C.A. · Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 1803385)

NOC 2021 · 72100 · TEER 2

NOC 72100: Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors

Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026

Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to cut or grind metal, plastic or other materials to make or modify parts or products with precise dimensions. Machining and tooling inspectors inspect machined parts and tooling in order to maintain quality control standards. They are employed by machinery, equipment, motor vehicle, automotive parts, aircraft and other metal products manufacturing companies and by machine shops. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

TEER

TEER 2

Usually needs a college diploma, an apprenticeship of 2 or more years, or supervisory work

Median wage (Canada)

$30.00 / hour

Job Bank, 2023-2024

High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)

Not on the list

No high-wage CRS points

Express Entry categories

Trades

Category-based draws (2026)

Express Entry

How NOC 72100 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: eligible occupationNeeds 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 72100 is not one of IRCC's 186 high-wage occupations, so Canadian work or a job offer in it earns no high-wage points. Your usual Canadian work-length points still count.

See all 186 high-wage occupations

Category-based draws

  • Trades

At least 12 months of full-time work experience (or equal part-time) in the past 3 years in one listed occupation, plus Express Entry eligibility and the round instructions.

IRCC category lists

Duties

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Machinists
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, charts and tables or study sample parts to determine machining operation to be performed, and plan best sequence of operations
  • Compute dimensions and tolerances and measure and lay out work pieces
  • Set up, operate and maintain a variety of machine tools including computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools to perform precision, non-repetitive machining operations such as sawing, turning, milling, boring, planing, drilling, precision grinding and other operations
  • Fit and assemble machined metal parts and subassemblies using hand and power tools
  • Verify dimensions of products for accuracy and conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments
  • May set up and program machine tools for use by machining tool operators.
  • Machining and tooling inspectors
  • Verify dimensions of machined parts or tooling using micrometers, verniers, callipers, height gauges, optical comparators, coordinate measuring machines (CMM) or other specialized measuring instruments
  • Maintain, repair and calibrate precision measuring instruments such as dial indicators, fixed gauges, height gauges and other measuring devices
  • Report deviations from specifications and tolerances to supervisor
  • Complete and maintain inspection reports.

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

  • automotive machinist
  • aviation machinist
  • general machinist
  • machine shop inspector
  • machined parts inspector
  • machining inspector
  • machinist
  • machinist apprentice
  • tooling inspector
All 47 job titles in NOC 72100
  • aircraft engine parts machinist
  • aircraft machinist
  • apprentice automotive machinist
  • apprentice machinist
  • auto parts machine shop inspector
  • automotive machinist
  • aviation machinist
  • ballistic laboratory machinist
  • bench machinist
  • computer numerical control (CNC) machinist
  • computer-assisted machinist
  • diesel engine machinist
  • differential gear testing machinist
  • dimensional inspector - machine shop
  • electrical machinist
  • experimental machinist
  • firearms machining inspector
  • firearms model maker machinist
  • gear inspector-machinist
  • gear tester-machinist
  • general machinist
  • journeyman/woman machinist
  • machine shop charge hand
  • machine shop inspector
  • machined parts inspector
  • machining and tooling inspector
  • machining inspector
  • machinist
  • machinist apprentice
  • maintenance machinist
  • master machinist
  • model maker machinist
  • motion picture equipment machinist
  • mould and core machinist
  • mouldmaking machinist
  • numerically controlled (NC) machinist
  • precision machinist
  • printing press machinist
  • propeller inspector - machining
  • prototype machinist
  • set-up machinist
  • tool and die inspector
  • tool and gauge inspector
  • tooling inspector
  • toolroom inspector
  • toolroom machinist
  • turbine blade machinist

Requirements

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
  • Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some college and industry courses in machining may be required for trade certification.
  • Trade certification for machinists is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories.
  • Trade certification for tool and gauge inspectors is available, but voluntary, in Ontario.
  • Trade certification for machinists (CNC) is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick, Quebec and Manitoba.
  • Several years of experience as a machinist, tool and die maker or machining tool operator may be required for machining and tooling inspectors.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified machinists upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

Additional information

  • Familiarity with exotic and composite materials may be required for machinists in aviation and other advanced manufacturing sectors.
  • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with 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 72100 in Canada

Low, median and high wages per hour in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data.

RegionLowMedianHighSource
Canada$21.00$30.00$41.50Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
Newfoundland and Labrador$20.00$30.00$39.00Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
Prince Edward Island$21.95$27.96$31.82Small Area Estimation, 2024
Nova Scotia$21.00$31.00$47.12Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
New Brunswick$20.00$30.00$36.00Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
Quebec$21.00$27.50$38.00Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
Ontario$21.00$30.00$40.85Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
Manitoba$19.00$28.00$40.00Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
Saskatchewan$28.85$35.00$45.00Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
Alberta$25.00$36.50$45.00Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
British Columbia$25.00$38.00$46.29Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024

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.

GoodNova Scotia

The employment outlook will be Good for machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (NOC 72100) in Nova Scotia 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.

Steady employment growth and fewer applicants have resulted in growing demand for this occupation. Opportunities are more abundant in the Halifax area, particularly in oceans-related industries.

Here are some key facts about machinists and machining and tooling inspectors in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 550 people work in this occupation.

Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 39%

Other transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336, except 3366): 21%

Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 7%

Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 5%

80% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors work all year, while 20% 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.

5% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors 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: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 12% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 35% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 48% compared to 22% 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 10% for all occupations

ModeratePrince Edward Island

The employment outlook will be Moderate for machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (NOC 72100) 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 moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about machinists and machining and tooling inspectors in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 59%

Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 36%

81% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors work all year, while 19% 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 47 weeks compared to 41 weeks 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: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: n/a

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 24% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 65% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

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

ModerateNew Brunswick

The employment outlook will be Moderate for machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (NOC 72100) in New Brunswick 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 moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors are employed by manufacturing companies—particularly metal, machinery, and transportation equipment manufacturers. Some workers are also employed in the repair and maintenance sector.

The high level of construction activity in the province and the resulting need for metal, machines and other materials is expected to support demand for this occupation going forward. Employment growth in this occupation is dependent on new manufacturing plants opening and expanding or replacing workers who have moved up to other roles within the company.

New automation technologies may shift the tasks done by machinists and machining and tooling inspectors going forward.

Employers may require the completion of a machinist diploma or apprenticeship program. A Red Seal endorsement or Journeyperson Certificate will enhance employment prospects.

Experience reading and interpreting blueprints and using power tools are considered an asset by employers.

Here are some key facts about machinists and machining and tooling inspectors in New Brunswick:

Approximately 600 people work in this occupation.

Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 30%

Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 22%

Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 15%

Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 11%

Construction (NAICS 23): 5%

67% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors work all year, while 33% 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 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

7% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors are self-employed compared to an average of 10% 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: 7% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 33% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 40% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 16% for all occupations

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

ModerateQuebec

The employment outlook will be Moderate for machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (NOC 72100) in Quebec 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 moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this occupation primarily depends on the vitality of the manufacturing industries. Although these industries rely heavily on domestic demand, exports have been gaining importance for several years.

Stabilizing inflation and lower interest rates should improve the outlook for this occupational group by stimulating manufacturing activity and the development of construction projects.

However, technological changes that contribute to increased labour productivity and higher skill levels could moderate job growth.

Here are some key facts about machinists and machining and tooling inspectors in Quebec:

Approximately 12,650 people work in this occupation.

Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 31%

Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 17%

Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 12%

Miscellaneous manufacturing (NAICS 339): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 95% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 5% compared to 18% for all occupations

68% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors work all year, while 32% 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.

Less than 5% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 93% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 7% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 9% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 55% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 16% 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

ModerateManitoba

The employment outlook will be Moderate for machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (NOC 72100) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

Several 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 machinists and machining and tooling inspectors in Manitoba:

Approximately 1,050 people work in this occupation.

Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 49%

Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 15%

Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 6%

82% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors work all year, while 18% 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 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors 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: 9% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 43% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 22% 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

ModerateBritish Columbia

The employment outlook will be Moderate for machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (NOC 72100) in British Columbia 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 moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about machinists and machining and tooling inspectors in British Columbia:

Approximately 3,250 people work in this occupation.

Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 34%

Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 20%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 6%

74% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors work all year, while 26% 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.

6% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors 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: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 16% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 53% compared to 13% for all occupations

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

bachelor's degree: 6% compared to 22% for all occupations

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

LimitedOntario

The employment outlook will be Limited for machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (NOC 72100) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

Several 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?

Manufacturers, particularly in machine shops, metalworking machinery, motor vehicle parts, and aerospace product and parts production

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Job prospects will be constrained by weak business conditions in manufacturing as a whole due to economic uncertainty

Need for fabricated metal goods to support investments in construction, and power generation, should lead to some employment openings

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

There are four voluntary skilled trades associated with this occupation in Ontario, named, Mould Maker, General Machinist, Motive Power Machinist, and Tool and Gauge Inspector.

Here are some key facts about machinists and machining and tooling inspectors in Ontario:

Approximately 14,650 people work in this occupation.

Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 26%

Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 25%

Motor vehicle, body, trailer and parts manufacturing (NAICS 3361-3363): 12%

Other transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 3364-3369): 6%

Miscellaneous manufacturing (NAICS 339): 6%

74% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors 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 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors 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: 6% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 24% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 27% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 33% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 24% for all occupations

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

LimitedSaskatchewan

The employment outlook will be Limited for machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (NOC 72100) in Saskatchewan 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 moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about machinists and machining and tooling inspectors in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 800 people work in this occupation.

Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 49%

Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 19%

Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 9%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 95% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

81% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors work all year, while 19% 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.

9% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors 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: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 54% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 16% 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

LimitedAlberta

The employment outlook will be Limited for machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (NOC 72100) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

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

Limited job opportunities for the forecast period due to cost-cutting measures, automation and offshoring.

Employment turnover is expected as members retire over the next few years.

Here are some key facts about machinists and machining and tooling inspectors in Alberta:

Approximately 4,000 people work in this occupation.

Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 43%

Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 16%

Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 7%

Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 6%

67% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors work all year, while 33% 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 43 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

6% of machinists and machining and tooling inspectors 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: 6% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 20% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 45% compared to 13% for all occupations

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

bachelor's degree: 8% compared to 21% for all occupations

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

UndeterminedNewfoundland and Labrador

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

UndeterminedNorthwest Territories

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

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 72100 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.

Same occupation group

Machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades

Questions

NOC 72100: common questions

What is the NOC code for machinists and machining and tooling inspectors?
The NOC 2021 code is 72100 (Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors). Job titles in this group include automotive machinist, aviation machinist, general machinist, machine shop inspector, machined parts inspector. Your NOC is set by your actual duties, not your job title.
What TEER category is NOC 72100?
NOC 72100 is TEER 2. Usually needs a college diploma, an apprenticeship of 2 or more years, or supervisory work.
Is NOC 72100 eligible for Express Entry?
Yes. As a TEER 2 occupation it counts as skilled work for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, and it is also in a Federal Skilled Trades group. You still need to meet each program's other requirements.
Is NOC 72100 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
No. It is not on IRCC's list of 186 high-wage occupations, so work or a job offer in it does not earn the new high-wage CRS points from 3 November 2026.
Is NOC 72100 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
Yes: Trades. You need at least 12 months of full-time work in a listed occupation in the past 3 years, as well as Express Entry eligibility.
What is the median wage for NOC 72100 in Canada?
The national median wage is $30.00 per hour, according to Job Bank (Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024). It ranges from $21.00 to $41.50.

Classification

Where it sits in NOC 2021

  1. 7Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupationsBroad Category
  2. 72Technical trades and transportation officers and controllersMajor Group
  3. 721Technical industrial tradesSub-major Group
  4. 7210Machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting tradesMinor Group
  5. 72100Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors

Enquiry

Is NOC 72100 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.

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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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