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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.

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.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists

2006 NOC: 2241.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to set up and operate specialized and standard equipment to test the performance of components, assemblies and systems

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing information to carry out applied research in the fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics under the direction of scientists and engineers; and in diagnosing and analyzing the performance of components, assemblies and systems

METHODICAL

Interest in supervising the building and testing of prototypes according to general instructions and established standards; and in conducting and supervising the installation, commissioning and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems other than aircraft electronics or instruments

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, 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 102 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 26, 2023 and Apr 25, 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.
Tasks: Assist in inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components
Tasks: Install, maintain and service equipment
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 design, development and testing
Tasks: Calibrate electronic equipment and instruments
Tasks: Assist in preparing estimates, schedules, specifications and reports
Attention to detail
Tasks: Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems
Tasks: Collect and compile operational or experimental data
Tasks: Assist in building and testing prototypes to specifications
Tasks: Assist in inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components 81
Tasks: Install, maintain and service equipment 73
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 73
Tasks: Assist in design, development and testing 71
Tasks: Calibrate electronic equipment and instruments 68
Tasks: Assist in preparing estimates, schedules, specifications and reports 65
Attention to detail 61
Tasks: Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems 60
Tasks: Collect and compile operational or experimental data 53
Tasks: Assist in building and testing prototypes to specifications 52
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 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.

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 (CETs) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need to be supervised 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], Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) is a protected title. This means that to call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET), you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET).

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 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 as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) 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.

In the 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians occupational group, 79.2% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

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Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.
  • 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, the 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.4% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 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 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 2016 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

2016 NOC: 2241
Average Wage
$40.37
Per Hour
Average Salary
$81,708.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2241 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 $16.00 $61.12 $32.48 $30.00
Overall $20.55 $66.67 $40.37 $40.25
Top $28.50 $78.39 $47.84 $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

  • 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
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $81,708
Construction $76,543
Manufacturing $69,620
Wholesale Trade $67,247
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $79,031
Health Care & Social Assistance $89,989
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) $75,680
Public Administration $92,006

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
31%
31%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
24%
24%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
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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