Colleges Ontario

(Toronto, Dec. 10, 2007) – A college education in engineering and applied science technology opens the door to an average salary of almost $65,000, and total cash compensation of more than $70,000 annually, for a typical engineering technology professional in Ontario.

Furthermore, certification leads to a quantifiable, and substantial, increase in annual compensation, according to the findings of a recent survey of its membership conducted by the Ontario Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT). Results show OACETT certification can produce a $10,000 annual increase in base salary for engineering technology professionals.

Based on responses gathered from more than 3,000 members across a variety of industries and disciplines, OACETT’s 2007 Compensation Survey shows a college technician or technologist diploma leads to a mean salary of $64,270, well above the average income for Ontario of $28,900.

And certification correlates strongly with higher levels of compensation. Compared to associate members, certified technologists and technicians earn on average $10,000 more in annual salary – a 17% premium – which has a present value over a 30-year career of $172,000.

“The data clearly show the investment in study time and application fees can pay off handsomely for certified members,” said David Tsang, A.Sc.T., President of OACETT. “It’s like a permanent raise of $10,000 a year.”

Associate members of OACETT, and non-members in the engineering technology field, including new graduates and internationally trained professionals, can learn more about the process of certification at www.oacett.org.

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For further information contact:
Alexandra Wennberg
Marketing and Communications Manager
Ontario Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists
404-10 Four Seasons Place
Toronto, ON M9B 6H7