior power engineers may work in the control room, analyzing problems and taking action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems. At times, they switch from automatic to manual controls to correct problems and ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
Working conditions vary in this occupation. In entry-level positions, power engineers may be exposed to high noise levels, temperatures, and humidity. They may encounter all types of outdoor weather conditions, as well as dust, grease, hazardous chemicals, or unpleasant odours. In some plants, power engineers may have to enter confined spaces or inspect equipment located at extreme heights. Power engineers with more advanced training and experience often work in climate-controlled spaces or in offices.
Power engineers may have to lift heavy items, climb ladders, staircases, and scaffolds, or work at heights. This may be needed only on occasion, or as part of a routine. Safety precautions and procedures, such as use of respiratory protective equipment, may be a standard part of operations to reduce risk of injury.
Power engineers often work shifts (days and nights), weekends, holidays, and emergency overtime to accommodate continuous production.
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 and operating automated and computerized control systems, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment
Interest in analyzing information from instrument readings to detect leaks and other equipment malfunctions; may assist in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures
Interest in recording instrument readings, in monitoring and inspecting computer terminals, plant equipment, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, meters and other instruments to measure temperature, pressure and fuel flow, in ensuring plant equipment is operating at maximum efficiency and in maintaining a daily log of operation, maintenance and safety activities
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.
Power engineers need:
Power engineers should enjoy:
They should be comfortable with rules and organized methods for their work.
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 28 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 06, 2021 and May 08, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Pumps | 19 |
|---|---|
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: High pressure boilers | 19 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Switches | 18 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Compressors | 17 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Programmable logic controller (PLC) | 16 |
| Tasks: Troubleshoot, perform corrective action or minor repairs | 16 |
| Tasks: Monitor and inspect plant equipment and systems to detect equipment malfunctioning and to ensure plant systems are operating normally | 15 |
| Tasks: Perform routine equipment maintenance | 15 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Valves | 14 |
| Tasks: Assist in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures | 14 |
Different training and experience are required depending on an individual’s duties and scope of practice. For details, see Certification Requirements.
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.
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.
Power engineers supervise, operate, and maintain power plants, heating plants, and thermal liquid heating systems. They also may sketch, construct, install, repair, or provide advice regarding power or heating plants.
Under Alberta’s Safety Codes Act [pdf] and Power Engineers Regulation [pdf], you must hold an appropriate certificate of competency from the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) to supervise a power plant, heating plant, or thermal liquid heating system. You need different classes of certification to operate and maintain different types of boilers.
Certification is not required to assist in the operation of a power or heating plant under the supervision of a certified power engineer.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Power Engineer.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Power engineers may find work in any industry in which boilers are used. For example, they may work in:
Job growth is affected by the industry converting to technologies that do not require power engineers.
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.
Power engineers and power systems operators
2016 NOC: 9241
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.
Earnings for power engineers vary according to the level of their certification, the responsibilities of the position, and the location and size of the employing organization.
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.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $26.56 | $69.47 | $41.34 | $36.94 |
| Overall | $28.62 | $69.47 | $46.73 | $39.00 |
| Top | $29.68 | $71.25 | $51.62 | $46.00 |
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 | $100,426 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $82,223 |
| Public Administration | $74,607 |
Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) website: www.absa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2025. 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.
