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Educator, Instructor, Lecturer, Professor, Research Scientist
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
University professors are scholars and educators. They are recognized for their teaching and research, as well as their creative or professional practice. They are evaluated regularly on their performance and output. University professor duties vary, but in general, they:
Professors also may have other duties. For example, they may advise students about academic requirements and options. Or they may serve as peer evaluators for research outside of their own institution.
Depending on their field of study, professors work in offices, laboratories, studios, libraries, classrooms, or in the field. A professor may teach large classes, work with small groups in seminars and tutorials, or advise students one-on-one. They also may work with a wide range of academic and non-academic groups.
Professors work long hours when classes are in session, as teaching and supervision require a lot of time. They must be productive in their research or professional activities. They also must serve their departments, institutions, academic field, and communities. Typically, universities grant professors research and study leaves (sabbaticals) to assist in their research or practice.
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 synthesizing information to advance existing knowledge and develop new theories in specialized fields of study by conducting research; in publishing findings in scholarly journals and books, developing curricula and in preparing examinations, laboratory assignments and reports
Interest in advising on research matters and directing research programs of graduate students, in advising students on course and academic matters and career decisions, and in administering and grading examinations, laboratory assignments and reports; may serve on faculty committees dealing with matters such as curriculum planning and degree requirements and perform a variety of administrative duties
Interest in instructing undergraduate and graduate students; may provide consulting services to government, industry and private individuals; may represent their universities as speakers and guest lecturers
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.
University professors need:
They should enjoy finding innovative ways to prepare teaching materials. They also should enjoy supervising students, evaluating their progress, and helping 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.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 60 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 26, 2021 and Apr 23, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Prepare, administer and grade assigned work | 26 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Teach one or more university subjects | 25 |
| Tasks: Serve on faculty committees dealing with research, budgets, curriculum planning and requirements and staffing | 24 |
| Tasks: Conduct research in field of specialization | 17 |
| Experience: 2 years to less than 3 years | 17 |
| Tasks: Direct research programs of graduate students | 13 |
| Teach one or more university subjects | 9 |
| Tasks: Prepare special lectures and presentations for conferences and consultations | 8 |
| Tasks: Advise on research matters | 8 |
| Experience: 5 years or more | 8 |
Almost all university professors have doctoral degrees. They usually hold 2 or more advanced degrees beyond the bachelor’s level, often obtained with distinction. They often have made outstanding and innovative contributions in their fields of study.
Students hoping to become university professors should have records of academic excellence throughout high school, undergraduate, and graduate programs (often honours programs). Most professors start as assistant professors. By the time they become professors, they usually have work experience in their fields.
They also need to have a strong record of research and publishing.
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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Becoming a university professor can involve years of study and experience in a chosen field. Graduates often must move from one post-secondary school to another to find permanent employment.
Assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors have similar duties. But they have different amounts of experience and achievement, prestige, and responsibility. A professor typically begins as an assistant. Within 3 to 5 years of full-time work, they are considered for tenure (permanent status). This means they have shown their potential to have a productive career. Their promotion to associate or full professorship involves a rigorous review of their accomplishments. This will be conducted by peers within the department and university, as well as outside the university.
With experience, university professors may:
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.
University professors and lecturers
2016 NOC: 4011
99.7% 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.
Funding for some areas of research over others heavily influences employment for university professors. For example, if funders consider one area of research, such as environmental science, more essential to public knowledge than others, they will provide more funding for research in this area. This means more positions for university professors.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for entry-level university positions vary with:
Association of Academic Staff University of Alberta (AASUA) website: www.aasua.ca
Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) website: https://www.caut.ca
Confederation of Alberta Faculty Associations (CAFA) website: cafa-ab.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.
