Commercial artist NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for commercial artist.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for commercial artist is 52120 (Graphic designers and illustrators), a TEER 2 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry.
NOC code
52120
TEER 2 · skilled
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 52120 covers
Graphic designers conceptualize and produce graphic art and visual materials to effectively communicate information for publications, advertising, films, packaging, posters, signs and interactive media such as Web sites and CDs. They are employed by advertising and graphic design firms, by establishments with advertising or communications departments and by multimedia production companies, or they may be self-employed. Graphic designers who are also supervisors, project managers or consultants are included in this unit group. Illustrators conceptualize and create illustrations to represent information through images. They are almost solely self-employed.
| Unit group | 52120 — Graphic designers and illustrators |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 2 — usually requires a college diploma or apprenticeship of 2+ years, or supervisory roles |
| Broad category | Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Graphic designers
- Consult with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communications materials in order to meet their needs
- Determine the medium best suited to produce the desired visual effect and the most appropriate vehicle for communication
- Develop the graphic elements that meet the clients' objectives
- Prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements of the subjects to be rendered using traditional tools, multimedia software and image processing, layout and design software
- Estimate cost of materials and time to complete graphic design
To use NOC 52120 on an Express Entry profile or reference letter, your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties. See every duty and the full Express Entry breakdown for NOC 52120 →
Other job titles under NOC 52120
- 3D animation artist
- Advertising designer
- Bank note designer
- Cartoonist
- Graphic artist
- Graphic designer
- Animator - animated films
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 52120, one of these may fit better:
- Artist — NOC 53122 (Painters, sculptors and other visual artists, TEER 3)
- Commercial air conditioning mechanic — NOC 72402 (Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, TEER 2)
- Commercial art instructor — NOC 41210 (College and other vocational instructors, TEER 1)
- Commercial banking manager — NOC 10021 (Banking, credit and other investment managers, TEER 0)
- Commercial construction manager — NOC 70010 (Construction managers, TEER 0)
- Commercial diver — NOC 72999 (Other technical trades and related occupations, TEER 2)
- Commercial foodservice appliance technician — NOC 72421 (Appliance servicers and repairers, TEER 2)
- Commercial laundry appliance technician — NOC 72421 (Appliance servicers and repairers, TEER 2)
Calculate your CRS score → · All job titles A–Z · High-wage list
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0 (example titles and duties); IRCC high-wage occupations and category-based selection lists. Check the official NOC site before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NOC code for commercial artist?+
In NOC 2021, "commercial artist" is an example title in unit group 52120 — Graphic designers and illustrators. It is a TEER 2 occupation in the "Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport" broad category.
Is commercial artist eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 52120 is TEER 2, which IRCC counts as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class — provided your actual duties match the NOC description and you meet every other program requirement.
Does commercial artist get extra CRS points?+
NOC 52120 isn't on IRCC's high-wage list, so there are no extra high-wage or job offer points. Canadian work-length points still apply for TEER 0–3 work.
Can a commercial artist get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 52120 isn't on any of IRCC's current category-based selection lists. You can still be invited in general, Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program rounds.
What if my job title says commercial artist but my duties are different?+
IRCC assesses your duties, not your job title. Compare what you actually do with the lead statement and main duties of NOC 52120. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.