NOC 2021 · 72106 · TEER 2
NOC 72106: Welders and related machine operators
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Welders operate welding equipment to weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This unit group also includes machine operators who operate previously set up production welding, brazing and soldering equipment. They are employed by companies that manufacture structural steel and platework, boilers, heavy machinery, aircraft and ships and other metal products, and by welding contractors and welding shops, or they may be self-employed. 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 72106 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 72106 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 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:
- Welders
- Read and interpret blueprints or welding process specifications
- Operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment to fuse metal segments using processes such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), plasma arc welding (PAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), oxy-acetylene welding (OAW), resistance welding and submerged arc welding (SAW)
- Operate manual or semi-automatic flame-cutting equipment
- Operate brazing and soldering equipment
- Operate metal shaping machines such as brakes, shears and other metal straightening and bending machines
- Repair worn parts of metal products by welding on extra layers.
- Welders may specialize in certain types of welding such as custom fabrication, ship building and repair, aerospace precision welding, pressure vessel welding, pipeline construction welding, structural construction welding, or machinery and equipment repair welding.
- Welding, brazing and soldering machine operators
- Operate previously set up welding machines such as spot, butt and seam resistance or gas and arc welding machines to fabricate or repair metal parts
- Operate previously set up brazing or soldering machines to bond metal parts or to fill holes, indentations and seams of metal articles with solder
- Start up, shut down, adjust and monitor robotic welding production line
- Assist with the maintenance and repair of welding, brazing and soldering equipment
- May adjust welding heads and tooling according to work specifications.
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
- aviation welding technician
- brazing machine operator
- brazing machine setter
- electric arc welder
- journeyman/woman welder
- laser welding operator
- pressure vessel welder
- production welder
- soldering machine operator
- spot welder
- submerged arc welder
- welder
- welder apprentice
- welder-fitter
All 119 job titles in NOC 72106
- acetylene welder
- aircraft welder
- apprentice welder
- arc welder
- arc welder - pipeline
- assembler tack welder
- auto body solderer
- automated welding machine operator - flash butt process
- automatic welding machine operator
- aviation welding technician
- battery lead burner
- battery lead-burner operator
- blowtorch operator
- blowtorch welder
- boiler welder
- brazer
- brazer and hammerer
- brazing machine operator
- brazing machine setter
- cable welder
- combination welder
- dielectric welder
- downhand welder - pipeline
- drilling platform welder
- drilling rig welder
- electric arc welder
- electric spot welder
- electric spot welder operator
- electric spot-welding machine operator
- fabrication welder
- fit-up welder
- flame-brazing machine operator
- flame-brazing machine setter
- flash butt welder
- furnace brazer
- furnace solderer
- gas and arc welder
- gas brazer
- gas welder
- gas-shielded arc welder
- gas-shielded arc welding machine operator
- general welder
- hand arc welder
- hand electric arc welder
- hand resistance welder
- heliarc welder
- hot gas welder
- hydrogen braze furnace man/woman
- hydrogen braze furnace operator
- induction brazer operator
- induction solderer
- industrial welder
- iron brazer
- jig welder-fitter
- journeyman/woman welder
- laser beam machine-welder operator
- laser beam welder
- laser beam welding machine operator
- laser welding operator
- lead burner
- lead welder
- machine operator - welding, brazing and soldering
- machine type solderer
- machine welder
- maintenance welder
- mesh-welding machine operator
- metal brazier and heater
- metal inert gas (MIG) welder
- metal solderer
- metal straightener and heater
- metal welder
- oxyacetylene torch welder
- oxyacetylene welder
- oxyhydrogen welder
- pipeline welder
- portable spot welder
- precision welder
- pressure vessel welder
- production induction brazier
- production line solderer
- production line spot welder
- production line welder
- production spot welder
- production welder
- radio-frequency welder
- resistance brazer
- resistance seam welder
- resistance welder
- resistance welder tender
- resistance welder-setter
- resistance welding machine setter
- resistance welding set-up man/woman
- rig welder
- shielded-metal arc welder
- side seaming tender
- solderer
- solderer-dipper
- soldering machine operator
- spot resistance welder
- spot welder
- submerged arc welder
- submerged arc welding machine operator
- tack welder
- thermite welder
- tool and die welder
- torch brazer
- torch brazing machine setter
- torch welder
- tungsten inert gas (TIG) welder
- type-soldering machine tender
- vibration welder
- welder
- welder apprentice
- welder operator
- welder-assembler
- welder-fitter
- welding lay-out man/woman
- welding machine operator
- wire welder
Requirements
Employment requirements
- Welders
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a three-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over three years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in welding is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Trade certification is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified welders upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
- Welding, brazing and soldering machine operators
- Some secondary school education is required.
- Several months of on-the-job training are usually provided.
- Experience as a machine operator helper may be required.
- Experience with robotics may be required.
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 72106 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 | $22.00 | $30.00 | $47.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $23.46 | $38.41 | $54.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Prince Edward Island | $20.00 | $25.00 | $32.50 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $21.00 | $29.00 | $43.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| New Brunswick | $22.00 | $28.00 | $46.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $22.00 | $28.00 | $35.38 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $21.00 | $28.00 | $41.28 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $21.00 | $27.00 | $40.16 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $22.00 | $32.00 | $46.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $25.00 | $38.00 | $52.18 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $23.25 | $35.00 | $51.87 | Labour 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 Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia.
GoodPrince Edward Island
The employment outlook will be Good for welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) 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.
Welders and related machine operators continue to face favourable job prospects in the province. Employment growth and retirements are expected to generate new positions, while ongoing industrial and construction activity sustains demand. Welders are employed primarily in manufacturing sectors such as metal fabrication, transportation equipment, and machinery production, with their work feeding into broader industrial and construction projects. The province’s economy remains wellpositioned, with manufacturing, exports, and construction identified as major growth drivers in 2025, which directly supports demand for welding skills. However, workforce shortages persist, with businesses having reported difficulty in filling skilled trades positions. For new graduates or career seekers, this occupation offers stable employment opportunities, competitive wages, and pathways into specialized industrial sectors, though employers increasingly value candidates with formal training, certifications, and adaptability to diverse industrial settings.
Here are some key facts about welders and related machine operators in Prince Edward Island:
Approximately 550 people work in this occupation.
Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 43%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 19%
Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 13%
Construction (NAICS 23): 11%
Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 10%
66% of welders and related machine operators work all year, while 34% 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 44 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
11% of welders and related machine operators are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 94% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 6% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 39% compared to 11% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% 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
GoodNova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Good for welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) 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.
Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
There are a number of job opportunities in this occupation, particularly in the Halifax area and within the ship and boatbuilding industry. Journeymen or Red Seal tradespersons will have an easier time finding work. Fewer opportunities are available for apprentices or those with less experience.
Here are some key facts about welders and related machine operators in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 1,600 people work in this occupation.
Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 28%
Construction (NAICS 23): 20%
Ship and Boat Building (NAICS 3366): 19%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 11%
54% of welders and related machine operators work all year, while 46% 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 42 weeks for all occupations.
10% of welders and related machine operators 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: 7% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 27% 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: 36% 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
ModerateNewfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Moderate for welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few 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.
Non-residential construction investment is likely to hold steady over the forecast period. Certified journeypersons will have improved employment prospects compared to others in the occupation.
Here are some key facts about welders and related machine operators in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Approximately 1,400 people work in this occupation.
Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 27%
Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 14%
Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 14%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 11%
Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 6%
33% of welders and related machine operators work all year, while 67% 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 34 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of welders and related machine operators 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: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 67% compared to 17% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 25% 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
ModerateNew Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Moderate for welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) 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.
High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
Welders and related machine operators are employed predominantly for companies that provide or require repair and maintenance of vehicles and equipment, as well as the manufacturing sector for metal, and machinery production.
The high level of construction activity in the province and the resulting demand for metal building materials is expected to support demand for this occupation going forward.
Welders are usually required to complete a welding apprenticeship program or a college diploma in welding or metal fabrication. A Red Seal endorsement or Journeyperson Certification will further enhance prospects.
Workers in this occupation are often required to travel between job sites, so a valid driver’s license is a common requirement in job postings.
Here are some key facts about welders and related machine operators in New Brunswick:
Approximately 2,100 people work in this occupation.
Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 26%
Construction (NAICS 23): 19%
Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 12%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 8%
54% of welders and related machine operators work all year, while 46% 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.
6% of welders and related machine operators 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: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 11% compared to 30% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 46% 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: less than 5% compared to 16% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
ModerateSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Moderate for welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Ongoing trade conflict may limit employment opportunities for this occupation as 42 percent are employed in the fabricated metal product and machinery manufacturing sector which is exposed to U.S. tariffs on copper, steel and aluminum.
Strong residential projects and multiple large non-residential projects across Saskatchewan such as the Jansen potash project and the Lake Diefenbaker irrigation project should support employment in this occupation.
Ongoing activities to repair and upgrade existing buildings and infrastructure and service equipment.
Here are some key facts about welders and related machine operators in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 4,700 people work in this occupation.
Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 26%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 16%
Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 16%
Construction (NAICS 23): 10%
64% of welders and related machine operators work all year, while 36% 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 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
16% of welders and related machine operators 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: 9% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 20% compared to 33% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 55% compared to 15% 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 18% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
LimitedQuebec
The employment outlook will be Limited for welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) in Quebec 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.
Demand for this occupation is influenced by government investment and activity in several manufacturing industries.
Investments in road infrastructure, public transportation, electricity generation, and the construction of rental properties should support employment in this occupation, as many of these sectors require work with metal products.
However, government financial flexibility will be reduced in the coming years due to budgetary constraints. Furthermore, economic uncertainty related to the trade war with the United States could limit hiring of these workers in manufacturing.
Here are some key facts about welders and related machine operators in Quebec:
Approximately 21,500 people work in this occupation.
Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 24%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 18%
Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 11%
Construction (NAICS 23): 11%
Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 10%
60% of welders and related machine operators work all year, while 40% 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 welders and related machine operators 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: 11% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 66% 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
LimitedManitoba
The employment outlook will be Limited for welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) in Manitoba 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.
Demand for this occupation is primarily driven by conditions in manufacturing, which is currently tariff exposed and subject to economic cycles.
Key trends in this occupation include collaborative robots (cobots), precision welding, advanced welding materials such as high temperature alloys, and virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) for training.
Jobs are concentrated in the South Central and North Central regions.
Here are some key facts about welders and related machine operators in Manitoba:
Approximately 3,900 people work in this occupation.
Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 27%
Computer, electronic and electrical product manufacturing (NAICS 334-335): 20%
Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 17%
Construction (NAICS 23): 8%
Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 6%
69% of welders and related machine operators work all year, while 31% 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.
6% of welders and related machine operators 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: 17% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 25% compared to 31% 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: 14% 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
LimitedAlberta
The employment outlook will be Limited for welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment prospects for welders are tightening due to slower growth in key sectors, fewer job openings, a steady supply of experienced workers, and project delays in energy and infrastructure.
Here are some key facts about welders and related machine operators in Alberta:
Approximately 17,100 people work in this occupation.
Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 27%
Construction (NAICS 23): 16%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 13%
Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 8%
Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 6%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 94% compared to 80% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 6% compared to 20% for all occupations
49% of welders and related machine operators work all year, while 51% 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.
22% of welders and related machine operators 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: 10% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 68% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% 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
LimitedBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Limited for welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) 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.
Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
British Columbia has faced slower demand and delays in new construction starts as shortages of skilled workers and rising wages continue to drive up construction costs.
In residential construction, slower housing starts will impact growth in construction jobs.
Renovation investment is expected to steadily increase to maintain older housing and allow homeowners to age in place.
Employment in this occupation is primarily in the non-residential construction sector.
Non-residential sector growth is variable over the forecast period, with a peak in 2027 due to major engineering and ICI (industrial, commercial, institutional) projects.
The education, transportation (for example public transit and highways), utilities (for example power lines), high tech (for example AI data centres), mining, oil and gas (for example pipelines and LNG terminals) sectors have major infrastructure investments planned.
Here are some key facts about welders and related machine operators in British Columbia:
Approximately 12,100 people work in this occupation.
Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 25%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 17%
Construction (NAICS 23): 14%
Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 7%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 94% compared to 78% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 6% compared to 22% for all occupations
62% of welders and related machine operators 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.
15% of welders and related machine operators 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: 7% compared to 8% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 15% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 59% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 15% 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 limitedOntario
The employment outlook will be Very limited for welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) in Ontario 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.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
The largest number work in the manufacturing industry for metal, transportation, and machinery producers
A smaller number work for companies that provide commercial and industrial equipment repair, and as specialty trade contractors in the construction industry
What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?
Job prospects are expected to be constrained by weak business conditions in manufacturing due to economic uncertainty
Significant levels of construction led by investments in transit, power, and highways and bridges, as well as multi-unit housing developments, will support opportunities in construction and the demand for metal building materials
Ongoing activities to repair and upgrade existing buildings and infrastructure and service equipment should also provide some job openings
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
There are two voluntary skilled trades associated with this occupation in Ontario, named, Welder and Pressure Systems Welder.
Here are some key facts about welders and related machine operators in Ontario:
Approximately 28,800 people work in this occupation.
Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Motor vehicle, body, trailer and parts manufacturing (NAICS 3361-3363): 19%
Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 16%
Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 13%
Construction (NAICS 23): 11%
Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 11%
64% of welders and related machine operators work all year, while 36% 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.
7% of welders and related machine operators are self-employed compared to an average of 15% 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: 17% compared to 9% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 32% compared to 8% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 19% 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
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 72106 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.
- 94201 Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers
- 22230 Non-destructive testers and inspectors
- 72010 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
- 22101 Geological and mineral technologists and technicians
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
- 72105 Ironworkers
Questions
NOC 72106: common questions
What is the NOC code for welders and related machine operators?
What TEER category is NOC 72106?
Is NOC 72106 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 72106 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 72106 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 72106 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
- 72106Welders and related machine operators
Enquiry
Is NOC 72106 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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