Engineering
Labour Force
in France
Engineering Labour Force
What Employers Need to Know
Rates of Pay
Where to Recruit
1
French engineers are internationally mobile: 13.1 per cent of French
graduate engineers2 are working in labour markets outside of France.
In 2010, about 142,000 worked outside of the country.
Engineering
Labour
Force
France is the second-largest economy in the
European Union (EU) and has the second-largest
labour force. In 2010, France was home to more
than 1.2 million engineering workers, including
some 631,000 engineers, 601,000 engineering
technicians and technologists and more than 4,000
geoscientists.
Unemployment
The unemployment rate among French engineers
in 2009 was 5.4 per cent.2 Current economic
conditions in France are positive for engineers, so it
is unlikely that many workers will seek work abroad
based on economic push factors alone.
France has a comparatively young engineering
labour force, particularly when it comes to
geoscientists and engineering technologists and
technicians. Among French graduate engineers,
about one quarter were under age 30 in 2009; 60
per cent were under age 40. (See Figure 1.)
English Language
A significant portion of French engineers are
proficient in English. Graduate engineers must
obtain at least a B2 score in English on the
Common European Framework for Languages
Assessment in order to complete their education. A
B2 score is similar to a Test of English as a Foreign
Language Internet-based Test (TOEFL-iBT) score of
87–109.
When considering an employer, French engineers
say they place the most weight on financial
compensation, their level of interest in the
work, and the opportunity to take on greater
responsibility.1 (See Figure 2.)
Graduate engineers work in a wide variety of
industries. Approximately half (48 per cent) work in
manufacturing while 45 per cent work in service
industries. A small number of engineers work in
France’s energy sector: 1.1 per cent of graduate
engineers work in mining or extractive industries,
3.4 per cent work in the chemicals industry, 4.1
per cent work in utilities, and 0.7 per cent work in
coke and petroleum refining.
For information on The Association of Professional
Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta’s (APEGA’s)
English language requirements to become licensed
in Alberta, see www.apega.org/Applicants/IEG/
englishlanguage.html.
Among French graduate engineers working outside
of France, 31 per cent work in English-speaking
countries, mainly the United Kingdom (U.K.) and
United States.3
Table 1. Share of French Graduate
Engineers Working Outside of France
Age
End 2007
End 2008
End 2009
End 2010
Beginners
16.4%
14.6%
14.4%
15.6%
Other under 30
15.1%
14.6%
15.9%
16.2%
30 to 39
14.7%
15.0%
15.2%
15.6%
40 to 49
11.0%
11.3%
11.5%
12.3%
50 to 64
9.0%
9.3%
8.9%
9.9%
Average
13.1%
13.1%
13.4%
13.1%
Source: CNISF Observatory for Activity of Graduate Engineers, 22nd Survey (2011).
See Joint Survey of Engineers 2010 (France, U.K., Germany).
Latest figures available.
3
See source: CNISF Observatory for Activity of Graduate Engineers, 22nd Survey (2011).
1
2
1
Likelihood of Immigrating
French engineers are internationally mobile: 13.1
per cent of French graduate engineers4 are working
in labour markets outside of France. In 2010, about
142,000 worked outside of the country.
11.1 per cent of French graduate engineers
reported moving to a new location within the
country. Most international migration appears to be
among engineers who are transferring to new posts
within their companies.5
A significant percentage of French engineers move
internationally each year. In 2010, 8.4 per cent of
economically active graduate engineers in France
moved to another country to work, down just
slightly from 8.5 per cent in 2009. An additional
Foreign workers in France comprise a significant
portion (16 per cent) of the French engineering
labour force and are more likely than average to
migrate internationally, having done so before.
Figure 1. Age
Comparison of French
Graduate Engineers
and Total French
Labour Force
30%
26%
25%
18%
20%
16%
15%
12%
10%
Sources: The French National Council
of Engineers and Scientists/Le Conseil
national des ingénieurs et scientifiques
de France (CNISF) Observatory for
Activity of Graduate Engineers, 21st
Survey (2010), OECD Stats Extracts
Database, 2010.
Figure 2. Positive
Features of a
Company as
Reported by
Engineers in
France, 2010
Share
of all
Workers
9%
7%
6%
5%
50-54
55-59
60-64
5%
0%
Under 30-34
30
35-39
40-44
45-49
Age
French Engineer Graduates
Total French Labour Force
66%
Remuneration
61%
Interesting Work
59%
Greater Responsibility
56%
Locality
53%
Work-Life Balance
Source: 2010 Joint Survey
of Engineers (France, U.K.,
Germany).Database, 2010.
49%
Work Environment
41%
Gain Knowledge
35%
Job Security
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Graduate engineers have earned a master’s level degree from a French engineering school.
In 2010, while 8.5 per cent of all engineers relocated internationally, only 7.6 per cent of all graduate engineers
reported changing employers (up from 6.8 per cent in 2009).
4
5
2
What
Employers
Need to
Know
Alberta employers recruiting in France should know
that graduates from the country’s engineering
schools are highly regarded and often pursue
management roles where their responsibilities may
have little to do with engineering. When recruiting
in France, it is worthwhile to identify those who
specifically perform engineering tasks.
Engineers and Geoscientists
According to Alberta law, to practice engineering,
geology or geophysics independently in Alberta,
a worker must be licensed by APEGA. Unlicensed
workers may practice engineering, but only under
the supervision of a licensed engineer. Similar
rules apply to internationally educated engineers.
They may be permitted to work in Alberta without
a license, provided that they work under the
supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer
(P.Eng). In order to practice engineering, geology or
geophysics independently, internationally educated
workers must have their credentials evaluated by
APEGA to determine whether or not they meet the
requirements for licensure.
Regardless of academic background, all foreign
applicants must also:
1. Take the professional practice exam and show
relevant knowledge of Albertan law and ethics
2. Obtain one year of Canadian experience; they
can apply and gain conditional approval before
doing so
3. Be competent in English
4. Provide character references
5. Possess Canadian Citizenship or Permanent
Resident status; an applicant not possessing
either may apply as a Foreign Licensee
To learn more about APEGA’s licensing
requirements, see www.apega.ca.
Technicians and Technologists
Technicians and technologists do not need licenses
to practice in Alberta, but may voluntarily apply for
certification from the Association of Science and
Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta
(ASET). ASET uses a competency-based evaluation
to assess the qualifications of internationally
educated individuals. Successful applicants must
have an appropriate combination of post-secondary
education in their field and practical experience.
Many European bachelor’s degrees are awarded
after three years. Workers holding them would likely
qualify for technologist or technician certification
with ASET, while those with lower qualifications
may qualify at the technician level. Candidates
seeking ASET certification generally require:
1. At least two years of professional experience,
including one year of Canadian experience
2. Successful completion of the professional
practices exam
3. Three verifiable references
4. The ability to work in English
5. Canadian citizenship or Permanent Resident
status
To learn more about ASET’s certification
requirements, see www.aset.ab.ca.
In order to practice engineering, geology or geophysics independently,
internationally educated workers must have their credentials evaluated by
APEGA to determine whether or not they meet the requirements for licensure.
3
Table 2. French Titles for Canadian Engineering
Occupations and Related Professional Organizations
Canadian Engineering
Occupations
Similar Occupations/Titles in France
Engineering Managers
Ingénieur Manager, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme
Civil Engineers
Ingénieur civil, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme
Mechanical Engineers
Ingénieur en mécanique, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Ingénieur en électricité et électronique, Diplôme d’ingénieur or
ingénieur diplôme
Chemical Engineers
Ingénieur chimiste, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers
Ingénieur industriel/ingénieur de production, Diplôme d’ingénieur
or ingénieur diplôme
Metallurgical and Materials Engineers
Ingénieur en métallurgie et Ingénieur en matériaux, Diplôme
d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme
Mining Engineers
Ingénieur de mines, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme
Petroleum Engineers
Ingénieur pétrolier, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme
Civil Engineering Technologists and
Technicians
Technicien supérieur en génie civil (Civil Engineering Technician)
Professional Organizations
CTI (Commission des Titres
d’Ingénieur) accredits university
programs, while CNISF (Le Conseil
National des Ingénieurs et des
Scientifiques de France) maintains the
French Directory of Engineers.
CTI (Commission des Titres
d’Ingénieur) accredits all university
programs, while CNISF (Le Conseil
National des Ingénieurs et des
Technicien supérieur en génie électricité et électronique (Electrical Scientifiques de France) maintains the
and Electronics Engineering Technician)
French Directory of Engineers. Higher
education curricula are set by each
Technicien électronicien (Electrical Technician)
school, and all are accredited by CTI.
Technicien Supérieur Maintenance Industrielle (Industrial
Maintenance Technician)
Technicien ES en génie mécanique (Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and
Technician) or DUT Génie Mechanique et Productique (DUT
Technicians
Diploma in Mechanical and Production Engineering)
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Technologists and Technicians
Industrial Instruments Technicians and
Mechanics
Geosciences Occupations
Geologist, Geochemists and Geophysicists
Geological and Mineral Technologists and
Technicians
Géologue, Géochimiste et Géophysicien, Diplôme d’ingénieur or
ingénieur diplôme
CTI accredits university programs
in Geosciences. The French Union
Primarily BTS or DUT graduates who work in geology-related fields of Geologists (UFG) supports the
European Federation of Geologists
at the technician level. Some DUT graduates may go on to an
(EFG).
engineering school to earn a bachelor’s or higher degree.
Architecture-Related Occupations
Architectural Technologists and
Technicians
Drafting Technologists and Technicians
There are a small number of BTS degrees offered in architectural
support that would be similar to a Canadian technician-level
degree. More often, however, graduates from architectural schools
(which are legally regulated to issue architecture degrees) will start
their careers doing support work for architects, including drafting,
and eventually become full architects as they gain experience.
Ordre des Architectes (Association of
Architects) at the professional level,
no true occupational distinction for
Technologist/Technician level workers.
Generally known as Technicien services en électronique or
technicien de service electronique.
Various trade associations, not an
organized occupation.
Electronic Service Technicians
Electronic Service Technicians
Source: RDA Global, contributions from listed professional organizations.
4
Fact Sheets
Fact sheets on hiring internationally trained workers in engineering-related occupations
can be found at www.albertacanada.com/immigration/publications.aspx. Follow the
links below for more information on hiring for specific occupations:
„„ Hiring Architectural or Drafting Technologists or Technicians from France
„„ Hiring Electronic Service Technicians from France
„„ Hiring Engineers from France
„„ Hiring Engineering Technologists or Technicians from France
„„ Hiring Geoscientists from France
„„ Hiring Geological/Mineral Technologists or Technicians from France
5
Table 3. French Engineering Labour Force by
Canadian Occupation and Average Age, 2010
Labour
Force
Labour Force
Per 1000
Workers
Average
Age
4,423
0.2
33
Canadian Occupations
Related Occupations (ISCO-88)
Geologist, Geochemists and Geophysicists
2114 Geologists and geophysicists
Civil Engineers
2142 Civil engineers
85,419
3
49
Mechanical Engineers
2145 Mechanical engineers
71,204
2.5
51
2143 Electrical engineers
35,634
1.2
33
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
2144 Electronics and telecommunications
engineers
78,324
2.7
37
Chemical Engineers
2146 Chemical engineers
8,908
0.3
33
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers
2141 Industrial and production engineers
66,718
2.3
46
4,423
0.2
33
280,330
9.8
38
4,999
0.2
31
3117 Mining and metallurgical technicians
27,581
1
31
3116 Chemical engineering technicians
35,108
1.2
29
Civil Engineering Technologists and
Technicians
3112 Civil engineering technicians
85,328
3
43
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and
Technicians
3115 Mechanical engineering technicians
115,437
4
42
3113 Electrical engineering technicians
50,163
1.8
42
3114 Electronics and telecommunications
engineering technicians
57,690
2
42
7243 Electronics mechanics and servicers
26,000
0.9
29
Architectural Technologists and Technicians
Drafting Technologists and Technicians
3118 Draughtspersons
52,691
1.8
39
Other Related Technician and Technologist
Occupations
3119 Physical and engineering science
technicians not classified elsewhere
145,546
5.1
44
4,423
0.2
33
All Engineers
630,960
22.1
41
All Engineering Technicians and Technologists
600,543
21.0
40
1,235,926
43.2
41
Metallurgical and Materials Engineers
Mining Engineers
Petroleum Engineers
Other Engineers and Related Professionals
Geological and Mineral Technologists and
Technicians
Chemical Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Technologists and Technicians
2147 Mining engineers, metallurgists and related
professionals
2149 Architects, engineers and related
professionals not classified elsewhere
3111 Chemical and physical science technicians
Electronic Service Technicians
Industrial Instruments Technicians and
Mechanics
All Geoscientists
All Engineering Occupations
*Note: Labour force estimates include both French and foreign workers in France.
Sources: Déclarations Annuelles de Données Sociales (DADS); European Social Survey.
6
Rates
of Pay
There are several different sources of information
on engineers’ salaries in France. According to
statistical salary information, in 2010 engineers’
pay averaged between €50,000 and €66,000
($75,200 CAD to $99,200 CAD). All sources report
similar average income for engineers by percentile,
ranging from a low near €33,000 in the lower 10th
percentile to a high of €108,000 in the upper 90th
percentile. Engineers’ average income increases
with age. Those less than 30 years old earned an
average income of €36,800 ($55,300 CAD) in
2010, while those aged 30–34 earned €46,200
($63,400 CAD) and those aged 35–39 earned
€54,800 ($82,400 CAD).
The average total financial compensation of
engineers was slightly lower in France than in
other countries in 2010; French engineers typically
earn more working outside of France than within
it. In 2009, engineers reported average (mean)
gross annual income of €90,520 ($136,100 CAD)
with median gross income of €69,904 ($105,110
CAD).6 Among French engineers working in
English-speaking countries, the average was even
higher at €103,903 ($156,200) with median
income of €71,089 ($106,890 CAD).
There is no official statistical source that tracks
the salaries of engineers, engineering technicians
or geosciences workers at an occupational level
(e.g., civil engineers vs. mechanical engineers). The
closest approximations are by dominant activity and
industry. (See Table 4 for additional information)
French engineers typically earn more
working outside of France than within it.
Currency conversion based on rate on December 31, 2009: 1 EUR = 1.50361 CAD.
6
7
Table 4. Annual Gross Income of
Engineers by Age and Industry, 2009
Age
Industry
Under 30
30 to 44
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
€29,000
€40,500
€61,250
€42,000
Industry
€37,200
€55,000
€87,477
€56,000
Manufacture of food, beverages and tobacco
€32,900
€55,000
€98,477
€53,072
Manufacture of textiles, clothing, leather and footwear
€35,000
€65,000
N/A
€60,000
Wood products, paper and printing industries
€35,500
€56,325
€87,706
€61,175
Chemicals industry
€39,300
€59,648
€93,000
€63,938
Pharmaceuticals
€38,375
€53,763
€95,000
€51,720
Production of plastic, glass and non-metallic minerals
€36,200
€54,702
€90,000
€56,000
Basic metals and fabricated metal products fabrication
€37,208
€52,908
€90,000
€52,800
Mfg. of computer, electronic and optical components
€36,500
€55,000
€80,500
€56,841
Mfg. electrical components
€35,188
€52,225
€84,500
€60,000
Mfg. of machinery, equipment and weapons
€36,124
€52,000
€80,000
€53,000
Mfg. of transport equipment, including aerospace
€37,587
€53,100
€86,800
€54,060
Other industries, including repair and installation of equipment
€37,000
€55,000
€75,000
€54,000
Utilities, electricity, gas, steam and air
€40,000
€62,091
€90,000
€60,000
Water, sanitation, waste management and remediation
€34,000
€49,000
€79,583
€48,792
Construction
€36,000
€54,500
€100,000
€50,000
Services
€36,000
€51,720
€76,290
€50,000
Retail and wholesale trade and repair
€36,560
€55,000
€77,737
€54,204
Transportation and storage
€39,664
€54,000
€95,000
€54,727
N/A
N/A
N/A
€62,000
Publishing, audiovisual and broadcasting
€40,446
€61,000
€70,955
€56,000
Telecommunications
€38,700
€57,000
€80,840
€56,550
Financial and insurance services
€43,000
€62,000
€92,000
€62,831
Computer and information services
€36,866
€51,600
€75,000
€47,000
Engineering activities, monitoring and analysis services, etc.
€34,240
€46,800
€76,940
€41,000
Scientific research and development
€30,960
€42,399
€64,471
€42,399
Public administration
€36,471
€48,000
€72,500
€52,500
Education
€28,239
€37,500
€58,000
€42,353
Healthcare
€33,473
€44,250
€60,480
€45,000
Other services
€38,000
€59,000
€85,319
€55,000
Accommodation and food services
Source: CNISF Observatory for Activity of Graduate Engineers, 21st Survey (2010).
8
45 to 64 All Workers
Where to
Recruit
There are 22 administrative regions in France.
Those with the greatest number of engineers
and related workers are Ile-de-France (Paris),
Rhône-Alpes (including the major cities of Lyon
and Grenoble) and Provence-Alpes–Côte d’Azur
(including Marseille, Nice, Toulon, and Aix-enProvence). Combined, these three regions are
home to 62 per cent of all engineering companies
in France and 41 per cent of the engineeringrelated labour force.
Paris is the educational, cultural and commercial
centre of France and is home to many of the
nation’s leading engineering universities.
Lyon is the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region and is
the second-largest metropolitan area in France. The
region is known for light engineering and high tech.
Mechanical engineering activity is concentrated
around Annecy, while special precision machining
is concentrated around Cluses. The region is also
known for high-tech industries and nanotechnology,
especially in Grenoble.
The Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur region is known
for electrical engineering and electronics in AlpesMaritimes (mainly around Cannes and Nice).
The Midi–Pyrénées region has a large aerospace
industry, mainly located in Toulouse. The industry
supports more than 3,000 enterprises that supply
its engineering, electronic, telecommunications and
computing infrastructure.
Table 5. Share of Engineering
Labour Force by Region
Region
Share
Ile-de-France (Paris)
22.6%
Rhône-Alpes
10.2%
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
7.5%
Nord-Pas-de-Calais
5.8%
Pays de la Loire
5.6%
Bretagne (Brittany)
4.7%
Aquitaine
4.7%
Midi-Pyrénées
4.2%
Centre
3.9%
Other regions
30.8%
Total
100%
Source: DADS Database 2010.
9
Figure 3. Regions of France
Nord-Pasde-Calais
Picardie
HauteNormandie
BasseNormandie
Ile-de-France
ChampageArdenne
Bretage
Pays de
la Loire
Centre
Bourgogne
PoitouCharentes
Lorraine
Alsage
FrancheComte
Limousin
Auvergne
Rhône-Alpes
Aquitaine
LanguedocRoussillon
Midi-Pyrénées
Provence-AlpesCôte d’Azur
Corse
10
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ISBN Electronic: 978-0-7785-9927-2