NOC 21102: Geoscientists and oceanographers
Geoscientists include geologists, geochemists and geophysicists who conduct programs of exploration and research to extend knowledge of the structure, composition and processes of the earth, to locate, identify and extract hydrocarbon, mineral and groundwater resources and to assess and mitigate the effects of development and waste disposal projects on the environment. Oceanographers conduct programs of exploration and research on ocean processes and phenomena, biological, chemical and physical characteristics of oceans, interactions with atmospheric and geological environments and impacts of human activity on oceans and marine ecosystems. Geoscientists are employed by petroleum and mining companies, consulting geology, geophysics and engineering firms and by governments and educational institutions, or they may be self-employed. Oceanographers are employed by governments, educational institutions and private companies engaged in exploration of seafloor deposits and seafarming areas, or they may be self-employed.
Official Main Duties for NOC 21102
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 21102
Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 Version 1.0), Geoscientists and oceanographers 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
Currently evaluated under standard General and CEC invitation rounds, or targeted through provincial in-demand lists such as Ontario (OINP), British Columbia (BC PNP), or Alberta (AAIP).
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 21102.
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) | $30.77 | $50/hr | $100 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador → | $27.47/hr | $50/hr | $96.15/hr |
| Nova Scotia → | $30.67/hr | $48.72/hr | $76.92/hr |
| New Brunswick → | $30.67/hr | $48.72/hr | $76.92/hr |
| Quebec → | $31.25/hr | $48.08/hr | $66.67/hr |
| Ontario → | $33.65/hr | $57.69/hr | $79.49/hr |
| Manitoba → | $23.17/hr | $44.23/hr | $51.92/hr |
| Saskatchewan → | $27.5/hr | $52.2/hr | $77.88/hr |
| Alberta → | $28.85/hr | $44.43/hr | $117.95/hr |
| British Columbia → | $30.77/hr | $51.28/hr | $87.18/hr |
| Yukon → | $33.96/hr | $45.55/hr | $66.56/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:
- Geoscientists require a university degree in geology, geochemistry, geophysics or a related discipline.
- A master's or doctoral degree in geophysics, physics, mathematics or engineering may be required for employment as a geophysicist.
- Registration with a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers, geologists, geophysicists or geoscientists is usually required for employment and is mandatory to practice in all provinces and territories except Prince Edward Island and the Yukon.
- Geologists and geophysicists are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program and after several years of supervised work experience and, in some provinces, after passing a professional practice examination.
- Oceanographers require a university degree in science, mathematics, statistics or engineering and usually require a graduate degree in oceanography.
Official Job Titles for NOC 21102
54 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→
- Biologists and related scientists (See 21110 Biologists and related scientists)View NOC 21110→
- Chemists (See 21101 Chemists)View NOC 21101→
- Geological engineers (See 21331 Geological engineers)View NOC 21331→
- Managers in natural resources production and fishing (See 80010 Managers in natural resources production and fishing)View NOC 80010→
- Physicists and astronomers (See 21100 Physicists and astronomers)View NOC 21100→
Frequently Asked Questions for NOC 21102 (Geoscientists and oceanographers)
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 21102, explore your TEER 1 immigration pathways, and check recent draw cutoffs.