NOC 72101: Tool and die makers
Tool and die makers make, repair and modify custom-made, prototype or special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and gauges using various metals, alloys and plastics which require precise dimensions. They are employed primarily in manufacturing industries such as automobile, aircraft, metal fabrication, electrical machinery and plastics, and in tool and die, mould making and machine shops. This unit group also includes metal patternmakers and metal mould makers. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
NOC 72101 (Tool and die makers) is a TEER 2 occupation, so it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It is not on IRCC's high-wage list. It isn't on any current category-based draw list.
TEER
TEER 2
Skilled for Express Entry
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
| NOC 2021 code | 72101 |
|---|---|
| Title | Tool and die makers |
| Broad category | Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations |
| TEER | TEER 2 — usually requires a college diploma or apprenticeship of 2+ years, or supervisory roles |
Example job titles
- die finisher
- die maker
- jig maker
- metal mould maker
- metal patternmaker
- metal patternmaker apprentice
- mould maker - plastics processing
- mould maker apprentice
Main duties
- Tool and die makers
- Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications of tools, dies, prototypes or models
- Prepare templates and sketches, and determine work processes
- Compute dimensions and tolerances and set up machine tools
- Position, secure, measure and work metal stock or castings to lay out for machining
- Set up, operate and maintain a variety of conventional and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools to cut, turn, mill, plane, drill, bore, grind or otherwise shape workpiece to prescribed dimensions and finish
- Verify machined parts for conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments such as verniers, callipers, micrometers, coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and electronic measuring devices
- Fit and assemble or disassemble parts using hand tools
Your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties to use this NOC — check the full profile on the official NOC site.
Related occupations
- NOC 72100 — Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
- NOC 72102 — Sheet metal workers
- NOC 72103 — Boilermakers
- NOC 72104 — Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
- NOC 72105 — Ironworkers
- NOC 72106 — Welders and related machine operators
- NOC 72010 — Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
- NOC 72011 — Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
- NOC 72012 — Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
- NOC 72013 — Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
← NOC 72100 Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors · NOC 72102 Sheet metal workers →
Calculate your CRS score → · All NOC codes · High-wage list
TEER 2 also matters for work permits: see the spousal open work permit (TEER rules for spouses of workers), LMIA explained and the Atlantic Immigration Program (job offers in TEER 0–4).
Sources: Statistics Canada NOC 2021 V1.0; IRCC high-wage occupations; IRCC category-based selection; IRCC who can apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is NOC 72101 eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 72101 is a TEER 2 occupation. IRCC counts work in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, as long as all other program requirements are met.
Is NOC 72101 a high-wage occupation?+
No. NOC 72101 isn't on IRCC's Express Entry high-wage occupations list, so it doesn't earn the extra high-wage or job offer CRS points. Canadian work-length points can still apply for TEER 0–3 work.
Which Express Entry category draws include NOC 72101?+
None of IRCC's current category-based selection lists include NOC 72101. Candidates can still be invited in general, program-specific (such as CEC) or PNP rounds.