Terminal air traffic controller NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for terminal air traffic controller.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for terminal air traffic controller is 72601 (Air traffic controllers and related occupations), a TEER 2 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It's a high-wage occupation (Level 2): +40 CRS for 12+ months of Canadian work, or 70 for a job offer.
NOC code
72601
TEER 2 · skilled
High-wage
Level 2
+40 work · 70 job offer
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 72601 covers
Air traffic controllers direct air traffic within assigned airspace, and control moving aircraft and service vehicles at airports. Flight service specialists provide pilots with flight information essential to aviation safety. Flight dispatchers authorize airline flights over assigned routes. Air traffic controllers and flight service specialists are employed by NAV Canada and the Canadian Forces. Flight dispatchers are employed by airline and air services companies and by the Canadian Forces.
| Unit group | 72601 — Air traffic controllers and related occupations |
|---|---|
| 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
- Air traffic controllers
- Control flow of air traffic within assigned airspace using radar monitors, radio and other communication equipment and visual references
- Issue aircraft takeoff and landing instructions to pilots and relay meteorological, navigational and other information to pilots in flight
- Maintain radio and telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units and other area control centres, and coordinate movement of aircraft into adjoining areas
- Alert airport emergency services when aircraft are experiencing difficulties and report missing aircraft to search and rescue services
- Direct activities of all moving aircraft and service vehicles on or near airport runways.
To use NOC 72601 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 72601 →
Other job titles under NOC 72601
- Airport air traffic controller
- Enroute air traffic controller
- Flight dispatcher
- Air traffic controller (ATC)
- Flight service specialist (FSS)
- Instrument flight rules air traffic controller
- Visual flight rules air traffic controller
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 72601, one of these may fit better:
- Avalanche controller — NOC 22214 (Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology, TEER 2)
- Chief rail traffic controller — NOC 72604 (Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators, TEER 2)
- Ferry terminal worker — NOC 75210 (Boat and cable ferry operators and related occupations, TEER 5)
- Logging company corporate controller — NOC 00015 (Senior managers - construction, transportation, production and utilities, TEER 0)
- Marine traffic regulator — NOC 72604 (Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators, TEER 2)
- Pest controller — NOC 73202 (Pest controllers and fumigators, TEER 3)
- Rail traffic controller — NOC 72604 (Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators, TEER 2)
- Subway traffic controller — NOC 72024 (Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators, 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 terminal air traffic controller?+
In NOC 2021, "terminal air traffic controller" is an example title in unit group 72601 — Air traffic controllers and related occupations. It is a TEER 2 occupation in the "Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations" broad category.
Is terminal air traffic controller eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 72601 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 terminal air traffic controller get extra CRS points?+
Yes. NOC 72601 is on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 2. From November 3, 2026, 12+ months of qualifying Canadian work adds 40 CRS points, or a valid job offer is worth 70 (whichever is higher).
Can a terminal air traffic controller get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 72601 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 terminal air traffic controller 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 72601. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.