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Coin-Operated Machine Technician, Service Technician
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
Vending machines may dispense goods ranging from food and tobacco products to coins and cash cards. Their duties and responsibilities vary depending on the types of machines they service. In general, they:
Vending machine technicians usually work a standard 40-hour week. They may be on call evenings and weekends. They work in repair shops and where machines are located. This can include offices, industrial plants, institutions, and retail operations such as hotels and restaurants. They often work in busy public places and cramped quarters. They need to travel from jobsite to jobsite.
Technicians must lift and move heavy items. They must move vending machines weighing up to 200 kilograms with the aid of mechanical equipment. Safety procedures and equipment are required to avoid injury when moving heavy machines and working with electricity or microwave equipment.
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 operating hand, power and specially designed tools to service products and equipment; may calibrate products using hand tools
Interest in compiling information to test and adjust repaired products to ensure that they work properly; and in performing routine maintenance
Interest in inspecting products to determine repairs required
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.
Vending machine technicians need:
They should enjoy using tools, testing, and adjusting equipment, and troubleshooting problems.
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 137 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 21, 2023 and Nov 21, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Inspect products to determine the requirements for repair | 123 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Repair or replace defective or worn parts and components | 119 |
| Tasks: Test and adjust repaired products for proper functioning | 117 |
| Attention to detail | 106 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 100 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 98 |
| Tasks: Calibrate products using hand tools | 97 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 82 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 77 |
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 77 |
Vending machine technicians are trained on the job. Most begin as route workers who remove cash and keep the vending machines on a regular route stocked and clean. For more information, see the Vending Machine Route Worker occupational profile. Job applicants must have a valid driver’s licence and be bondable (acceptable to bonding companies as responsible, law-abiding people).
Employers most often hire high school graduates. They prefer workers who are familiar with hand-held technology, or have training related to computers or electronics. Vending machine manufacturers often offer seminars to help technicians keep their knowledge and skills up to date.
A Construction Safety Training System certificate is required to gain access to vending machines on some construction sites.
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.
In Alberta, vending machine technicians who work on refrigeration systems must be certified journeypersons. For more information, see the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic occupational profile.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most vending machine technicians in Alberta work for vending machine operators (firms that own or lease vending machines) and soft drink companies. Route workers who want to move into repair positions may work for the same company for years before an entry-level technician position becomes available.
Advancement opportunities to supervisory positions are limited. With additional training, experienced vending machine technicians may move into related occupations such as meter repairer (such as for electrical or gas meters) or weigh-scale repairer.
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.
Other repairers and servicers
2016 NOC: 7445
79.5% 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: 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.
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.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Hourly wages for vending machine technicians vary. Wages depend on the size of the company and the technician’s skill and experience. Most companies pay overtime for emergency repair work on weekends or holidays.
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.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $26.44 | $19.70 | $18.00 |
| Overall | $17.00 | $33.65 | $25.18 | $22.31 |
| Top | $18.25 | $48.08 | $31.66 | $28.00 |
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
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $50,300 |
|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $57,765 |
| Retail Trade | $39,129 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $31,559 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $46,750 |
Canadian Automatic Merchandising Association website: www.vending-cama.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 27, 2023. 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.
