NOC 94121: Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators
Pulp mill and papermaking and finishing machine operators operate and monitor various types of processing machinery and equipment to produce pulp and assist papermaking and coating control operators to produce, coat and finish paper. They are employed by pulp and paper companies.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
NOC 94121 (Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators) is a TEER 4 occupation — not skilled work for FSW or CEC. It is not on IRCC's high-wage list. It isn't on any current category-based draw list.
TEER
TEER 4
Not skilled for FSW/CEC
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
| NOC 2021 code | 94121 |
|---|---|
| Title | Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators |
| Broad category | Occupations in manufacturing and utilities |
| TEER | TEER 4 — usually requires a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training |
Example job titles
- assistant bleacher operator - pulp and paper
- assistant coating operator - pulp and paper
- calender operator - pulp and paper
- cook - pulp and paper
- digester operator - pulp and paper
- embossing calender operator - pulp and paper
- fourth hand - pulp and paper
- graderman/woman - pulp and paper
Main duties
- Operate and monitor paper mill, papermaking and finishing process machinery and equipment such as screening equipment, bleaching equipment, digesters, mixing tanks, and washers to carry out one or more cellulose processing steps and equipment such as dryers, laminators, cutters, coaters, calenders and hoists to carry out one or more papermaking and finishing process steps
- Observe equipment and machinery panel indicators, gauges, level indicators and other equipment instruments to detect machinery and equipment malfunctions and ensure process steps are carried out according to specifications
- Communicate with pulping, papermaking and coating control operators to make process adjustments and start up or shut down machinery and equipment as required
- Collect processing samples and conduct titration tests, pH readings, specific density tests and other routine tests on pulp and solutions
- Inspect paper visually for wrinkles, holes, discolouration, streaks or other defects and take corrective action
- Complete and maintain production reports.
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 94100 — Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
- NOC 94101 — Foundry workers
- NOC 94102 — Glass forming and finishing machine operators and glass cutters
- NOC 94103 — Concrete, clay and stone forming operators
- NOC 94104 — Inspectors and testers, mineral and metal processing
- NOC 94105 — Metalworking and forging machine operators
- NOC 94106 — Machining tool operators
- NOC 94107 — Machine operators of other metal products
- NOC 94110 — Chemical plant machine operators
- NOC 94111 — Plastics processing machine operators
← NOC 94120 Sawmill machine operators · NOC 94122 Paper converting machine operators →
Calculate your CRS score → · All NOC codes · High-wage list
TEER 4 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 94121 eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 94121 is a TEER 4 occupation. IRCC only counts TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 work as skilled experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, so this occupation alone generally won't meet those requirements. Provincial programs may differ.
Is NOC 94121 a high-wage occupation?+
No. NOC 94121 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 94121?+
None of IRCC's current category-based selection lists include NOC 94121. Candidates can still be invited in general, program-specific (such as CEC) or PNP rounds.