Printing press operator NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for printing press operator.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for printing press operator is 73401 (Printing press operators), a TEER 3 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry.
NOC code
73401
TEER 3 · skilled
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 73401 covers
Printing press operators set up and operate sheet and web-fed presses to print text, illustrations and designs on a wide variety of materials such as paper, plastic, glass, leather and metal. They are employed by commercial printing companies; newspapers, magazines, and other publishing companies; and establishments in the public and private sectors that have in-house printing departments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
| Unit group | 73401 — Printing press 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
- Review job orders to determine job specifications such as production time, colour sequence and quantities required, and advise press crew of these specifications
- Mount plates or cylinders and make necessary adjustments
- Fill ink fountains and take measurements, make adjustments and determine settings to control colour and viscosity
- Set up press and check samples for ink coverage, alignment and registration
- Monitor regular press runs for quality and consistency using computer control console and make adjustments as required
- Remove and clean plates and cylinders at end of press run
To use NOC 73401 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 73401 →
Other job titles under NOC 73401
- Flexographic press operator
- Offset press operator
- Apprentice pressman/woman
- Assistant pressman/woman
- First pressman/woman
- Rotogravure pressman/woman - printing
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 73401, one of these may fit better:
- Clay press operator — NOC 94103 (Concrete, clay and stone forming operators, TEER 4)
- Extrusion press operator — NOC 94100 (Machine operators, mineral and metal processing, TEER 4)
- Fabric-printing machine operator — NOC 94130 (Textile fibre and yarn, hide and pelt processing machine operators and workers, TEER 4)
- Film printing machine operator — NOC 94153 (Photographic and film processors, TEER 4)
- Forging press operator — NOC 94105 (Metalworking and forging machine operators, TEER 4)
- Plastics press operator — NOC 94111 (Plastics processing machine operators, TEER 4)
- Silk-screen printing machine operator — NOC 94150 (Plateless printing equipment operators, 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 printing press operator?+
In NOC 2021, "printing press operator" is an example title in unit group 73401 — Printing press operators. It is a TEER 3 occupation in the "Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations" broad category.
Is printing press operator eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 73401 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 printing press operator get extra CRS points?+
NOC 73401 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 printing press operator get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 73401 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 printing press 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 73401. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.