NOC 2021 · 42100 · TEER 2
NOC 42100: Police officers (except commissioned)
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Police officers maintain order and enforce laws and regulations. They respond to emergency calls, patrol public areas, regulate traffic, control crowds, arrest offenders and build community relationships. They are employed by municipal and federal governments and some provincial and regional governments.
TEER
TEER 2
Usually needs a college diploma, an apprenticeship of 2 or more years, or supervisory work
Median wage (Canada)
$50.00 / hour
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Tier 2
+40 CRS for Canadian work, or 70 for a job offer
Express Entry categories
None
General and program draws only
Express Entry
How NOC 42100 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: not eligibleNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 42100 is in tier 2 of IRCC's high-wage list, in effect from 3 November 2026.
| 12+ months of Canadian work | +40 points on top of work-length points |
|---|---|
| Qualifying job offer (no LMIA) | 70 points |
You get whichever option scores higher, not both.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
NOC 42100 is not on any of IRCC's 2026 occupation categories. You can still be invited through general, program-specific or French-language draws.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Respond to emergency calls and complaints, execute search warrants and arrest criminal suspects
- Patrol assigned areas on foot, horseback, bicycle and motorized vehicles to maintain public safety and order and to enforce laws and regulations
- Prepare reports to record incidents and patrol activities and to provide testimony in courts of law
- Provide emergency assistance to victims of accidents, crimes and natural disasters
- Monitor traffic to ensure motorists observe traffic regulations and test persons suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs
- Control crowds at public events and protests and monitor suspicious and violent behaviour
- Participate in crime prevention, public information, safety and community relations programs
- Perform daily administrative tasks in support of law enforcement activities, such as maintaining equipment and information files
- May assist police investigators in criminal investigations.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- community relations officer - police
- constable
- crime prevention constable
- harbour police officer
- highway patrol officer
- police cadet
- police officer
- police sergeant
- railway police officer
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer
All 56 job titles in NOC 42100
- bodyguard - police
- canine-team member - police
- community police officer
- community relations officer - police
- community services officer - police
- constable
- crime prevention constable
- crime scene technician - police
- desk officer - police
- diversity and race relations officer - police
- divisional diving supervisor - police
- dog master - police
- education relations officer - policing
- ethnic relations officer - police
- evidence technician - police
- harbour police officer
- harbour police sergeant
- harbour policeman/woman
- headquarters duty officer - police
- highway patrol officer
- highway patrolman/woman
- identification officer - police
- military policeman/woman - except commissioned
- morality officer - police
- motorcycle patrolman/woman - police
- mounted police constable
- mounted policeman/woman
- patrol officer - police
- peace officer
- plain-clothes officer
- police cadet
- police constable
- police corporal
- police diver
- police diver - salvage
- police officer
- police sergeant
- policeman/woman
- railway guard - police
- railway police constable
- railway police officer
- railway special agent - police
- recruitment and training officer - police
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer
- safety patrol officer - police
- school liaison officer - police
- school safety officer - police
- scuba diver - police
- scuba-diving specialist - police
- secret service officer
- security constable - police
- security officer - police
- staff sergeant - police
- station duty officer - police
- station officer - police
- traffic patrol officer
Also includes: crime scene technician - police, police diver.
Requirements
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is required.
- Completion of a college program in police technology is required in Québec and usually required in other provinces and territories.
- A three- to six-month police training program is required.
- Physical agility, strength, fitness and vision requirements must be met, and psychological or other tests are also required.
- Specialized training or certification may be required for certain areas of policing.
Additional information
- Progression to investigative positions is possible with additional training and experience.
This occupation may be regulated in some provinces. You may need a licence or certificate from the provincial regulator before you can work in it in Canada, even if you hold permanent residence.
Wages
Wages for NOC 42100 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per hour in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $32.00 | $50.00 | $64.10 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $33.49 | $48.08 | $61.06 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Prince Edward Island | $36.92 | $52.88 | $62.02 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $33.65 | $50.00 | $66.35 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| New Brunswick | $36.00 | $50.00 | $59.62 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $28.57 | $45.08 | $64.29 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $32.21 | $50.55 | $64.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $28.85 | $51.30 | $62.02 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $35.00 | $52.00 | $65.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $34.62 | $50.00 | $59.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $35.00 | $54.00 | $70.67 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Nunavut | $39.81 | $56.47 | $72.31 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank rates the 3-year outlook as good or very good in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Columbia, Northwest Territories.
GoodNova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Good for police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 42100) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
As with most public-sector employment, budgetary restrictions may limit overall employment growth, though stronger rates of population growth in recent years have prompted some population centres to fund a larger number of positions.
This is a large occupational group overall so positions will arise through normal retirements and attrition. There have been reports of growing difficulty filling vacancies with both the RCMP and municipal police forces in the province.
Here are some key facts about police officers (except commissioned) in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 1,950 people work in this occupation.
Police officers (except commissioned) mainly work in the following sectors:
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 55%
Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 43%
86% of police officers (except commissioned) work all year, while 14% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 79% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 21% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 15% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 22% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 24% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 35% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
GoodNew Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Good for police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 42100) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Candidates must be a graduate of a certified Canadian police training academy or equivalent, as defined under the New Brunswick Police Act.
Candidates must be medically fit for duty and must also complete the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (PARE), which tests a person's ability to perform the physical demands of police work.
Candidates must possess a valid unrestricted Class 5 New Brunswick driver’s license or equivalent.
Advancements in technology has impacted forensic analysis, surveillance, and data analysis for police officers. As such, individuals with strong technological skills will have better prospects when it comes to analyzing cybercrimes and using policing tools.
Opportunities will be greater in the province’s larger urban centres of (Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John), as these areas are more densely populated.
Opportunities will also be greater for those who are fluent in both official languages of New Brunswick.
Here are some key facts about police officers (except commissioned) in New Brunswick:
Approximately 1,700 people work in this occupation.
Police officers (except commissioned) mainly work in the following sectors:
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 74%
Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 21%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 6%
91% of police officers (except commissioned) work all year, while 9% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 79% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 21% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 14% compared to 30% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 24% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 33% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 27% compared to 16% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
GoodManitoba
The employment outlook will be Good for police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 42100) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Demand for this occupation is influence by population growth, provincial and municipal budgets, and crime patterns including the volume and nature of calls for service.
Several communities in the province have struggled to recruit new police officers to fill vacancies and address shortages.
Winnipeg has experienced a significant increase in some types of crime and is exploring recruitment outside of the province.
Key trends include artificial intelligence (AI), data and predictive analytics, digital forensics, community-oriented approaches, cybersecurity, and mobile technology tools such as body-worn cameras and real-time data.
Here are some key facts about police officers (except commissioned) in Manitoba:
Approximately 3,400 people work in this occupation.
Police officers (except commissioned) mainly work in the following sectors:
Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 56%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 41%
89% of police officers (except commissioned) work all year, while 11% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 83% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 17% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 32% compared to 31% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 23% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 28% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
GoodBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Good for police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 42100) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Some police forces face local recruitment shortages, although limited training capacity has slowed the occupation’s ability to grow.
The Justice Institute of British Columbia aims to increase its training seats by 50% in 2026.
The RCMP is also faces hiring shortages throughout the province as municipal forces draw many potential recruits.
The Surrey Police Service has hired much of the available labour for this occupation in the Lower Mainland-Southwest region, though there have been calls for more specialized hiring to address public safety concerns such as organized crime.
Based on the Statistics Canada 2024 Crime Severity Index (2023-2024), British Columbia experienced a decrease in violent crime (-3.4%) and in non-violent crimes (-13.5%); meanwhile, retail theft (shoplifting) in 2024 increased for the fourth year in a row.
Here are some key facts about police officers (except commissioned) in British Columbia:
Approximately 10,800 people work in this occupation.
Police officers (except commissioned) mainly work in the following sectors:
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 66%
Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 31%
87% of police officers (except commissioned) work all year, while 13% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 76% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 24% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 35% compared to 22% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
GoodNorthwest Territories
The employment outlook will be Good for police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 42100) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Job growth for this occupation depends mainly on demand for police services and government budget allocations for public safety.
Most jobs in this field are with federal police services, but limited opportunities also exist in First Nations police services.
The crime rate per 100,000 people in the Northwest Territories was the highest in Canada in 2024, increasing demand for this occupation (
Statistics Canada, 2025
).
Here are some key facts about police officers (except commissioned) in Northwest Territories:
Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Police officers (except commissioned) mainly work in the following sectors:
Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): more than 95%
90% of police officers (except commissioned) work all year, while 10% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 68% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 32% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 24% compared to 26% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 33% compared to 18% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 27% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 9% compared to 9% for all occupations
ModerateNewfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Moderate for police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 42100) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) had about 30 vacant positions in spring 2025 and have been offering a cash incentive to boost recruitment. Overall employment growth across all police forces is expected to decline due to budget constraints.
Here are some key facts about police officers (except commissioned) in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Approximately 1,050 people work in this occupation.
Police officers (except commissioned) mainly work in the following sectors:
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 49%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 47%
91% of police officers (except commissioned) work all year, while 9% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 50 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 75% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 25% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 14% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 16% compared to 17% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 35% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 33% compared to 14% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
ModeratePrince Edward Island
The employment outlook will be Moderate for police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 42100) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Police officers in Prince Edward Island continue to face favourable demand, with vacancies rising as population growth has outpaced the number of officers hired. Recruitment efforts are ongoing, including targeted hiring events such as the RCMP Diversity Symposium and career fairs in the province. Employment opportunities remain closely tied to government spending on police services, and while federal immigration cuts may slow long-term population growth, near-term demand is sustained by retirements and community safety needs. Entry requirements remain relatively low (completion of high school), but in practice, new recruits often hold postsecondary education, creating stronger competition for placements. Police services also continue to emphasize diversity hiring, focusing on candidates from underrepresented groups. For new graduates or career seekers, this occupation offers stable employment, clear advancement pathways, and favourable demand across municipal and federal policing, though persistence and flexibility are key to securing positions.
Here are some key facts about police officers (except commissioned) in Prince Edward Island:
Approximately 250 people work in this occupation.
Police officers (except commissioned) mainly work in the following sectors:
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 66%
Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 28%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 6%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 91% compared to 84% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 9% compared to 16% for all occupations
86% of police officers (except commissioned) work all year, while 14% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 84% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 16% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 11% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 39% compared to 25% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 30% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModerateQuebec
The employment outlook will be Moderate for police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 42100) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is primarily dependent on government spending allocated to police services. While the demand for prevention services is growing, its impact on hiring is limited due to budgetary constraints at various levels of government.
Furthermore, the practice of this occupation is influenced by new modes of work organization, technological innovations requiring improvement, and legislative changes necessitating an upgrade of knowledge.
However, interventions with vulnerable clients with mental health or criminality problems continue to increase, which puts positive pressure on this occupational group.
Here are some key facts about police officers (except commissioned) in Quebec:
Approximately 15,800 people work in this occupation.
Police officers (except commissioned) mainly work in the following sectors:
Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 56%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 33%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 8%
86% of police officers (except commissioned) work all year, while 14% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 72% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 28% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 82% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 8% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
ModerateOntario
The employment outlook will be Moderate for police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 42100) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
Nearly all employed in public administration, mainly by municipal governments
What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?
Recruitment activities are expected to be relatively steady in some areas to meet overall demand for policing services
Targeted hiring initiatives to improve diversity in the police workforce are also supporting opportunities
Budgetary considerations may affect the level of enrolment each year in the different regions
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
Usually, at least high school education
Most police services in the province require applicants to have the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Certificate
What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?
Ontario has approximately 43 municipal police services and each region usually carries out its own staffing plan.
Here are some key facts about police officers (except commissioned) in Ontario:
Approximately 31,500 people work in this occupation.
Police officers (except commissioned) mainly work in the following sectors:
Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 67%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 21%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 11%
87% of police officers (except commissioned) work all year, while 13% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 77% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 23% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 12% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 8% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 43% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 34% compared to 24% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations
ModerateSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Moderate for police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 42100) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about police officers (except commissioned) in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 3,150 people work in this occupation.
Police officers (except commissioned) mainly work in the following sectors:
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 55%
Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 42%
89% of police officers (except commissioned) work all year, while 11% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 73% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 27% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 27% compared to 33% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 17% compared to 15% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 25% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 28% compared to 18% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
ModerateAlberta
The employment outlook will be Moderate for police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 42100) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Job growth for this occupation depends mainly on demand for police services and government budget allocations for public safety.
Most jobs in the field are with municipal police services, but opportunities also exist in provincial, federal and First Nations police services.
Alberta's Budget 2025 allocates $1.3 billion for Public Safety and Emergency Services, an increase of 3.7% from 2024-25.
Job openings may arise in regions with growing populations.
Here are some key facts about police officers (except commissioned) in Alberta:
Approximately 12,600 people work in this occupation.
Police officers (except commissioned) mainly work in the following sectors:
Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 54%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 37%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 7%
89% of police officers (except commissioned) work all year, while 11% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 79% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 21% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 22% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 37% compared to 19% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 27% compared to 21% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
UndeterminedNunavut
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 42100 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
- 43202 By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers
- 40040 Commissioned police officers and related occupations in public protection services
- 41310 Police investigators and other investigative occupations
- 64410 Security guards and related security service occupations
- 43200 Sheriffs and bailiffs
Same occupation group
Occupations in front-line public protection services
Questions
NOC 42100: common questions
What is the NOC code for police officers (except commissioned)?
What TEER category is NOC 42100?
Is NOC 42100 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 42100 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 42100 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 42100 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 4Occupations in education, law and social, community and government servicesBroad Category
- 42Front-line public protection services and paraprofessional occupations in legal, social, community, education servicesMajor Group
- 421Occupations in front-line public protection servicesSub-major Group
- 4210Occupations in front-line public protection servicesMinor Group
- 42100Police officers (except commissioned)
Enquiry
Is NOC 42100 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
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