Heavy equipment operator NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for heavy equipment operator.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for heavy equipment operator is 73400 (Heavy equipment operators), a TEER 3 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry.
NOC code
73400
TEER 3 · skilled
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 73400 covers
Heavy equipment operators operate heavy equipment used in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, airports, gas and oil pipelines, tunnels, buildings and other structures; in surface mining and quarrying activities; and in material handling work. They are employed by construction companies, heavy equipment contractors, public works departments and pipeline, logging, cargo-handling and other companies. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
| Unit group | 73400 — Heavy equipment operators |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 3 — usually requires a college diploma or apprenticeship of less than 2 years, or 6+ months of on-the-job training |
| Broad category | Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, loaders and graders to excavate, move, load and grade earth, rock, gravel or other materials during construction and related activities
- Operate bulldozers or other heavy equipment to clear brush and stumps prior to logging activities and to build roads at logging and surface mining sites
- Operate heavy equipment with pile driver head to drive piling into earth to provide support for buildings, bridges or other structures
- Operate heavy dredging equipment to deepen waterways or reclaim earth fill
- Operate heavy paving and surfacing equipment to lay, spread or compact concrete, asphalt and other surface materials during highway and road construction
- Operate power shovels to excavate rock, ore or other materials from open-pit mines, strip mines, quarries or construction pits
To use NOC 73400 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 73400 →
Other job titles under NOC 73400
- Backhoe operator
- Bulldozer operator
- Excavator operator
- Gradall operator
- Grader operator
- Heavy equipment operator apprentice
- Loader operator - construction
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 73400, one of these may fit better:
- Agricultural equipment technician — NOC 72401 (Heavy-duty equipment mechanics, TEER 2)
- Athletic equipment custodian — NOC 65211 (Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport, TEER 5)
- Audio equipment salesperson — NOC 64100 (Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers, TEER 4)
- Communication equipment sales representative — NOC 62100 (Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade, TEER 2)
- Construction equipment mechanic — NOC 72401 (Heavy-duty equipment mechanics, TEER 2)
- Construction equipment sales representative — NOC 62100 (Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade, TEER 2)
- Electrical equipment manufacturing supervisor — NOC 92021 (Supervisors, electronics and electrical products manufacturing, TEER 2)
- Farm equipment mechanic — NOC 72401 (Heavy-duty equipment mechanics, 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 heavy equipment operator?+
In NOC 2021, "heavy equipment operator" is an example title in unit group 73400 — Heavy equipment operators. It is a TEER 3 occupation in the "Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations" broad category.
Is heavy equipment operator eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 73400 is TEER 3, 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 heavy equipment operator get extra CRS points?+
NOC 73400 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 heavy equipment operator get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 73400 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 heavy equipment 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 73400. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.