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Web Technician: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Are you keen on everything from applications to zip files? Do you learn quickly and think logically? Can you express your ideas clearly? Then you may want to hyperlink to a career as a web technician.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Web Technician

Web technicians set up and maintain websites and web server hardware and software. They also monitor and optimize network connectivity and performance.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Internet Site Developer, Network Support Specialist

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

  • 2281.2: Web Technicians

2006 NOC-S

  • C181: Computer and Network Operators and Web Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 2281: Computer network technicians

2016 NOC

  • 2281: Computer network technicians

2021 NOC

  • 22220: Computer network and web technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 22220.01: Computer and network operators
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2022

The internet is a huge network made up of millions of links between web servers (website computers). On each server, there may be one or more:

  • Internet websites designed for communication between an organization and the public
  • Intranet websites designed for communication among an organization’s employees (intranet sites are not open to the public)

Web technicians assist webmasters, web designers, and computer programmers. They help to set up and maintain websites and web servers. Their duties vary but, in general, web technicians:

  • Implement network traffic and security monitoring software
  • Optimize server performance
  • Modify web pages, applets, and scripts
  • Register websites with search engines
  • Respond to requests for help and information from website visitors and designers
  • Monitor and test website performance on an ongoing basis to ensure they’re working correctly
  • Perform web server backup and recovery operations

To learn more about computer specialists who operate and support the use of other types of networks, see the Computer Network Administrator occupational profile.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Web technicians work in climate-controlled computer rooms and offices. They often work evenings and weekends. This allows them to avoid disrupting normal use of websites during peak periods. They may work 8- or 12-hour shifts (days, nights, or weekends).

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.

Web Technicians

2006 NOC: 2281.2

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working with Web sites and Web server hardware and software; in implementing network traffic and security monitoring software; and in optimizing server performance

methodical

Interest in compiling information to research and apply meta-data to Web sites; in registering Web sites with search engines; and in performing Web server backup and recovery operations

innovative

Interest in assisting to respond to requests for help and information from Web site visitors and Web site designers

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

Web technicians need:

  • The ability to learn quickly, think logically, and study complex problems
  • Speaking and writing skills
  • The ability to think creatively and visualize ideas
  • Interpersonal skills for dealing with website users

They should enjoy:

  • Studying information and solving problems
  • Keeping up with changes in technology
  • Taking a step-by-step approach to precise tasks
  • Working with 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

Computer network technicians

2016 NOC: 2281

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 104 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 17, 2024 and Apr 23, 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: Evaluate and install computer hardware, networking software and operating system software
Tasks: Maintain, troubleshoot and administer the use of local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), mainframe networks and computer workstations and peripheral equipment
Tasks: Provide problem-solving services to network users
Tasks: Perform routine network start up and close down and maintain control records
Tasks: Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations
Tasks: Set up local area networks and connections to the Internet
Tasks: Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to co-ordinate access and use of computer networks
Tasks: Implement data, software and hardware security procedures
Tasks: Implement network traffic and security monitoring software, and optimize server performance
Tasks: Install, maintain, troubleshoot and upgrade Web-server hardware and software
Tasks: Evaluate and install computer hardware, networking software and operating system software 96
Tasks: Maintain, troubleshoot and administer the use of local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), mainframe networks and computer workstations and peripheral equipment 94
Tasks: Provide problem-solving services to network users 91
Tasks: Perform routine network start up and close down and maintain control records 89
Tasks: Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations 81
Tasks: Set up local area networks and connections to the Internet 77
Tasks: Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to co-ordinate access and use of computer networks 75
Tasks: Implement data, software and hardware security procedures 72
Tasks: Implement network traffic and security monitoring software, and optimize server performance 71
Tasks: Install, maintain, troubleshoot and upgrade Web-server hardware and software 65
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

Web technicians need expert level HTML skills. HTML is the document description language used for most websites. They may be:

  • Graduates of post-secondary programs related to computer science
  • Liberal arts graduates who have acquired technical skills by taking related training programs

Many Alberta universities, colleges, technical institutes, and private vocational schools offer post-secondary programs related to computer science. Courses for specific skills are also available from various online sources.

Prospective web technicians should discuss their training options with potential employers before enrolling in a training program. Some employers require job applicants to have certification or training from specific software vendors.

Related Education

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

ABM College
Academy of Learning - Calgary Central
Academy of Learning - Calgary NE
Academy of Learning - Edmonton Downtown
Academy of Learning - Edmonton South
Academy of Learning - Edmonton West
Academy of Learning - Medicine Hat
Academy of Learning - Red Deer
Ace Career College
Bay River College
Cambrooks College - Downtown Campus
Canadian Imperial College
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Calgary North
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Calgary South
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton City Centre
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton North
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton South
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton West
Central Institute of Technology Inc.
Hamptons College
Keyano College
Lethbridge College
Medicine Hat College
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Northern Lakes College
Northwestern Polytechnic
Robertson College - Calgary
Robertson College - Edmonton
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Sundance College
Sundance College - Edmonton

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.

Information Systems Professional

Information systems professionals investigate, analyze, design, develop, or manage information systems based on computer and related technologies. They do so objectively applying specialized knowledge and professional judgement.

Legislation

Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf]. This means that to call yourself an Information Systems Professional or use the I.S.P. designation, you must be a registered member of the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta).

You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself an Information Systems Professional.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Information Systems Professional.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Some web technicians work for internet service providers. Others work for organizations throughout the public and private sectors that maintain large websites.

Web technician is an entry-level position. It provides an opportunity for new post-secondary graduates to learn about:

  • Server administration
  • Common Gateway Interface (CGI) scripting
  • Website maintenance

With time on the job web technicians may move into other computer-related roles such as:

Web technicians with management-related education or experience may become Webmasters.

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 2281: Computer network technicians occupational group, 78.1% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

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

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OCCinfo

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 2281: Computer network technicians occupational group is expected to have an average annual growth of 1.9% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 77 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

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.

Computer network technicians

2016 NOC: 2281
Average Wage
$38.88
Per Hour
Average Salary
$76,762.00
Per Year
Average Hours
38
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2281 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 $19.23 $52.07 $32.32 $30.31
Overall $24.00 $57.69 $38.88 $36.28
Top $26.44 $64.62 $44.50 $43.27

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
Retail Trade
Information, Culture, Recreation
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $76,762
Construction $78,141
Manufacturing $69,519
Wholesale Trade $64,433
Retail Trade $60,148
Information, Culture, Recreation $68,180
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing $70,181
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $74,208
Educational Services $74,999
Health Care & Social Assistance $90,060
Public Administration $92,578

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
19%
19%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
16%
16%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
2%
2%
Vacancy Rate
1%
Related High School Subjects
  • Business, Administration, Finance and IT
    • Computing Science
    • Networking
  • Media, Design and Communication Arts
    • Communication Technology
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Computer and Information Technology
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: ab.cips.ca

Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) website: www.ictc-ctic.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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