NOC 72402: Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics install, maintain, repair and overhaul residential central air conditioning systems, commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems and combined heating, ventilation and cooling systems. They are employed by heating, refrigeration and air conditioning installation contractors, various industrial settings, food wholesalers, engineering firms and retail and servicing establishments. Transport refrigeration mechanics are included in this unit group. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Official Main Duties for NOC 72402
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 72402
Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 Version 1.0), Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics 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 72402.
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 | $37.5/hr | $56 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador → | $20/hr | $36/hr | $46/hr |
| Prince Edward Island → | $21.02/hr | $31.21/hr | $34.02/hr |
| Nova Scotia → | $20.7/hr | $30.84/hr | $53.85/hr |
| New Brunswick → | $20.5/hr | $29.76/hr | $45.63/hr |
| Quebec → | $22.4/hr | $38/hr | $46.08/hr |
| Ontario → | $21/hr | $37/hr | $58/hr |
| Manitoba → | $18/hr | $36.07/hr | $45/hr |
| Saskatchewan → | $28.5/hr | $40/hr | $59/hr |
| Alberta → | $25/hr | $40/hr | $54/hr |
| British Columbia → | $24.23/hr | $40/hr | $62/hr |
Employment Requirements
These are the education, training, and certification standards usually required by Canadian employers for this occupation:
- Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required.
- Completion of a three- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience and industry courses in refrigeration and air conditioning repair is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Trade certification for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
- Trade certification for transport refrigeration mechanics is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick and Alberta.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Official Job Titles for NOC 72402
26 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:
- Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic foreman/woman (See 72020 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades)View NOC 72020→
- Domestic refrigerator repairer (See 72421 Appliance servicers and repairers)View NOC 72421→
- Domestic window air conditioner repairer (See 72421 Appliance servicers and repairers)View NOC 72421→
Frequently Asked Questions for NOC 72402 (Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics)
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 72402, explore your TEER 2 immigration pathways, and check recent draw cutoffs.