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Scaffolder
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
Scaffold erectors plan, build, and situate the temporary work structures that provide other workers with safe, secure access to places they work. They may work on construction, offshore drilling, or oil sands sites, at power stations, and or on special projects such as parade viewing platforms. Scaffolds are made from wood, metal, or preformed components. They may begin at ground level or be suspended from buildings, vessels, or other structures.
Scaffold erectors need to:
Scaffold erectors sometimes work indoors, but primarily work outdoors in all kinds of weather. They work overtime and weekend shifts during peak construction periods.
Working at extreme heights always involves some risk of injury. Scaffold erectors must wear personal protective equipment (PPE, including hard hats, gloves, and steel-toed boots) and fall protection equipment (personal fall arrest systems). They must follow safety programs and legislation. Scaffold erecting is a physically demanding job. Workers may be required to lift, carry, pull, and move heavy items. Bending, climbing, kneeling, overhead lifting, and using ropes to pull materials onto elevated platforms are part of the job.
Depending on the location of the worksite, some travel 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 precision working to prepare layouts that conform to building codes using measuring tools
Interest in speaking to apprentices and other construction workers to supervise their activities
Interest in compiling information to build foundations, install floor beams, lay subflooring and erect walls and roof systems
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.
Scaffold erectors need:
They should enjoy being physically active, working outdoors, and using tools.
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 284 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 10, 2024 and Apr 22, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Measure, cut, shape, assemble and join materials made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel and other materials | 276 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and sketches to determine specifications and calculate requirements | 265 |
| Tasks: Fit and install windows, doors, stairs, mouldings and hardware | 255 |
| Tasks: Prepare layouts in conformance to building codes, using measuring tools | 207 |
| Tasks: Build foundations, install floor beams, lay subflooring and erect walls and roof systems | 202 |
| Tasks: Maintain, repair and renovate residences and wooden structures in mills, mines, hospitals, industrial plants and other establishments | 191 |
| Work Setting: Various locations | 162 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 136 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 130 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 103 |
Scaffold erectors need a combination of training and work experience. The Alberta Carpenters Training Centre (ACTC), Scaffold Industry Association of Canada, and Scaffold and Access Industry Association offer various training programs throughout Alberta. For more information, visit their websites.
Employers may prefer applicants who have a high school diploma with at least Grade 11 Math and English. Working on construction sites also requires the following certificates:
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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Scaffold erectors work for contractors in all sectors of the construction industry (residential, commercial, institutional, industrial).
Experienced scaffold erectors may advance to supervisory or foreman positions. With further training, they may become scaffold inspectors.
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 7271: Carpenters occupational group, 82.0% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7271: Carpenters occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 236 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 prospects in the construction industry change with the seasons and depend on the state of the economy. For the foreseeable future in Alberta, employment prospects for scaffold erectors are excellent.
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 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.
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 | $23.00 | $38.99 | $31.03 | $30.00 |
| Overall | $25.00 | $38.99 | $33.27 | $34.00 |
| Top | $30.00 | $48.81 | $37.65 | $36.50 |
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 | $72,252 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $72,543 |
| Educational Services | $67,459 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $75,025 |
| Public Administration | $88,016 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Alberta Carpenters Training Centre (ACTC) website: www.abcarptc.ab.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Calgary Construction Association website: cgyca.com
Scaffold and Access Industry Association (SAIA) website: www.saiaonline.org
Scaffold Industry Association of Canada (SIAC) website: www.siac-ontario.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.
