NOC 72321: Insulators
Insulators apply insulation materials to plumbing, air-handling, heating, cooling and refrigeration systems, piping equipment and pressure vessels, and walls, floors and ceilings of buildings and other structures, to prevent or reduce the passage of heat, cold, sound or fire. They are employed by construction companies and insulation contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
NOC 72321 (Insulators) is a TEER 2 occupation, so it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It is on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 3: +20 CRS for 12+ months of Canadian work, or 50 for a job offer. It isn't on any current category-based draw list.
TEER
TEER 2
Skilled for Express Entry
High-wage
Level 3
+20 work · 50 job offer
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
| NOC 2021 code | 72321 |
|---|---|
| Title | Insulators |
| 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 |
CRS points for this occupation
Under the Labour Market Integration factor, IRCC gives you the higher of: your Canadian work-length points plus 20 for 12+ months of qualifying work in a Level 3 occupation, or 50 points for a valid job offer in it. How job offer points work.
Example job titles
- boiler and pipe insulator
- building insulator
- firestopping insulator
- heat and frost insulator
- insulation applicator
- insulation mechanic
- insulator
- insulator apprentice
Main duties
- Read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine insulation requirements and select type of insulation required
- Measure and cut insulating material to required dimensions using hand and power tools
- Apply and secure insulation using spraying, blowing, pasting, strapping, taping and other application and installation methods
- Fit insulation around obstructions and between studs and joists
- Install vapour barriers
- Apply waterproofing cement over insulating materials to finish surfaces
- Remove asbestos or urea-formaldehyde insulation from buildings when required.
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 72300 — Plumbers
- NOC 72301 — Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
- NOC 72302 — Gas fitters
- NOC 72310 — Carpenters
- NOC 72311 — Cabinetmakers
- NOC 72320 — Bricklayers
- 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 72320 Bricklayers · NOC 72400 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics →
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 72321 eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 72321 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 72321 a high-wage occupation?+
Yes. It's on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 3. From November 3, 2026, 12+ months of qualifying Canadian work in it adds 20 CRS points, or a valid job offer in it is worth 50 points (whichever is higher).
Which Express Entry category draws include NOC 72321?+
None of IRCC's current category-based selection lists include NOC 72321. Candidates can still be invited in general, program-specific (such as CEC) or PNP rounds.