Planer operator NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for planer operator.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for planer operator is 94120 (Sawmill machine operators), a TEER 4 occupation — not skilled work for FSW or CEC.
NOC code
94120
TEER 4 · not skilled for FSW/CEC
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 94120 covers
Sawmill machine operators operate, monitor and control automated lumbermill equipment to saw timber logs into rough lumber; saw, trim and plane rough lumber into dressed lumber of various sizes; and saw or split shingles and shakes. They are employed in sawmills and planing mills.
| Unit group | 94120 — Sawmill machine operators |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 4 — usually requires a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training |
| Broad category | Occupations in manufacturing and utilities |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Operate front-end loaders and stationary deck cranes to feed logs into the sawmill
- Examine logs and rough lumber to determine size, condition, quality and other characteristics to decide best lumber cuts to carry out, or use automated equipment to convey logs through laser scanners which determine the most productive and profitable cutting patterns
- Operate automated lumbermill from control rooms or consoles to saw logs into rough lumber; saw, trim and plane rough lumber into dressed lumber of various sizes; and saw or split shingles and shakes
- Start conveyor system to move logs and lumber to and from saws
- Set up and adjust saw equipment and replace blades or bands using wrenches, gauges and other hand tools
- Operate equipment to sort and stack lumber by length and thickness, move stacks to storage areas or drying kilns, and feed lumber through planers
To use NOC 94120 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 94120 →
Other job titles under NOC 94120
- Circular saw operator
- Head sawyer
- Log cut-off operator
- Resaw operator
- Shake splitter
- Edgerman/woman
- Trimmerman/woman
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 planer operator?+
In NOC 2021, "planer operator" is an example title in unit group 94120 — Sawmill machine operators. It is a TEER 4 occupation in the "Occupations in manufacturing and utilities" broad category.
Is planer operator eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 94120 is TEER 4. IRCC only counts TEER 0–3 work as skilled experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class, so this work generally won't qualify for those programs on its own. Some provincial programs accept TEER 4–5 work.
Does planer operator get extra CRS points?+
NOC 94120 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 planer operator get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 94120 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 planer 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 94120. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.