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Automation and Robotics Technologist

In this section you’ll find:

General information on automation and robotics technology.
More specific details about work in some of the main occupational sectors of this industry.

Automation and Robotics Technology Fast Facts:

In North America, the biggest customer of automation and robotics—about 60% of all robot sales— is the automotive industry.
This means whenever there’s a slowdown in auto manufacturing, the impact is felt by the robotics industry too.
Because auto manufacturers buy robotics every few years, the industry and possibly the job market, tend to go in cycles. In other words, during a purchase year the demand for products and skilled workers is strong, but often drops between these “buying” years.
Canada is the third largest exporter of automotive products.
Though much smaller, other industries that use automation and robotics are: the life sciences, including the medical, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, aerospace and aviation, food and consumer goods, plastics and rubber and other kinds of manufacturing companies.
Ontario dominates the plastics market in Canada with over 93 % of machine shipments and 89% of mould shipments.
About one third of all aircraft manufacturing jobs in 2001 were located in Ontario.
Over 80% of jobs in aircraft manufacturing in 2001 were technical positions.

What are employers saying ?

A focus group of employers in the automotive manufacturing industry outlined the skills and abilities they felt were important to those in engineering. The qualities they believe make a highly-effective employee include:

Knowledge of the industry, job and company through education and job experience (co-op or previous work).
Project management and business skills so deadlines are met, budgets are controlled, customers are satisfied and quality standards are achieved.
People and communication skills—including team work, flexibility on projects or around business changes, the ability to work with many different kinds of people and good problem-solving skills.

The Job Market

What the research shows about robotics and automation techology and jobs:

Manufacturing and Industrial

At 3%, the 2004 unemployment rate average was about half the Canadian average of 7%.
Ontario has a very high number of engineering technicians and technologists in this field for its population.
Women are rapidly entering this field.
Opportunities in this field are fair.
Because the industry is constantly changing, you’ll probably have to retrain occasionally to learn about new technology entering your workplace.
Until 2009, competition for jobs in this sector will likely be average.

Mechanical

In 2004, the unemployment rate for Mechanical Engineering Technicians and Technologists was 3%--or more than half the Canadian average of 7%.
Over 50% of Mechanical Technicians and Technologists work in manufacturing.
Because the technology is always changing, you will likely have to train or retrain often.
96% of people working as a Mechanical Engineering Technicians and Technologists work full-time hours.

Top Five Regions for Industrial/Manufacturing Technicians and Technologists in Ontario:

Toronto
Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula
Kitchener - Waterloo – Barrie
Ottawa
Windsor-Sarnia

Average Income for Engineering Technology Workers:

Annual Annual Income Ontario Workers All Occupations	Average Annual Income Ontario Mechanical Engineering Technology Workers	Average Annual Income, OACETT Certified Mechanical Engineering Technology Workers	Average Hourly Canadian Wage, All Workers	Average Hourly Canadian Wage, Mechanical Engineering Technology Workers
$47,299	$60, 272	Associates $55, 600 Technicians: $71, 700 Technologists: $77, 400	$18.07	$22.81

Average Income for Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing Technologists and Technicians:

Annual Annual Income Ontario Workers All Occupations	Average Annual Income Ontario Mechanical Engineering Technology Workers	Average Annual Income, OACETT Certified Mechanical Engineering Technology Workers	Average Hourly Canadian Wage, All Workers	Average Hourly Canadian Wage, Mechanical Engineering Technology Workers
$47,299	$48, 397	Technologists: $78,500 Technicians: $72,100 Associates: $52, 200	$18.07	$23.53

Source: JobFutures.ca

In general, these salaries are considerably higher than the Ontario average but these results may not reflect the true average because:

CERTIFICATION

Find out more about OACETT (Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists ) and what you need to get certified by clicking here.

The sample size for the study was relatively small (497 under Mechanical and 144 under Industrial total)
The average salaries are of OACETT certified members. Certification may account for the higher wage.

Note that for Mechanical Technicians and Technologists, the OACETT associate average is actually lower than the Ontario average.