NOC 72021: Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews

The employment outlook will be Good for contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews (NOC 72021) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Investments in industrial projects and mining and improved commercial construction will support demand for this occupation.

Ongoing activities to repair and renovate provincially owned housing and highway infrastructure will support demand for this occupation.

Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 2,500 people work in this occupation.

Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 68%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 7%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 7%

68% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews work all year, while 32% 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 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

27% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 19% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 48% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 21% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 7% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews (NOC 72021) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

This occupation will benefit from major public and private construction projects scheduled in Northwest Territories over the forecast period.

For example, the planned construction of the $1.65 billion Mackenzie Valley Highway, connecting Wrigley to Norman Wells, is expected to generate employment in this occupation when construction begins in 2027 or 2028. Ongoing work at the $4 billion Giant Mine remediation site may also lead to construction employment.

Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 45%

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 31%

Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 10%

Utilities (NAICS 22): 7%

Other Commercial Services (NAICS 54-56, 81): 7%

80% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews work all year, while 20% 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 47 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

20% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews are self-employed compared to an average of 7% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 27% compared to 17% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 18% compared to 26% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 18% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 36% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Moderate for contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews (NOC 72021) in Newfoundland and Labrador 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.

Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities may vary depending on the time of the year.

Non-residential construction investment is likely to hold steady over the forecast period. New and ongoing projects in the provincial mining industry should play a key role in maintaining employment prospects.

Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 800 people work in this occupation.

Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 78%

57% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews work all year, while 42% 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 41 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

22% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 19% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 30% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 18% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews (NOC 72021) 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 several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 200 people work in this occupation.

Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 93%

76% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews work all year, while 24% 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 46 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

20% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 90% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 10% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 23% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 40% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 23% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews (NOC 72021) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 1,300 people work in this occupation.

Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 83%

72% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews work all year, while 28% 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 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

23% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 19% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 34% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 21% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 17% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 8% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews (NOC 72021) 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 several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews in New Brunswick:

Approximately 1,250 people work in this occupation.

Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 76%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 5%

Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 5%

69% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews work all year, while 31% 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 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

27% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 94% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 6% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 18% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 40% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 22% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 6% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews (NOC 72021) in Quebec 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 moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews in Quebec:

Approximately 10,900 people work in this occupation.

Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 76%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%

59% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews work all year, while 41% 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 45 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

24% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 19% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 20% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 44% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews (NOC 72021) in Ontario 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 moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Most work in the construction industry, in heavy and civil engineering, the construction of buildings, and as specialty trade contractors

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Construction activity is expected to be favourable across Ontario over the forecast period supported by large infrastructure investments in transit, power generation, and highways and bridges

Steady demand for housing to meet population growth including multi-unit buildings in larger urban centres

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

Journeyman/woman trade certification in a relevant trade may be required.

Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews in Ontario:

Approximately 16,550 people work in this occupation.

Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 71%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 11%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%

74% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews work all year, while 26% 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 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

16% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 17% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 38% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 21% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 9% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews (NOC 72021) in Manitoba 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 several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews in Manitoba:

Approximately 1,750 people work in this occupation.

Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 76%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 10%

73% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews work all year, while 27% 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 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

19% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 27% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 43% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 9% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews (NOC 72021) in Alberta 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 moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Provincial infrastructure spending for the upgrade and construction of schools and highways will support employment opportunities in non-residential construction for the forecast period.

A variety of industrial and energy construction projects in Alberta are expected to also drive the demand for labour over the forecast period.

Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews in Alberta:

Approximately 9,700 people work in this occupation.

Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 76%

62% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews work all year, while 38% 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 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

22% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 20% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 38% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 22% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews (NOC 72021) in British Columbia 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 moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Some physical duties of this occupation could be performed by automation technologies, which may enable workers to do their jobs more efficiently.

The adoption of new technologies such as robotics (including autonomous vehicles, drones, sensors) integrated with digital innovations are expected to bolster industries including construction, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, and trade.

Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews in British Columbia:

Approximately 9,150 people work in this occupation.

Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 73%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 8%

70% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews work all year, while 30% 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 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

28% of contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 14% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 43% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 23% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.