NOC 2021 · 72102 · TEER 2
NOC 72102: Sheet metal workers
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Sheet metal workers fabricate, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products. They are employed by sheet metal fabrication shops, sheet metal products manufacturing companies, sheet metal work contractors and various industrial sectors. 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)
$34.07 / hour
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Tier 3
+20 CRS for Canadian work, or 50 for a job offer
Express Entry categories
Trades
Category-based draws (2026)
Express Entry
How NOC 72102 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 72102 is in tier 3 of IRCC's high-wage list, in effect from 3 November 2026.
| 12+ months of Canadian work | +20 points on top of work-length points |
|---|---|
| Qualifying job offer (no LMIA) | 50 points |
You get whichever option scores higher, not both.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-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 listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Read engineering and architectural drawings, sketches and work specifications to be performed, and lay out, measure and mark sheet metal according to drawings or templates
- Develop patterns for sheet metal using computer-assisted design and drafting (CAD) software package
- Operate light metalworking machines such as shears, brakes, punches, and drill presses, including computer numerical control (CNC) equipment to cut, bend, punch, drill, shape or straighten sheet metal
- Operate computerized laser or plasma cutting equipment to cut sheet metal
- Install and use rigging and hoisting equipment
- Fit and join sheet metal parts using riveting, welding, soldering and similar equipment to fabricate products such as ventilation shafts, exhaust hoods, eavestroughs, partition frames, air and heat ducts, material handling systems, roof decking and sheet metal buildings
- Install sheet metal products according to specifications and building codes
- Grind and buff seams, joints and rough surfaces
- Inspect product quality and installation to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Sheet metal workers may specialize in on-site installation or shop manufacture of sheet metal products, or servicing and maintenance of installed equipment and systems.
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
- apprentice sheet metal worker
- sheet metal fabricator
- sheet metal mechanic
- sheet metal worker
- tinsmith
All 34 job titles in NOC 72102
- aircraft layout man/woman sheet metal
- apprentice sheet metal worker
- apprentice tinsmith
- construction sheet metal worker
- coppersmith
- custom sheet metal fabricator
- fitter - sheet metal working
- high rise sheet metal installer
- industrial sheet metal worker
- journeyman/woman sheet metal worker
- maintenance sheet metal worker
- metal furniture model maker
- metal furniture patternmaker
- plant tinsmith
- precision sheet metal fabricator
- precision sheet metal mechanic
- precision sheet metal worker
- residential (low rise) sheet metal installer
- sheet metal fabricator
- sheet metal installer
- sheet metal lay-out worker
- sheet metal mechanic
- sheet metal mechanic apprentice
- sheet metal mechanic bench hand
- sheet metal model maker
- sheet metal patternmaker
- sheet metal roofer
- sheet metal work erector
- sheet metal worker
- sheet metal worker - manufacturing
- sheet metal worker - specialty manufacturing
- tinsmith
- tinsmith - sheet metal work
- tinsmith roofer
Also includes: sheet metal roofer.
Requirements
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a three to five year apprenticeship program or A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in sheet metal working is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Trade certification for sheet metal workers is compulsory in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta, and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
- Trade certification for precision sheet metal set-up operator is available, but voluntary in Quebec.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified sheet metal workers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Additional information
- 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 72102 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 | $22.70 | $34.07 | $45.95 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $24.50 | $34.75 | $45.25 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $19.50 | $29.00 | $38.32 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| New Brunswick | $20.00 | $27.30 | $35.73 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $25.50 | $40.00 | $44.79 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $22.94 | $35.00 | $48.17 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $20.00 | $29.50 | $42.00 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $19.74 | $29.50 | $44.66 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $20.00 | $30.00 | $42.00 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $23.14 | $32.16 | $45.60 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 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's 3-year employment outlook for this occupation, by province and territory.
ModerateNova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for sheet metal workers (NOC 72102) in Nova Scotia 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 sheet metal workers in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 550 people work in this occupation.
Sheet metal workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 79%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 9%
50% of sheet metal workers work all year, while 50% 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 39 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
8% of sheet metal workers 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: 8% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 19% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 53% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 18% 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
ModerateNew Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Moderate for sheet metal workers (NOC 72102) 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 sheet metal workers in New Brunswick:
Approximately 400 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Sheet metal workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 77%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 15%
43% of sheet metal workers work all year, while 56% 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 38 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of sheet metal workers are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 92% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 8% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 12% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 30% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 44% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 16% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModerateManitoba
The employment outlook will be Moderate for sheet metal workers (NOC 72102) 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 a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about sheet metal workers in Manitoba:
Approximately 750 people work in this occupation.
Sheet metal workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 70%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 17%
67% of sheet metal workers work all year, while 33% 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 45 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of sheet metal workers 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: 8% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 39% 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: less than 5% 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
ModerateSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Moderate for sheet metal workers (NOC 72102) 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.
Here are some key facts about sheet metal workers in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 500 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Sheet metal workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 86%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 14%
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
51% of sheet metal workers work all year, while 49% 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 41 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
8% of sheet metal workers 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: 24% compared to 33% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 61% 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
ModerateAlberta
The employment outlook will be Moderate for sheet metal workers (NOC 72102) 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 several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Provincial infrastructure spending for the upgrade and construction of health care facilities and schools will support employment opportunities in non-residential construction for the forecast period.
Here are some key facts about sheet metal workers in Alberta:
Approximately 1,550 people work in this occupation.
Sheet metal workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 71%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 13%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 95% compared to 80% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 5% compared to 20% for all occupations
54% of sheet metal workers work all year, while 46% 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 42 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
10% of sheet metal workers 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: 12% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 24% 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: 9% compared to 19% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 21% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
LimitedOntario
The employment outlook will be Limited for sheet metal workers (NOC 72102) in Ontario 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.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
Construction companies such as heating and air-conditioning contractors and building exterior contractors
Fabricated metal product manufacturers
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
Large infrastructure investments in transit, utilities, and health care, and steady demand for new housing will sustain some work for sheet metal workers
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
There are two compulsory skilled trades associated with this occupation in Ontario, namely, Sheet Metal Worker and Residential (Low Rise) Sheet Metal Installer.
Here are some key facts about sheet metal workers in Ontario:
Approximately 5,650 people work in this occupation.
Sheet metal workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 70%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 15%
55% of sheet metal workers work all year, while 45% 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 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
9% of sheet metal workers 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: 20% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 49% compared to 8% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 22% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 24% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations
LimitedBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Limited for sheet metal workers (NOC 72102) 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 several 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 sheet metal workers in British Columbia:
Approximately 2,600 people work in this occupation.
Sheet metal workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 65%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 19%
66% of sheet metal workers work all year, while 34% 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 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
8% of sheet metal workers 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: 26% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 55% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 10% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
Very limitedQuebec
The employment outlook will be Very limited for sheet metal workers (NOC 72102) in Quebec 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 several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about sheet metal workers in Quebec:
Approximately 4,000 people work in this occupation.
Sheet metal workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 76%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 9%
Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 5%
50% of sheet metal workers work all year, while 50% 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 43 weeks for all occupations.
6% of sheet metal workers 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: 12% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 14% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 64% compared to 19% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 8% 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
UndeterminedNewfoundland and Labrador
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedPrince Edward Island
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 72102 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.
- 72404 Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
- 72103 Boilermakers
- 72105 Ironworkers
- 94105 Metalworking and forging machine operators
- 72010 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
- 72104 Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
Same occupation group
Machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades
- 72100 Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
- 72101 Tool and die makers
- 72103 Boilermakers
- 72104 Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
- 72105 Ironworkers
- 72106 Welders and related machine operators
Questions
NOC 72102: common questions
What is the NOC code for sheet metal workers?
What TEER category is NOC 72102?
Is NOC 72102 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 72102 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 72102 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 72102 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 7Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupationsBroad Category
- 72Technical trades and transportation officers and controllersMajor Group
- 721Technical industrial tradesSub-major Group
- 7210Machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting tradesMinor Group
- 72102Sheet metal workers
Enquiry
Is NOC 72102 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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