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Apprenticeship

Sprinkler Systems Installer

Sprinkler systems installers fabricate, install, test, maintain, inspect and repair sprinkler systems in industrial operations, department stores, office buildings, hotels, schools, hospitals and residences.

NOC Codes

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

  • 7252.2: Sprinkler System Installers

2006 NOC-S

  • H112: Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers

2011 NOC

  • 7252: Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers

2016 NOC

  • 7252: Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers

2021 NOC

  • 72301: Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers

2023 OaSIS

  • 72301.01: Steamfitters and pipefitters
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Sprinkler systems installers work with wet and dry pipe sprinkler systems, carbon dioxide and chemical and foam extinguishing systems, stand pipe and hose systems, and fire pump systems. To install these systems they:

  • Read and interpret engineered drawings and specifications to determine layout requirements
  • Select the type and size of pipe required and arrange the piping to provide fire protection
  • Install clamps, brackets and hangers to support the piping system and sprinkler and fire protection equipment
  • Join and connect pipes and piping sections to related piping systems, tanks, mains, pumps, compressors and control equipment using various pipe joining methods
  • Test systems for leaks using air or water pressure
  • Inspect, maintain and repair piping, fixtures and controls, including hydrant, pump and sprinkler head connections
  • May prepare cost estimates for clients
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Sprinkler systems installers work primarily indoors, often in temporarily heated or unheated spaces. Their week is a standard 40 hours, but they may work some overtime to meet construction deadlines. They are exposed to some risk of injury when working on construction and maintenance sites.

Sprinkler system installers may be required to handle items that weigh up to 25 kilograms.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Sprinkler System Installers

2006 NOC: 7252.2

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to join pipes and piping sections using soldering and welding equipment, and to install valves, alarms and associated equipment

innovative

Interest in compiling information to select, measure, cut, ream and thread pipe, and to service and repair sprinkler systems

methodical

Interest in testing systems for leaks using air and liquid pressure equipment

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Sprinkler systems installers need:

  • Strength and stamina
  • Manual dexterity
  • Precision
  • The ability to work at heights
  • The ability to communicate and co-ordinate with other trades
  • The ability to work as a team

They should enjoy working with little direction or supervision in a field that demands precise results.

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers

2016 NOC: 7252

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 127 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 08, 2022 and Dec 18, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Attention to detail
Health benefits: Health care plan
Tasks: Installs valves, alarms and associated equipment
Team player
Health benefits: Dental plan
Tasks: Test system for leaks using air or liquid pressure equipment
Accurate
Tasks: Install clamps, brackets and hangers to support piping system and sprinkler and fire protection equipment, using hand and power tools
Tasks: Install supports, valves, piping and control systems
Tasks: Test system for leaks using testing equipment
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Apprenticeship

To work in Alberta, a sprinkler systems installer must be ONE of the following:

  • A registered apprentice
  • An Alberta-certified journeyperson
  • Someone who holds a recognized related trade certificate
  • Someone who works for an employer who is satisfied that the worker has the skills and knowledge expected of certified journeyperson
  • Self-employed

To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:

  • Have an Alberta high school transcript with at least English Language Arts 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10, or equivalent
  • Have a pass mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
  • Pass an entrance exam

Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

The term of apprenticeship 4 years (four 12-month periods) that include a minimum of:

  • 1,600 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction in each of the first 3 years
  • 1,800 hours of on-the-job training in the fourth year

High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.

Sprinkler systems installer apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).

Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Apprenticeship Trades

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

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.

Sprinkler System Installer

Sprinkler systems installers fabricate, install, test, maintain, inspect and repair sprinkler systems in industrial operations, department stores, office buildings, hotels, schools, hospitals and residences. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Sprinkler System Installer.

Additional Information

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.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Sprinkler systems installers are employed in the construction industry. Employment prospects vary depending on seasonal and economic changes

Experienced sprinkler systems installers may advance to supervisory positions or even start their own businesses.

Industry Concentration

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.

Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
2016 NOC: 7252

89.9% 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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

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.

Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
2021 NOC: 72301
Medium
Demand
6,500
Employed

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.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
2016 NOC: 7252
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
128
New Positions

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Journeyperson sprinkler system installers wage rates vary but generally range from $39 to $49 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 45% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 60% in the second, 70% in the third and 80% in the fourth year.

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.

Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers

2016 NOC: 7252
Average Wage
$40.55
Per Hour
Average Salary
$86,783.00
Per Year
Average Hours
41.9
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.8
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 7252 Wage Profile

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.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $25.00 $54.13 $37.72 $40.00
Overall $32.86 $46.92 $40.55 $40.28
Top $37.00 $52.95 $44.34 $45.00

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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Oil & Gas Extraction
Construction
Manufacturing
Health Care & Social Assistance

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
40%
40%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
29%
29%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
4%
4%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca

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.

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