C.A. · Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 1803385)

NOC 2021 · 72404 · TEER 2

NOC 72404: Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors

Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026

Aircraft mechanics maintain, repair, overhaul, modify and test aircraft structural, mechanical and hydraulic systems. Aircraft inspectors inspect aircraft and aircraft systems following manufacture, modification, maintenance, repair or overhaul. Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors are employed by aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul establishments, and by airlines and other aircraft operators. 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)

$39.00 / hour

Job Bank, 2023-2024

High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)

Tier 3

+20 CRS for Canadian work, or 50 for a job offer

Express Entry categories

Transport

Category-based draws (2026)

Express Entry

How NOC 72404 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 72404 is in tier 3 of IRCC's high-wage list, in effect from 3 November 2026.

12+ months of Canadian work+20 points on top of work-length points
Qualifying job offer (no LMIA)50 points

You get whichever option scores higher, not both.

See all 186 high-wage occupations

Category-based draws

  • Transport

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 lists

Duties

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Aircraft mechanics
  • Troubleshoot aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems to identify problems and adjust and repair systems according to specifications, technical drawings, manuals and established procedures
  • Repair and overhaul aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems
  • Install or modify aircraft engines and mechanical, hydraulic, flight control, fuel and pneumatic systems
  • Dismantle airframes, aircraft engines or other aircraft systems for repair, overhaul and cleaning, and reassemble
  • Perform and document routine maintenance
  • Order and maintain inventory of parts and supplies.
  • Aircraft mechanics usually specialize in working on specific aircraft systems such as engines, engine accessories, airframes, propellers, mechanical components or hydraulic systems and specific kinds of aircraft, such as light aircraft, jet transports and helicopters.
  • Aircraft inspectors
  • Inspect structural and mechanical systems of aircraft and ensure that these systems meet Transport Canada and company standards of performance and safety
  • Inspect work of aircraft mechanics performing maintenance, repair and overhaul, or modification of aircraft and aircraft mechanical systems to ensure adherence to standards and procedures
  • Maintain detailed repair, inspection and certification records of aircraft.

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

  • aircraft gas turbine engine technician
  • aircraft hydraulics mechanic
  • aircraft inspector
  • aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) (except avionics)
  • aircraft mechanic
  • aircraft repair and overhaul inspector
  • aircraft repair shop inspector
  • aircraft structural repair technician
  • aircraft systems inspector
  • aviation mechanical component shop technician
  • certified aircraft technician
  • flight test inspector
All 84 job titles in NOC 72404
  • aero-engine mechanic
  • aero-engine technician
  • aircraft accessories mechanic
  • aircraft accessories overhaul mechanic
  • aircraft accessories overhaul technician
  • aircraft accessories repairer
  • aircraft accessories repairman/woman
  • aircraft body repairer
  • aircraft composite and sheet metal repairer
  • aircraft engine accessories overhaul mechanic
  • aircraft engine inspector
  • aircraft engine mechanic
  • aircraft engine mechanical systems overhaul inspector
  • aircraft engine mechanical systems technician
  • aircraft engine overhaul inspector
  • aircraft engine overhaul mechanic
  • aircraft engine repair and overhaul mechanic
  • aircraft engine technician
  • aircraft engine tester
  • aircraft gas turbine engine technician
  • aircraft hydraulics inspector
  • aircraft hydraulics mechanic
  • aircraft hydraulics shop technician
  • aircraft hydraulics technician
  • aircraft hydraulics tester
  • aircraft inspector
  • aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) (except avionics)
  • aircraft maintenance mechanic apprentice
  • aircraft maintenance technician
  • aircraft mechanic
  • aircraft mechanic experimental
  • aircraft mechanic learner
  • aircraft mechanical and fuel systems overhaul and repair mechanic
  • aircraft mechanical systems flight tests inspector
  • aircraft mechanical systems inspector
  • aircraft mechanical systems junior mechanic
  • aircraft mechanical systems maintenance technician
  • aircraft mechanical systems mechanic
  • aircraft mechanical systems modification mechanic
  • aircraft mechanical systems preflight mechanic
  • aircraft mechanical systems repair and overhaul inspector
  • aircraft mechanical systems repair inspector
  • aircraft mechanical systems repair shop inspector
  • aircraft mechanical systems technician
  • aircraft plumbing and hydraulics mechanic
  • aircraft power plant mechanic
  • aircraft propeller inspector
  • aircraft propeller systems technician
  • aircraft propulsion technician
  • aircraft reciprocating engine technician
  • aircraft repair and overhaul inspector
  • aircraft repair shop inspector
  • aircraft rotary mechanical systems technician
  • aircraft safety systems mechanic
  • aircraft sheet metal technician
  • aircraft skin repairer
  • aircraft structural repair technician
  • aircraft structural technician
  • aircraft structures technician - Canadian Armed Forces
  • aircraft systems inspector
  • airframe mechanic
  • apprentice aircraft maintenance engineer (AME)
  • apprentice aircraft mechanical systems mechanic
  • aviation maintenance inspector
  • aviation mechanical component shop technician
  • certified aircraft technician
  • composite repair technician - aircraft
  • engine accessories overhaul mechanic
  • experimental aircraft mechanic
  • flight line mechanic
  • flight test aircraft mechanic
  • flight test inspector
  • gas turbine engine mechanic
  • helicopter mechanic
  • helicopter mechanical systems inspector
  • mechanical systems aircraft maintenance engineer (AME)
  • preflight mechanic
  • propulsion technician
  • rotorcraft aircraft maintenance engineer (AME)
  • rotorcraft maintenance engineer
  • rotorcraft mechanical systems technician
  • structural repair technician
  • structures aircraft maintenance engineer (AME)
  • structures mechanic

Requirements

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is required.
  • A college diploma in aircraft maintenance or Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program is usually required.
  • Several years of on-the-job training are required for aircraft mechanics.
  • Aircraft mechanics and inspectors who sign maintenance releases and certify airworthiness require an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's (AME) licence issued by Transport Canada.
  • Trade certification for aircraft maintenance engineers is available, but voluntary, in Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
  • Trade certification for aircraft structural technicians is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia.
  • Industry certification from the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council for some occupations in this unit group is available, but voluntary.
  • Aircraft inspectors require several years of experience as an aircraft mechanic.

Additional information

  • Aircraft mechanics may progress to foreman/woman, shop supervisor or aircraft inspector.
  • With experience, aircraft inspectors may progress to shop inspector or supervisor.
  • Aircraft mechanics and inspectors may acquire further endorsements to their AME licence allowing them to inspect and certify a broader range of aircraft and aircraft systems.
  • AME licences are issued in the following categories: M - Small and Large Aircraft, E - Electronic Systems, S - Aircraft Structures.

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 72404 in Canada

Low, median and high wages per hour in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data.

RegionLowMedianHighSource
Canada$24.48$39.00$52.88Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
Newfoundland and Labrador$20.19$37.00$72.12Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
Prince Edward Island$20.00$27.00$35.00Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
Nova Scotia$24.99$39.00$50.00Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
New Brunswick$29.30$39.53$54.60Small Area Estimation, 2024
Quebec$28.00$39.00$57.00Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
Ontario$22.00$38.00$52.66Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
Manitoba$20.10$33.12$45.67Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
Saskatchewan$25.00$40.00$51.00Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
Alberta$36.50$44.50$51.90Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024
British Columbia$28.00$39.00$51.00Labour 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 Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Alberta.

GoodNewfoundland and Labrador

The employment outlook will be Good for aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 72404) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

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

Several 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 aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 350 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Air transportation (NAICS 481): 53%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482, 486, 487, 493): 36%

64% of aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors 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.

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: 6% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 31% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 57% 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

GoodPrince Edward Island

The employment outlook will be Good for aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 72404) 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 small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 250 people work in this occupation.

Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 87%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482, 483, 486, 487, 493): 9%

75% of aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors work all year, while 25% 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 47 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 93% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 7% 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: 12% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 37% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 47% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

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

GoodOntario

The employment outlook will be Good for aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 72404) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

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

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

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

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Airlines and support services such as repair, maintenance, and inspection

Aerospace product and parts manufacturers

Federal government defence services

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Significant investments in the aerospace cluster

Steady improvement in the level of global air travel

Demand for aircraft mechanics and inspectors in defence services depends on military spending

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence issued by Transport Canada is required for signing maintenance releases and certifying airworthiness

Certification is available from the Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA) for roles within this occupation.

Here are some key facts about aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors in Ontario:

Approximately 7,200 people work in this occupation.

Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 37%

Air transportation (NAICS 481): 35%

Other transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 3364-3369): 13%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 6%

63% of aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors work all year, while 37% 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 42 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 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: 14% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 17% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 54% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 10% compared to 24% for all occupations

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

GoodAlberta

The employment outlook will be Good for aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 72404) 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.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

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

Here are some key facts about aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors in Alberta:

Approximately 2,500 people work in this occupation.

Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Air transportation (NAICS 481): 45%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 26%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 8%

Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 8%

70% of aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors 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 44 weeks compared to 42 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 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 28% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 49% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

ModerateNova Scotia

The employment outlook will be Moderate for aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 72404) 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 small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 850 people work in this occupation.

Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Air transportation (NAICS 481): 60%

Support activities for transportation (NAICS 488): 23%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 8%

Other transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336, except 3366): 6%

67% of aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors 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.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 92% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 8% 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: 30% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 51% 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

ModerateQuebec

The employment outlook will be Moderate for aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 72404) in Quebec 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 small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors in Quebec:

Approximately 4,050 people work in this occupation.

Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 42%

Air transportation (NAICS 481): 25%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 485-486, 487, 493): 17%

71% of aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors work all year, while 28% 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 43 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 91% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 9% compared to 48% 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: 10% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 28% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 49% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 6% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

ModerateManitoba

The employment outlook will be Moderate for aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 72404) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.

Several 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 air travel, expanding and aging aircraft fleets, military and defense spending, and regulatory safety requirements.

Key trends in this occupation include artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data, forecast component failure, and predict maintenance to optimize maintenance schedules, reduce downtime and increase aircraft availability. 3D Printing is used to produce spare parts on demand. Drones are often used for external visual inspections and for hard-to-reach areas.

Jobs are concentrated in the Parklands, North and Interlake regions.

Here are some key facts about aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors in Manitoba:

Approximately 1,200 people work in this occupation.

Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Air transportation (NAICS 481): 36%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 26%

Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 16%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 9%

76% of aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors work all year, while 24% 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.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 93% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 7% 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: 30% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 36% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

ModerateSaskatchewan

The employment outlook will be Moderate for aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 72404) 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.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

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

Here are some key facts about aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 300 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 36%

Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 24%

Air transportation (NAICS 481): 14%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 6%

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

83% of aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors work all year, while 17% 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 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 91% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 9% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 50% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 18% for all occupations

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

ModerateBritish Columbia

The employment outlook will be Moderate for aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 72404) in British Columbia 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 small 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.

Occupations in aviation requiring significant technical skills continue to be in demand in British Columbia.

A growing number of retirements have left these occupations with a shortage.

There is expected to be job creation from military and firefighting aircraft projects as part of Boeing and De Havilland Canada investments, respectively.

Here are some key facts about aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors in British Columbia:

Approximately 3,950 people work in this occupation.

Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors mainly work in the following sectors:

Air transportation (NAICS 481): 42%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 34%

Ship and Boat Building (NAICS 3366): 10%

70% of aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors 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.

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: 11% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 37% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 45% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 5% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

UndeterminedNew Brunswick

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 72404 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.

Questions

NOC 72404: common questions

What is the NOC code for aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors?
The NOC 2021 code is 72404 (Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors). Job titles in this group include aircraft gas turbine engine technician, aircraft hydraulics mechanic, aircraft inspector, aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) (except avionics), aircraft mechanic. Your NOC is set by your actual duties, not your job title.
What TEER category is NOC 72404?
NOC 72404 is TEER 2. Usually needs a college diploma, an apprenticeship of 2 or more years, or supervisory work.
Is NOC 72404 eligible for Express Entry?
Yes. As a TEER 2 occupation it counts as skilled work for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, and it is also in a Federal Skilled Trades group. You still need to meet each program's other requirements.
Is NOC 72404 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Yes, it is in tier 3 of IRCC's high-wage list from 3 November 2026. 12 months of Canadian work in it can add 20 CRS points, or a qualifying job offer can earn 50 points. You get whichever is higher, not both.
Is NOC 72404 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
Yes: Transport. You need at least 12 months of full-time work in a listed occupation in the past 3 years, as well as Express Entry eligibility.
What is the median wage for NOC 72404 in Canada?
The national median wage is $39.00 per hour, according to Job Bank (Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024). It ranges from $24.48 to $52.88.

Classification

Where it sits in NOC 2021

  1. 7Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupationsBroad Category
  2. 72Technical trades and transportation officers and controllersMajor Group
  3. 724Technical maintenance tradesSub-major Group
  4. 7240Machinery and transportation equipment mechanics (except motor vehicles)Minor Group
  5. 72404Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors

Enquiry

Is NOC 72404 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.

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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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