Machinist NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for machinist.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for machinist is 72100 (Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors), a TEER 2 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It's eligible for Trades category draws.
NOC code
72100
TEER 2 · skilled
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
Trades
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 72100 covers
Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to cut or grind metal, plastic or other materials to make or modify parts or products with precise dimensions. Machining and tooling inspectors inspect machined parts and tooling in order to maintain quality control standards. They are employed by machinery, equipment, motor vehicle, automotive parts, aircraft and other metal products manufacturing companies and by machine shops. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
| Unit group | 72100 — Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors |
|---|---|
| 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
- Machinists
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, charts and tables or study sample parts to determine machining operation to be performed, and plan best sequence of operations
- Compute dimensions and tolerances and measure and lay out work pieces
- Set up, operate and maintain a variety of machine tools including computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools to perform precision, non-repetitive machining operations such as sawing, turning, milling, boring, planing, drilling, precision grinding and other operations
- Fit and assemble machined metal parts and subassemblies using hand and power tools
- Verify dimensions of products for accuracy and conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments
To use NOC 72100 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 72100 →
Other job titles under NOC 72100
- Automotive machinist
- Aviation machinist
- General machinist
- Machine shop inspector
- Machined parts inspector
- Machining inspector
- Machinist apprentice
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 machinist?+
In NOC 2021, "machinist" is an example title in unit group 72100 — Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors. It is a TEER 2 occupation in the "Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations" broad category.
Is machinist eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 72100 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 machinist get extra CRS points?+
NOC 72100 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 machinist get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
Yes — NOC 72100 is on IRCC's list for Trades Occupations, 2026-Version 3. You generally need have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience) — this experience does not need to be continuous.
What if my job title says machinist 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 72100. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.