NOC 2021 · 82021 · TEER 2
NOC 82021: Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Contractors and supervisors in oil and gas drilling and services supervise and coordinate the activities in drilling for oil or gas, operating service rigs, or providing oil and gas well services. They are employed by drilling and well service contracting companies and petroleum producing companies. Contractors may be self-employed.
TEER
TEER 2
Usually needs a college diploma, an apprenticeship of 2 or more years, or supervisory work
Median wage (Canada)
$50.00 / 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
Trades
Category-based draws (2026)
Express Entry
How NOC 82021 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 82021 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
- 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:
- Supervise, co-ordinate and schedule the activities of workers who drill for oil and gas, operate service rigs or provide oil and gas well services
- Establish methods to meet work schedules and co-ordinate work activities with other departments
- Requisition and procure materials and supplies
- Ensure appropriate control measures are in place to protect the health and safety of workers
- Resolve work problems and recommend measures to improve productivity and safety
- Train workers in job duties, safety procedures and company policies
- Recommend personnel actions such as hirings and promotions
- Review, audit and approve workers' paperwork and complete proper documentation
- Prepare production and other reports
- May set up machines and equipment.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- fracturing supervisor
- multi-service operator - oil field services
- rig manager
All 26 job titles in NOC 82021
- assistant offshore drilling rig superintendent
- assistant platform superintendent
- assistant toolpusher - offshore drilling rig
- consultant - gas well drilling
- consultant - oil and gas drilling
- directional drilling consultant - oil and gas
- fracturing supervisor
- multi-service operator - oil field services
- offshore drilling rig superintendent
- oil and gas contractor
- oil and gas drilling foreman/woman
- oil and natural gas well servicing foreman/woman
- oil field consultant
- oil field consultant supervisor
- oil field contractor
- oil well services field supervisor
- platform superintendent - oil and gas drilling
- production coordinator - energy
- rig manager
- rig manager - oil and gas drilling
- toolpusher
- toolpusher - oil and gas well drilling and offshore drilling
- well services crew supervisor - oil and gas drilling
- well services crew supervisor - oil field services
- well site consultant - oil and gas
- wireline field supervisor - oil field services
Also includes: oil field consultant, toolpusher.
Requirements
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is required.
- Completion of college or petroleum industry approved training courses is required.
- Extensive experience in the occupations supervised is required.
- A two-year college diploma in petroleum engineering technology may be required.
- Certificates in first aid, hydrogen sulphide awareness, blowout prevention, well control, workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS), transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) or other safety and technical subjects are required and are obtained by completing short courses.
Additional information
- There is little mobility for supervisors from well services to well drilling.
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 82021 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 | $31.50 | $50.00 | $79.33 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $40.00 | $57.69 | $96.15 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $40.97 | $58.19 | $76.70 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| New Brunswick | $31.63 | $52.20 | $105.87 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| Ontario | $27.24 | $41.29 | $70.73 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| Manitoba | $25.00 | $40.00 | $60.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $35.00 | $50.00 | $76.92 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $32.00 | $50.96 | $73.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $28.85 | $46.15 | $86.54 | 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 Newfoundland and Labrador.
GoodNewfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Good for contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (NOC 82021) 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.
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.
This is a key occupation in the province's oil industry, covering a range of functions. People in this occupation are employed by oil producing companies or firms that provide services and support to the industry. The outlook for exploration activity is mixed, with some companies reducing activity over the forecast period, and others moving ahead with drilling plans. Oil production is expected to increase during the forecast period as the SeaRose FPSO resumed drilling in early 2025 and the first oil from the $4 billion West White Rose project is expected in 2026.
Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Approximately 600 people work in this occupation.
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services mainly work in the following sectors:
Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 53%
Support activities for mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 213): 37%
47% of contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services work all year, while 53% 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 38 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
9% of contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services are self-employed compared to an average of 8% 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: 21% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 24% compared to 17% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 42% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 8% compared to 14% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModerateManitoba
The employment outlook will be Moderate for contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (NOC 82021) 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 a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
This occupation is driven by global energy demand, commodity prices, and investment in exploration and production activities.
The province supports regulated, short-term continuity for oil extraction activities while pursuing long-term transition to clean and renewable energy sources.
Key trends in this occupation include automation and robotics, such as automated drilling rigs and drones for inspection, real-time data collection and monitoring of equipment, advanced horizontal drilling and measurement-while-drilling (MWD) systems to improve efficiency.
Jobs are concentrated in the Southwest region where petroleum is extracted from oil and gas wells in designated fields.
Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services in Manitoba:
Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services mainly work in the following sectors:
Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 56%
Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 37%
Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 6%
42% of contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services work all year, while 57% 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 39 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
40% of contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services 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: 15% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 55% compared to 31% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 6% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 9% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModerateSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Moderate for contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (NOC 82021) 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.
Demand for this occupation is driven by global energy demand, commodity prices, and investment in exploration and production activities.
The oil and gas industry can be sensitive to global market conditions, which may affect employment stability. As Saskatchewan continues to develop its oil and gas resources, there may be increased need for skilled supervisors.
Key trends in this occupation include automation and robotics, such as automated drilling rigs and drones for inspection, real-time data collection and monitoring of equipment, advanced horizontal drilling and measurement-while-drilling (MWD) systems to improve efficiency.
Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 1,500 people work in this occupation.
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services mainly work in the following sectors:
Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 55%
Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 27%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 93% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 7% compared to 19% for all occupations
55% of contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services 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 41 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
34% of contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services 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: 22% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 49% compared to 33% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 19% 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 contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (NOC 82021) 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.
Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services in Alberta:
Approximately 12,750 people work in this occupation.
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services mainly work in the following sectors:
Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 47%
Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 31%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 6%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 95% compared to 80% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 5% compared to 20% for all occupations
51% of contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services work all year, while 49% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
37% of contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 95% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 5% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 17% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 40% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 21% 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: 7% 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 contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (NOC 82021) 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 a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Here are some key facts about contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services in British Columbia:
Approximately 1,850 people work in this occupation.
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services mainly work in the following sectors:
Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 44%
Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 39%
Construction (NAICS 23): 7%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 5%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 93% compared to 78% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 7% compared to 22% for all occupations
39% of contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services work all year, while 61% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 36 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
43% of contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services 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: 15% compared to 8% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 42% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 26% compared to 13% 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 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.
UndeterminedNova Scotia
An employment outlook for this occupation was not assessed in this region.
UndeterminedNew Brunswick
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedQuebec
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedOntario
An employment outlook for this occupation was not assessed in this region.
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 82021 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.
- 22101 Geological and mineral technologists and technicians
- 80010 Managers in natural resources production and fishing
- 83101 Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
- 84101 Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators
Same occupation group
Contractors and supervisors, mining, oil and gas
Questions
NOC 82021: common questions
What is the NOC code for contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services?
What TEER category is NOC 82021?
Is NOC 82021 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 82021 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 82021 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 82021 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 8Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupationsBroad Category
- 82Supervisors in natural resources, agriculture and related productionMajor Group
- 820Supervisors in natural resources, agriculture and related productionSub-major Group
- 8202Contractors and supervisors, mining, oil and gasMinor Group
- 82021Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services
Enquiry
Is NOC 82021 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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