NOC 2021 · 72105 · TEER 2
NOC 72105: Ironworkers
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Ironworkers fabricate, erect, hoist, install, repair and service structural ironwork, precast concrete, concrete reinforcing materials, curtain walls, ornamental iron and other metals used in the construction of buildings, bridges, highways, dams and other structures and equipment. They are employed by construction ironwork contractors. 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)
$43.00 / 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
None
General and program draws only
Express Entry
How NOC 72105 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 72105 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
NOC 72105 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:
- Read blueprints and specifications to lay out work
- Unload and position steel units so each piece can be hoisted as needed
- Erect and install scaffolding, hoisting equipment and rigging
- Signal crane operator to position steel units according to blueprints
- Align and weld or bolt steel units in place
- Erect structural and architectural precast concrete components for buildings, bridges, towers and other structures
- Assemble and erect prefabricated metal structures
- Position and secure steel bars or metal mesh in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures
- Install ornamental and other structural metalwork such as curtain walls, metal stairways, railings and power doors
- Examine structures and equipment for deterioration, defects or non-compliance with specifications
- May dismantle structures and equipment.
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
- ironworker
- ironworker - metal building systems erector
- ironworker apprentice
- ornamental ironworker
- reinforcing ironworker
- structural steel erector
All 34 job titles in NOC 72105
- apprentice ironworker
- apprentice metal structure erector
- bridge construction ironworker
- building systems erector
- curtain wall installation ironworker
- generalist steel structure erector
- iron structure erector
- ironworker
- ironworker - metal building systems erector
- ironworker - ornamental
- ironworker - reinforcing rebar
- ironworker apprentice
- ironworker generalist
- journeyman/woman ironworker
- journeyman/woman reinforcing ironworker
- metal scaffold erector
- metal structure erector
- metal tank erecting ironworker
- metal wall framing installer
- metal wall framing ironworker
- metal wall installation ironworker
- ornamental ironworker
- ornamental-metal worker
- precast concrete erector
- reinforcing ironworker
- reinforcing rodworker
- reinforcing steel ironworker
- rodworker apprentice
- steel door setting ironworker
- structural iron erector
- structural ironworker
- structural metal erector
- structural steel erector
- tower crane erector
Requirements
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a two- to three-year apprenticeship program or Over three years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in ironworking are usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Trade certification for ironworker (generalist) is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
- Trade certification for ironworker (reinforcing) is compulsory in Quebec and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
- Trade certification for ironworker (structural/ornamental) is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
- Trade certification for ironworker (metal building systems erector) is compulsory in Alberta.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified ironworkers 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 72105 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 | $29.00 | $43.00 | $49.80 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $32.00 | $41.09 | $48.11 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $24.72 | $36.71 | $47.35 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| New Brunswick | $26.00 | $38.00 | $48.36 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $35.10 | $44.23 | $48.60 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $32.27 | $44.34 | $50.25 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $25.07 | $35.00 | $48.00 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $25.00 | $39.08 | $46.92 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $27.00 | $40.60 | $51.00 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $26.00 | $38.09 | $50.59 | 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 rates the 3-year outlook as good or very good in Nova Scotia.
GoodNova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Good for ironworkers (NOC 72105) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of 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 ironworkers in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 650 people work in this occupation.
Ironworkers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 50%
Ship and Boat Building (NAICS 3366): 23%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 20%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 92% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 8% compared to 18% for all occupations
41% of ironworkers work all year, while 59% 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 40 weeks compared to 42 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: 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 55% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 25% compared to 22% 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 ironworkers (NOC 72105) 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.
Not many 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 ironworkers in New Brunswick:
Approximately 650 people work in this occupation.
Ironworkers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 85%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 12%
28% of ironworkers work all year, while 72% 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 33 weeks compared to 42 weeks 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: 10% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 15% compared to 30% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 38% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 37% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModerateOntario
The employment outlook will be Moderate for ironworkers (NOC 72105) 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.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
Construction, mainly as foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors
Manufacturers of architectural and structural metals and primary metals
What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?
Large infrastructure investments
New housing developments including the construction of multi-unit buildings in some of Ontario’s largest urban centres
Demand for building materials
is expected to support work for
architectural and structural metals manufacturers, and steel producers
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
There are four voluntary skilled trades associated with this occupation in Ontario, named, Ironworker (Generalist), Reinforcing Rodworker, Ironworker (Structural and Ornamental), and Precast Concrete Erector.
Here are some key facts about ironworkers in Ontario:
Approximately 3,200 people work in this occupation.
Ironworkers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 68%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 9%
54% of ironworkers work all year, while 46% 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 43 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of ironworkers 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: 12% compared to 9% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 24% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 44% compared to 8% 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 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 ironworkers (NOC 72105) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
Here are some key facts about ironworkers in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 800 people work in this occupation.
Ironworkers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 72%
Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 12%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 8%
28% of ironworkers work all year, while 71% 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 35 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
5% of ironworkers 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: 11% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 25% compared to 33% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 48% compared to 15% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 8% 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
LimitedNewfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Limited for ironworkers (NOC 72105) 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.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities may vary depending on the time of the year.
Here are some key facts about ironworkers in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Approximately 450 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Ironworkers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 64%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 19%
Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 6%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 93% compared to 83% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 7% compared to 17% for all occupations
14% of ironworkers work all year, while 86% 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 24 weeks compared to 40 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: 9% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 10% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 72% compared to 17% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 9% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
LimitedAlberta
The employment outlook will be Limited for ironworkers (NOC 72105) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Here are some key facts about ironworkers in Alberta:
Approximately 3,750 people work in this occupation.
Ironworkers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 66%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 10%
39% of ironworkers work all year, while 61% 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 39 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of ironworkers 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: 7% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 17% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 64% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 8% 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
Very limitedQuebec
The employment outlook will be Very limited for ironworkers (NOC 72105) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about ironworkers in Quebec:
Approximately 4,200 people work in this occupation.
Ironworkers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 65%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 20%
39% of ironworkers work all year, while 61% 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 41 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of ironworkers 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: 13% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 65% 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
Very limitedManitoba
The employment outlook will be Very limited for ironworkers (NOC 72105) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about ironworkers in Manitoba:
Approximately 350 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Ironworkers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 66%
Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 20%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 12%
49% of ironworkers work all year, while 51% 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 43 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of ironworkers 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: 12% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 31% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 45% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% 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
Very limitedBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Very limited for ironworkers (NOC 72105) 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.
Not many 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 ironworkers in British Columbia:
Approximately 2,200 people work in this occupation.
Ironworkers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 65%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 17%
Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 5%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 95% compared to 78% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 5% compared to 22% for all occupations
51% of ironworkers work all year, while 49% 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.
8% of ironworkers 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: 20% compared to 8% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 40% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 8% 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
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 72105 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.
- 72103 Boilermakers
- 72010 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
- 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
- 72102 Sheet metal workers
- 72103 Boilermakers
- 72104 Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
- 72106 Welders and related machine operators
Questions
NOC 72105: common questions
What is the NOC code for ironworkers?
What TEER category is NOC 72105?
Is NOC 72105 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 72105 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 72105 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 72105 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
- 72105Ironworkers
Enquiry
Is NOC 72105 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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