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.
Official Main Duties for NOC 72101
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 72101
Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 Version 1.0), Tool and die makers is categorized under TEER 2. Occupations in this tier typically require completion of a 2- to 3-year post-secondary diploma, apprenticeship training, or specialized technical certifications.
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 72101.
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) | $22.5 | $34/hr | $44.65 |
| Nova Scotia → | $24.35/hr | $32.99/hr | $40.22/hr |
| Quebec → | $24.09/hr | $33.12/hr | $43.69/hr |
| Ontario → | $22/hr | $34/hr | $42.5/hr |
| Manitoba → | $22.66/hr | $31.62/hr | $41.46/hr |
| Saskatchewan → | $24.91/hr | $32.41/hr | $49.69/hr |
| Alberta → | $23.81/hr | $32.96/hr | $42.47/hr |
| British Columbia → | $26.38/hr | $36.05/hr | $46.55/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:
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a four- or five-year tool and die making apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in tool and die making is usually required to be eligible for tool and die trade certification.
- Tool and die maker trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified tool and die makers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
- Mould makers usually require completion of a four-year apprenticeship or college program in mould making.
- Trade certification for mould makers is available, but voluntary, in Quebec and Ontario.
- Patternmakers usually require completion of an apprenticeship or college program in patternmaking.
- Patternmaking trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Ontario.
Official Job Titles for NOC 72101
66 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:
- Foundry workers (See 94101 Foundry workers)View NOC 94101→
- Machining tool operators (See 94106 Machining tool operators)View NOC 94106→
- Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (See 72100 Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors)View NOC 72100→
- Metal mould and metal patternmakers supervisor (See 72010 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations)View NOC 72010→
- Tool and die makers supervisor (See 72010 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations)View NOC 72010→
Frequently Asked Questions for NOC 72101 (Tool and die makers)
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 72101, explore your TEER 2 immigration pathways, and check recent draw cutoffs.