NOC 72401: Heavy-duty equipment mechanics

The employment outlook will be Good for heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) in Prince Edward Island 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.

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics continue to be in strong demand across P.E.I., employed in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and repair/maintenance services. Sustained construction activity—particularly in residential housing, engineering projects, and utility developments—will require ongoing support from mechanics to service heavy machinery. Agriculture remains another steady source of demand, as equipment servicing is essential year‑round. For new graduates or career seekers, prospects are strongest for those with formal training, Red Seal certification, and adaptability to advanced technologies, as the growing use of electronic and robotic components in industrial equipment is reshaping the trade. The overall demand for mechanics is expected to remain stable and favourable, with opportunities for specialization and mobility across industries.

Here are some key facts about heavy-duty equipment mechanics in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 250 people work in this occupation.

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 34%

Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 20%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 19%

Agriculture (NAICS 111, 112, 1151, 1152): 15%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 5%

73% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics work all year, while 27% 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 46 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

11% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics are self-employed compared to an average of 13% 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: 17% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 36% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 17% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

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

The employment outlook will be Good for heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

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

Hiring prospects for this occupation vary across different areas of the province. While there is typically not a large number of job vacancies, employers sometimes struggle to find qualified candidates. Jobseekers with Red Seal certification will have less trouble finding work, and may find that this occupation is sometimes combined with a heavy equipment operator role. The number of training seats for this trade is limited in Nova Scotia, so competition among graduates for apprenticeships is not excessive.

Here are some key facts about heavy-duty equipment mechanics in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 1,550 people work in this occupation.

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 25%

Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 24%

Construction (NAICS 23): 20%

68% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics work all year, while 32% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

8% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 14% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 50% 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: n/a

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

The employment outlook will be Good for heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) in Nunavut 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.

This occupation will benefit from major public and private construction projects scheduled in Nunavut over the forecast period. For example, the planned construction of a new air terminal in Rankin Inlet by 2026 and the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre in Iqaluit in 2027 are expected to generate employment in this occupation.

The Government of Nunavut's proposed $3.3 billion project to connect Manitoba Hydro's power grid to five western Nunavut communities and a gold mine, if built, would also lead to new construction jobs in the territory.

Nunavut has a shortage of skilled tradespeople to complete major public and private construction projects, leading to contractors routinely bringing in workers from southern Canada.

Here are some key facts about heavy-duty equipment mechanics in Nunavut:

Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 24%

Construction (NAICS 23): 21%

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 19%

Wholesale and Retail Trade (NAICS 41, 44-45): 14%

Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 7%

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: 50% compared to 37% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: n/a

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a

bachelor's degree: n/a

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

The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) 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.

Key contributors to expected job prospects include the province's growing mining industry, and a considerable investment in road infrastructure. Mining and other industrial activity may create opportunities at manufacturers and wholesalers of new and used equipment.

Here are some key facts about heavy-duty equipment mechanics in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 1,600 people work in this occupation.

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 23%

Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 16%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 13%

Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 12%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 6%

64% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics work all year, while 36% 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 42 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics 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: 9% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 64% compared to 17% for all occupations

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

bachelor's degree: n/a

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

The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) 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 a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about heavy-duty equipment mechanics in New Brunswick:

Approximately 1,650 people work in this occupation.

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 25%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 15%

Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 11%

Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212-213): 8%

Forestry and logging (NAICS 113, 1153): 8%

67% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics work all year, while 33% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

7% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics 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: 10% compared to 11% for all occupations

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

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 49% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

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

The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) 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 heavy-duty equipment mechanics in Quebec:

Approximately 14,000 people work in this occupation.

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 22%

Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 16%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 14%

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 13%

70% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics work all year, while 30% 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 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

7% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics 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: 14% 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

The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.

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.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Employed across various industries with the largest number in machinery and equipment wholesale, construction, and repair and maintenance services

A smaller number work in agriculture, mining and manufacturing

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Favourable levels of construction activity led by infrastructure investments in transit, power, and highways and bridges will support service and maintenance work for heavy-duty equipment mechanics

Demand for new housing to meet population growth including the construction of multi-unit buildings in some of Ontario’s largest urban centres

Continuous need to service equipment in sectors such as manufacturing, mining, farming, forestry, waste management and snow clearing

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

There are three voluntary skilled trades associated with this occupation in Ontario, named, Agricultural Equipment Technician, Heavy-Duty Equipment Technician, and Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic

What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

In northern Ontario, the mining industry is a major source of work for mechanics.

Here are some key facts about heavy-duty equipment mechanics in Ontario:

Approximately 14,000 people work in this occupation.

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 22%

Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 18%

Construction (NAICS 23): 16%

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 9%

Real Estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 53): 7%

74% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics work all year, while 26% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

10% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics 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: 8% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 17% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 37% compared to 8% 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 24% for all occupations

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

The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) in Manitoba 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.

Demand for this occupation is driven by activity in construction, wholesale trade, and mining and quarrying, which require maintenance and repairs on essential machinery.

Key trends in this occupation include a shift from traditional repair work to tech-based diagnostic and maintenance work using integrated sensors.

Jobs are concentrated in the Parklands, North, South Central, North Central, Southwest and Southeast regions.

Here are some key facts about heavy-duty equipment mechanics in Manitoba:

Approximately 3,100 people work in this occupation.

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:

Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 21%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 21%

Construction (NAICS 23): 14%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 10%

Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 7%

77% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics work all year, while 23% 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 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

8% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics 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: 10% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 19% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 48% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 20% 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

The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) 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 a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Demand for this occupation is driven by activity in a wide variety of sectors, such as transportation, mining, oil and gas, and construction. Positive projections for these sectors, along with an aging workforce, suggests that employment opportunities for this occupation are strong.

Infrastructure investment will support service and maintenance work for heavy-duty equipment mechanics.

Continuous need to service equipment in farming, forestry, mining, oil and gas, waste management and snow clearing.

Here are some key facts about heavy-duty equipment mechanics in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 4,250 people work in this occupation.

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 37%

Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 17%

Construction (NAICS 23): 12%

Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 7%

Agriculture (NAICS 111, 112, 1151, 1152): 6%

75% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics work all year, while 25% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

12% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics 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: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 22% 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: 13% 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

The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) 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 a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics will continue to have a high demand in Alberta with the levels of industrial and agricultural activities supported by the oil and gas sector.

The occupation is influenced by the technical evolution of the profession, shift to autonomous mining trucks, GPS enabled farming equipment.

Here are some key facts about heavy-duty equipment mechanics in Alberta:

Approximately 17,650 people work in this occupation.

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:

Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 22%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 17%

Construction (NAICS 23): 13%

Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 9%

Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 6%

66% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics work all year, while 34% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

12% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics 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: 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 12% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 65% compared to 13% for all occupations

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

The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

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

This occupation will benefit from major public and private construction projects scheduled in Northwest Territories over the forecast period.

For example, the planned construction of the $1.65 billion Mackenzie Valley Highway, connecting Wrigley to Norman Wells, is expected to generate employment in this occupation when construction begins in 2027 or 2028. Ongoing work at the $4 billion Giant Mine remediation site may also lead to construction employment.

Here are some key facts about heavy-duty equipment mechanics in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 24%

Construction (NAICS 23): 21%

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 19%

Wholesale and Retail Trade (NAICS 41, 44-45): 14%

Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 7%

61% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics work all year, while 39% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 44 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: 8% compared to 17% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 17% compared to 26% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 57% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 17% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

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

The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) 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.

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.

Employment in this occupation is primarily in the wholesale sector, as well as mining, oil and gas, and transportation and warehousing sectors.

Here are some key facts about heavy-duty equipment mechanics in British Columbia:

Approximately 11,500 people work in this occupation.

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:

Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 24%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 15%

Construction (NAICS 23): 11%

Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 11%

Forestry and logging (NAICS 113, 1153): 5%

70% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics work all year, while 30% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

12% of heavy-duty equipment mechanics 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: 14% 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: 16% 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