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CAD Technician/Technologist, Structural Engineering Technician/Technologist
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
Steel detailers interpret fabrication requirements for structural steel components based on:
Detailers make the shop drawings and related instructions that steel fabricators use to manufacture components.
Senior steel detailers also may be involved in shop and site work, quality control and project supervision.
In Alberta, this is a designated occupation with levels ranging from 1 to 3. See Educational Requirements for more details.
Steel detailers usually work in offices but, because their occupation relies heavily on shared data files and networking, they may be located anywhere in the world.
Detailers generally work standard office hours but overtime may be required to meet deadlines.
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 compiling data on dimensions, locations, elevations, cross-sections, projections and other details to verify completeness and accuracy of final drawings
Interest in assisting technologists and engineers to prepare engineering drawings, diagrams and layouts
Interest in precision working to operate computer-assisted drafting equipment and conventional drafting stations, and to use measuring instruments
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.
Steel detailers need:
They should enjoy taking a methodical approach to their work, analyzing data, and finding innovative solutions to problems. They should also be comfortable using precision equipment and instruments.
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 107 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 14, 2024 and Aug 15, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Prepare engineering designs and drawings | 92 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Develop and prepare design sketches | 84 |
| Tasks: Complete documentation packages and drawing sets | 81 |
| Tasks: Examine drawings for conformity and errors | 79 |
| Tasks: Prepare construction specifications, costs and material estimates | 62 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 57 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 54 |
| Tasks: Consult with client, engineers or production specialists to establish product requirements | 53 |
| Attention to detail | 53 |
| Computer and Technology Knowledge: AutoCAD | 52 |
Steel detailers must be:
Required knowledge and skills may be acquired through work experience and supplemented by CAD training offered through an Alberta post-secondary school or the Alberta Chapter of the National Institute of Steel Detailing (NISD)
Steel detailer is a designated trade in Alberta. Certification is not required, but trainees can apply to Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training for a journeyperson certificate. Apprenticeship and Industry Training does not offer a training program.
Applications for journeyperson certification must include a Registrar’s Letter from the Alberta Chapter of NISD confirming that the individual identified satisfies the training, job skills, competencies and the standards of performance that are approved for a desired level:
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.
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.
Steel detailers are specialized technicians who make detailed shop or fabrication drawings that steel fabricators or welders use to manufacture girders, beams, columns, stairways and other steel components of buildings and structures. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
In Alberta, government-legislated certification is available for steel detailers.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Steel Detailer.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Steel detailers may be employed by steel fabrication, engineering or drafting companies.
Structural steel work is largely dependent on new commercial and industrial construction. Detailers may work on projects anywhere in the world as they do not have to be physically located at a project site. While this increases employment opportunities, it may also pose global challenges such as differences in salary and higher job competition.
Experienced steel detailers can move into estimating, quality control or management positions. Or, they may be self-employed and operate their own steel detail drafting and design business.
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.
Drafting technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2253
77.0% 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 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.
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.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Steel detailers can earn from $40,000 to $80,000 a year at the basic level and senior steel detailers can earn up to $100,000 (2019 estimates).
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.
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.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $21.15 | $40.52 | $28.66 | $26.77 |
| Overall | $26.50 | $54.37 | $38.24 | $36.51 |
| Top | $30.00 | $71.39 | $46.45 | $43.59 |
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 | $76,036 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $71,709 |
| Manufacturing | $72,544 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $78,653 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $73,003 |
| Public Administration | $79,288 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
National Institute of Steel Detailing website: nisd.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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.
