NOC 2021 · 72301 · TEER 2
NOC 72301: Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Steamfitters and pipefitters lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair piping systems carrying water, steam, chemicals and fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other process piping systems. Sprinkler system installers fabricate, install, test, maintain and repair water, foam, carbon dioxide and dry chemical sprinkler systems in buildings for fire protection purposes. Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers are employed in maintenance departments of factories, plants and similar establishments, and by pipefitting and sprinkler system contractors, 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)
$43.89 / hour
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Tier 2
+40 CRS for Canadian work, or 70 for a job offer
Express Entry categories
None
General and program draws only
Express Entry
How NOC 72301 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 72301 is in tier 2 of IRCC's high-wage list, in effect from 3 November 2026.
| 12+ months of Canadian work | +40 points on top of work-length points |
|---|---|
| Qualifying job offer (no LMIA) | 70 points |
You get whichever option scores higher, not both.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
NOC 72301 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:
- Steamfitters and pipefitters
- Read and interpret drawings, blueprints and specifications to determine layout requirements
- Cut openings for pipe in walls, floors and ceilings using hand or power tools or machines
- Select type and size of pipe required
- Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required shape using hand and power tools
- Weld, braze, cement, solder and thread joints to join pipes and fabricate sections of piping system
- Install supports, valves, piping and control systems
- Test system for leaks using testing equipment
- Clean and maintain pipe units and fittings and flush system
- Remove and replace worn components and reactivate system
- May prepare cost estimates for clients.
- Sprinkler system installers
- Read and interpret drawings, specifications and fire codes to determine layout requirements
- Install clamps, brackets and hangers to support piping system and sprinkler and fire protection equipment, using hand and power tools
- Select, measure, cut, ream and thread pipe, install sprinkler heads and mount prepared pipe in supports
- Join pipes and piping sections using soldering and welding equipment
- Connect piping system to water mains, supply tanks, pumps, compressors and control equipment
- Installs valves, alarms and associated equipment
- Test system for leaks using air or liquid pressure equipment
- Service and repair sprinkler system
- May prepare cost estimates for clients.
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 pipefitter-steamfitter
- fire protection mechanic
- fire sprinkler fitter
- marine pipefitter
- pipefitter
- sprinkler system fitter
- sprinkler system installer
- steamfitter
- steamfitter-pipefitter
All 37 job titles in NOC 72301
- apprentice pipefitter
- apprentice pipefitter-steamfitter
- apprentice sprinkler system fitter
- apprentice steamfitter
- fire prevention and automatic suppression systems installer
- fire protection mechanic
- fire protection piping installer
- fire protection piping system installer
- fire sprinkler fitter
- journeyman/woman pipefitter
- journeyman/woman sprinkler system installer
- journeyman/woman steamfitter-pipefitter
- maintenance pipefitter
- marine pipefitter
- marine steamfitter
- pipefitter
- pipefitter - shipbuilding
- pipefitter-steamfitter
- radiator pipe installer
- railway car and locomotive pipefitter
- ship pipefitter
- ship steamfitter
- sprinkler and fire protection installer
- sprinkler fitter
- sprinkler system fitter
- sprinkler system installer
- sprinkler system installer (non-construction)
- sprinkler system installer apprentice
- steam heating installer
- steam main servicer
- steam pipefitter
- steamfitter
- steamfitter - shipbuilding
- steamfitter/pipefitter (non-construction)
- steamfitter-pipefitter
- turbine pipefitter
- welding pipefitter
Requirements
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in steamfitting, pipefitting or sprinkler system installation is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Steamfitter-pipefitter trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
- Steamfitter-pipefitter (non-construction) trade certification is compulsory in Quebec.
- Sprinkler system installer trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Manitoba and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
- Sprinkler system installer (non-construction) trade certification is compulsory in Quebec.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified steamfitters-pipefitters and sprinkler system installers 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 72301 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 | $27.00 | $43.89 | $55.59 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $28.26 | $42.65 | $53.00 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $27.50 | $45.00 | $60.00 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| New Brunswick | $29.84 | $43.00 | $53.17 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $26.87 | $43.88 | $47.40 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $28.00 | $45.96 | $56.88 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $23.20 | $41.93 | $53.00 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $25.00 | $46.02 | $54.29 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $26.94 | $44.90 | $56.77 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $26.00 | $42.05 | $59.98 | 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 steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (NOC 72301) 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.
Here are some key facts about steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 900 people work in this occupation.
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 46%
Ship and Boat Building (NAICS 3366): 28%
45% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers work all year, while 55% 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 36 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: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: 7% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 59% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 33% 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: n/a
ModerateNew Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Moderate for steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (NOC 72301) 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.
Here are some key facts about steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers in New Brunswick:
Approximately 500 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 57%
Petroleum and coal product manufacturing (NAICS 324): 22%
Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322): 8%
36% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers work all year, while 64% 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 34 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers 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: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 10% compared to 30% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 63% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 22% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModerateOntario
The employment outlook will be Moderate for steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (NOC 72301) in Ontario 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.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
The majority work in construction as building equipment contractors
A smaller number work in manufacturing
What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?
Favourable levels of non-residential construction activity led by infrastructure investments will lead to work for steamfitters and pipefitters as well as sprinkler system installers for fire protection needs
Construction of multi-unit residential buildings to support population growth in larger urban centres and renovations to older housing developments, will support demand for new sprinkler systems
Investments in new and existing plants, and ongoing maintenance will create the need for new and updated piping systems
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
There are two compulsory skilled trades associated with this occupation in Ontario, named, Steamfitter, and Sprinkler and Fire Protection Installer.
Here are some key facts about steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers in Ontario:
Approximately 7,200 people work in this occupation.
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 71%
53% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers work all year, while 47% 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 steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers 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: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 17% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 55% compared to 8% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 24% 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 steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (NOC 72301) 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.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 900 people work in this occupation.
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 47%
Petroleum and coal product manufacturing (NAICS 324): 18%
Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 8%
Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 5%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 94% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 6% compared to 19% for all occupations
37% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers work all year, while 63% 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.
Less than 5% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers 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: 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 10% compared to 33% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 74% 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
ModerateAlberta
The employment outlook will be Moderate for steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (NOC 72301) 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.
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 steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers in Alberta:
Approximately 6,600 people work in this occupation.
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 51%
Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 13%
Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 11%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 7%
31% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers work all year, while 69% 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 35 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
7% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers 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: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 8% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 72% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 19% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 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
LimitedNewfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Limited for steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (NOC 72301) 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.
Not many 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 steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Approximately 700 people work in this occupation.
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 67%
Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 5%
23% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers work all year, while 77% 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 31 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: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 5% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 70% compared to 17% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 22% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
LimitedQuebec
The employment outlook will be Limited for steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (NOC 72301) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many 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 steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers in Quebec:
Approximately 4,900 people work in this occupation.
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 79%
47% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers work all year, while 53% 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 42 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers 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: 6% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 75% compared to 19% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 10% 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 steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (NOC 72301) 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.
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 steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers in Manitoba:
Approximately 450 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 87%
55% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers work all year, while 45% 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 42 weeks compared to 43 weeks 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 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 23% compared to 31% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 60% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% 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 steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (NOC 72301) 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.
Here are some key facts about steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers in British Columbia:
Approximately 3,600 people work in this occupation.
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 62%
Other Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336 except 3366): 7%
56% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers work all year, while 44% 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.
5% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers 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: 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: 13% 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 72301 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.
- 72302 Gas fitters
- 72012 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
- 72300 Plumbers
- 73200 Residential and commercial installers and servicers
- 72012 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
- 72012 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
Questions
NOC 72301: common questions
What is the NOC code for steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers?
What TEER category is NOC 72301?
Is NOC 72301 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 72301 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 72301 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 72301 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
- 723Technical construction tradesSub-major Group
- 7230Plumbers, pipefitters and gas fittersMinor Group
- 72301Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
Enquiry
Is NOC 72301 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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