Dragline crane operator NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for dragline crane operator.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for dragline crane operator is 72500 (Crane operators), a TEER 2 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It's a high-wage occupation (Level 3): +20 CRS for 12+ months of Canadian work, or 50 for a job offer.
NOC code
72500
TEER 2 · skilled
High-wage
Level 3
+20 work · 50 job offer
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 72500 covers
Crane operators operate cranes or draglines to lift, move, position or place machinery, equipment and other large objects at construction or industrial sites, ports, railway yards, surface mines and other similar locations. They are employed by construction, industrial, mining, cargo handling and railway companies. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
| Unit group | 72500 — Crane operators |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 2 — usually requires a college diploma or apprenticeship of 2+ years, or supervisory roles |
| Broad category | Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Operate mobile and tower cranes to lift, move, position or place equipment and materials
- Perform pre-operational inspection, and calculate crane capacities and weight to prepare for rigging and hoisting
- Operate pile driving cranes to drive pilings into earth to provide support for buildings and other structures
- Operate cranes equipped with dredging attachments to dredge waterways and other areas
- Operate gantry cranes to load and unload ship cargo at port side
- Operate locomotive cranes to move objects and materials at railway yards
To use NOC 72500 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 72500 →
Other job titles under NOC 72500
- Boom truck crane operator
- Bridge crane operator
- Climbing crane operator
- Construction crane operator
- Crane operator
- Gantry crane operator
- Hoist operator (except underground mining)
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 72500, one of these may fit better:
- Camera crane operator — NOC 53111 (Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators, TEER 3)
- Crane greaser — NOC 74203 (Automotive and heavy truck and equipment parts installers and servicers, TEER 4)
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 dragline crane operator?+
In NOC 2021, "dragline crane operator" is an example title in unit group 72500 — Crane operators. It is a TEER 2 occupation in the "Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations" broad category.
Is dragline crane operator eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 72500 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 dragline crane operator get extra CRS points?+
Yes. NOC 72500 is on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 3. From November 3, 2026, 12+ months of qualifying Canadian work adds 20 CRS points, or a valid job offer is worth 50 (whichever is higher).
Can a dragline crane operator get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 72500 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 dragline crane operator 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 72500. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.