NOC 72301: Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
Steamfitters and pipefitters lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair piping systems carrying water, steam, chemicals and fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other process piping systems. Sprinkler system installers fabricate, install, test, maintain and repair water, foam, carbon dioxide and dry chemical sprinkler systems in buildings for fire protection purposes. Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers are employed in maintenance departments of factories, plants and similar establishments, and by pipefitting and sprinkler system contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Official Main Duties for NOC 72301
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 72301
Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 Version 1.0), Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers 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 72301.
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) | $27 | $43.89/hr | $55.59 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador → | $28.26/hr | $42.65/hr | $53/hr |
| Nova Scotia → | $27.5/hr | $45/hr | $60/hr |
| New Brunswick → | $29.84/hr | $43/hr | $53.17/hr |
| Quebec → | $26.87/hr | $43.88/hr | $47.4/hr |
| Ontario → | $28/hr | $45.96/hr | $56.88/hr |
| Manitoba → | $23.2/hr | $41.93/hr | $53/hr |
| Saskatchewan → | $25/hr | $46.02/hr | $54.29/hr |
| Alberta → | $26.94/hr | $44.9/hr | $56.77/hr |
| British Columbia → | $26/hr | $42.05/hr | $59.98/hr |
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- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in steamfitting, pipefitting or sprinkler system installation is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Steamfitter-pipefitter trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
- Steamfitter-pipefitter (non-construction) trade certification is compulsory in Quebec.
- Sprinkler system installer trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Manitoba and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
- Sprinkler system installer (non-construction) trade certification is compulsory in Quebec.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified steamfitters-pipefitters and sprinkler system installers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Official Job Titles for NOC 72301
37 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:
- Gas fitters (See 72302 Gas fitters)View NOC 72302→
- Pipefitters supervisor (See 72012 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades)View NOC 72012→
- Plumbers (See 72300 Plumbers)View NOC 72300→
- Residential and commercial installers and servicers (See 73200 Residential and commercial installers and servicers)View NOC 73200→
- Sprinkler system installers supervisor (See 72012 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades)View NOC 72012→
- Steamfitters supervisor (See 72012 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades)View NOC 72012→
Frequently Asked Questions for NOC 72301 (Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers)
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 72301, explore your TEER 2 immigration pathways, and check recent draw cutoffs.