NOC 21100: Physicists and astronomers
Physicists conduct theoretical and applied research to extend knowledge of natural phenomena and to develop new processes and devices in fields such as electronics, communications, power generation and distribution, aerodynamics, optics and lasers, remote sensing, biotechnology, medicine and health. They are employed by electronic, electrical and aerospace manufacturing companies, telecommunications companies, power utilities, university and government research laboratories, hospitals and by a wide range of other processing, manufacturing, and research and consulting firms. Astronomers conduct observational and theoretical research to extend knowledge of the universe. They are employed by government and universities.
Official Main Duties for NOC 21100
Select the duties you perform in your actual job. Under IRCC guidelines, you must perform at least 60% of these duties for a successful work permit or PR reference letter.
Your employer reference letter must confirm you performed the main actions described in the duties above. Avoid copying words directly from the NOC description — officers expect natural job descriptions with specific company context.
Canadian Labour Market & PR Pathways for NOC 21100
Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 Version 1.0), Physicists and astronomers is categorized under TEER 1. Occupations in this tier typically require a university degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) or substantial managerial tenure.
Express Entry Alignment
Qualifies directly for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry. Work experience must be full-time (or equivalent part-time) and continuous for at least one year.
Target Category Status
Designated under IRCC's STEM Priority Stream →. Candidates with 6 months of qualifying Canadian or foreign experience in this NOC can receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) at significantly lower CRS cutoff thresholds.
NOC 2016 to NOC 2021 Transition & Equivalency
Under Canada's previous NOC 2016 classification, this occupation was mapped under the following 4-digit code(s). When preparing your Express Entry profile or work reference letters, you must use the new 5-digit code NOC 21100.
Regional Wages Across Canada
Under Canadian immigration law, an employer hiring you under an LMIA must pay you at least the median wage listed below for your province.
| Province / Territory | Low Wage | Median Wage | High Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada (National Average) | $34.95 | $56.49/hr | $96.15 |
| Nova Scotia → | $28.32/hr | $47.47/hr | $72.39/hr |
| Quebec → | $33.92/hr | $50.28/hr | $77.3/hr |
| Ontario → | $37.03/hr | $60.08/hr | $92.98/hr |
| Manitoba → | $35.02/hr | $64.71/hr | $96.38/hr |
| Saskatchewan → | $37.09/hr | $65.83/hr | $85.31/hr |
| Alberta → | $32.55/hr | $57.2/hr | $84.81/hr |
| British Columbia → | $34.29/hr | $52.43/hr | $78.8/hr |
🏙️Top Metropolitan Cities Wage Rates (ESDC 2025/2026)
Economic Region BenchmarksOfficial ESDC prevailing median wages across major Canadian metropolitan regions. Crucial for LMIA prevailing wage compliance and local job offer evaluations.
Employment Requirements
These are the education, training, and certification standards usually required by Canadian employers for this occupation:
- Physicists usually require a master's or doctoral degree in a field of physics, engineering physics, or in a related discipline.
- Astronomers usually require a master's or doctoral degree in astronomy or in a related discipline.
Official Job Titles for NOC 21100
56 Titles ListedIf your current job title matches any of these official examples, this NOC code is likely the right choice for your Express Entry reference letter:
Exclusions (Similar Jobs with Different Codes)
Check this list to make sure your actual job is not classified under one of these related codes:
- Architecture and science managers (See 20011 Architecture and science managers)View NOC 20011→
- Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (See 21311 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers))View NOC 21311→
- Geophysicist (See 21102 Geoscientists and oceanographers)View NOC 21102→
- Physical oceanographer (See 21102 Geoscientists and oceanographers)View NOC 21102→
Frequently Asked Questions for NOC 21100 (Physicists and astronomers)
Essential answers regarding Express Entry eligibility, LMIA prevailing wage compliance, and official reference letter rules.
Check Your Express Entry Score & Latest Cutoffs
Calculate your exact Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for NOC 21100, explore your TEER 1 immigration pathways, and check recent draw cutoffs.