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Telecommunications Technologist: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Are you keen on helping people stay connected? Do you have good science, math, analytical, and leadership skills? Can you deliver good customer service? Then you may want to connect to a career as a telecommunications technologist.
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Occupations in Alberta

Telecommunications Technologist

Telecommunications technologists research, design, deploy, study, manage, and integrate wired and wireless voice and data networking and communications devices and systems.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Engineering Technologist, Telecommunications Engineering Technologist, Wireless Systems Engineering Technologist

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

  • 2241.1: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists

2006 NOC-S

  • C141: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC

  • 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2021 NOC

  • 22310: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 22310.01: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Telecommunications technologists work with wired and wireless telecommunication devices and systems. These systems involve the transmission and reception of information and include:

  • The coming together of voice, data, and video (broadcast and two-way)
  • Fibre optics and optical networking
  • Wireless communications such as radio, television, satellite, microwave, cellular, wireless local area networks (LAN), and land mobile
  • Voice-over internet protocol (VOIP) for conducting voice conversation over the internet
  • Computers and associated devices
  • Local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs)
  • Broadband technologies
  • Traditional telephone systems (access, transport, switching, and multiplexing technologies)
  • Power supplies (for use with IT and telecommunications products)

Duties vary. In general, telecommunications technologists:

  • Design, install, manage, and maintain wired and wireless telecommunication networks and equipment
  • Design, install, manage, and maintain fibre-optic communication networks
  • Test and troubleshoot telecommunications networks and equipment
  • Do technical sales and represent telecommunications systems products (to learn more, see the Technical Sales Representative occupational profile)
  • Design, analyze, document, and troubleshoot analogue and digital electronic circuits related to telecommunications systems
  • Assist in the production and quality control of telecommunications systems and products
  • Roll out software upgrades and hardware expansions for telecommunications and information processing networks
  • Lead teams of engineering technologists and installation technicians
  • Prepare and present business and technical reports and plans
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

Telecommunications technologists may work in offices, workshops, or production departments. They may need to work outdoors, in sheltered or unsheltered settings. Some may have to travel across provincial or interprovincial regions (when installing, commissioning, or maintaining equipment).

They may have to lift equipment weighing up to 20 kilograms.

Technologists’ hours of work vary. They may have to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. They may have on-call hours or work overtime to meet deadlines or deal with emergencies such as system outages.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
I
Investigative
This occupation
You
R
Realistic
C
Conventional
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists
2023 OaSIS: 22310.01

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Investigative

    Investigative jobs are about thinking deeply and solving problems. People in these jobs enjoy learning, asking questions, and doing research. They often study science, nature, or how things work. These jobs need a lot of thinking and often involve working with ideas instead of people. Examples include scientists, lab technicians, and researchers.

  • 2
    Realistic

    Realistic jobs focus on working with your hands, tools, machines, or animals. People in these jobs often fix, build, or take care of things. They like clear tasks and working in a physical way. These jobs usually don’t need much paperwork or teamwork. Examples include mechanics, farmers, and builders.

  • 3
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists
2023 OaSIS: 22310.01

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Telecommunications technologists need:

  • An aptitude for math and science
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Leadership ability
  • Patience and persistence
  • The ability to manage time well
  • Speaking and writing skills
  • Fine-motor skills and good hand-eye coordination
  • The ability to work on their own or as part of a team
  • The ability to work under deadline pressure
  • Customer-service skills
  • A commitment to lifelong learning
  • A commitment to safe work practices
  • A commitment to professional and ethical practices
  • A driver’s license for many jobs

They should enjoy:

  • Working with tools, equipment, instruments, and machinery at precise tasks
  • Studying problems and finding creative solutions
  • Taking a step-by-step approach to building and testing systems
  • Supervising 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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2241

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 108 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 18, 2024 and Nov 03, 2025.

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.
Tasks: Set up and operate specialized and standard test equipment to diagnose, test and analyze the performance of electrical and electronic components, assemblies and systems
Tasks: Assist in inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components
Tasks: Complete work orders, test and maintenance reports
Tasks: Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems
Tasks: Assist in design, development and testing
Tasks: Calibrate electronic equipment and instruments
Attention to detail
Tasks: Assist in preparing estimates, schedules, specifications and reports
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years
Tasks: Carry out applied research in fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics
Tasks: Set up and operate specialized and standard test equipment to diagnose, test and analyze the performance of electrical and electronic components, assemblies and systems 86
Tasks: Assist in inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components 72
Tasks: Complete work orders, test and maintenance reports 66
Tasks: Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems 65
Tasks: Assist in design, development and testing 63
Tasks: Calibrate electronic equipment and instruments 57
Attention to detail 46
Tasks: Assist in preparing estimates, schedules, specifications and reports 46
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years 40
Tasks: Carry out applied research in fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics 40
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

Telecommunications technologists need at least 2 years of related post-secondary education. Some employers accept an equivalent combination of education and experience. Technologists need an understanding of:

  • Electricity, electronics, and electronic components
  • Wired and wireless system components and their functions
  • Principles of communications, electronic signalling, radio wave propagation, and electromagnetic fields
  • Basic digital and analogue circuit design and analysis
  • Safety practices and requirements
  • Network security practices and systems
  • The implementation of Internet protocol (IP) and telecommunications networks

Some telecommunication technologists may wish to become certified communication technicians. This could include those who work on hybrid networks (copper, fibre optic, wireless), and networks that integrate IP with legacy telecom network interfaces. To do this, they must complete the Communication Technician apprenticeship program. To learn more, see the apprenticeship Communication Technician occupational profile.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Related Education

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

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Red Deer Polytechnic
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

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, 2022
  • 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.

Certified Engineering Technologist

Certified engineering technologists (CET) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their technological areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need supervision by a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience).

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the protected title Certified Engineering Technologist (CET).

You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Engineering Technologist.

Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)

Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practice independently according to established methodologies and specifications in the fields of engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) to:

  • Practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice
  • Use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience)
  • Use the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.)

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Telecommunications technologists work for:

  • Telecommunications, cable, and satellite communication companies
  • Wireless and fibre optic companies
  • Public and private telecommunications service providers
  • Federal, provincial, and municipal governments
  • Colleges, universities, and technical institutes
  • Companies in the oil and gas industry
  • Private contracting and consulting organizations
  • Personal consulting services
  • IT manufacturers, service providers, and data centres
  • Telephone common carriers

With time on the job, technologists may advance to become supervisors or managers.

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.

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2241

79.2% 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.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation 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.

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2021 NOC: 22310
Balanced
Job Market
2,800
Employed in AB

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.

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
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iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

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

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2241
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
152
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, 2022

Salaries for telecommunications technologists vary widely.

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.

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2021 NOC: 22310
Average Wage
$42.93
Per Hour
Average Salary
$88,459.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.6
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 22310 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 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 $22.75 $51.80 $37.75 $40.00
Overall $23.74 $62.39 $42.93 $44.71
Top $28.35 $68.93 $48.03 $47.12

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
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $88,459
Construction $96,207
Manufacturing $61,881
Wholesale Trade $76,471
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $106,128
Health Care & Social Assistance $92,560
Public Administration $86,151

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
54%
54%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
26%
26%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
7%
7%
Vacancy Rate
3%
Related High School Subjects
  • English Language Arts
  • Media, Design and Communication Arts
    • Design Studies
  • Natural Resources
    • Environmental Stewardship
  • Science
  • Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation
    • Electro-Technologies
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: www.aset.ab.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2022. 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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