NOC 72404: Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
Aircraft mechanics maintain, repair, overhaul, modify and test aircraft structural, mechanical and hydraulic systems. Aircraft inspectors inspect aircraft and aircraft systems following manufacture, modification, maintenance, repair or overhaul. Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors are employed by aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul establishments, and by airlines and other aircraft operators. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Official Main Duties for NOC 72404
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 72404
Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 Version 1.0), Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors 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 72404.
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) | $24.48 | $39/hr | $52.88 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador → | $20.19/hr | $37/hr | $72.12/hr |
| Prince Edward Island → | $20/hr | $27/hr | $35/hr |
| Nova Scotia → | $24.99/hr | $39/hr | $50/hr |
| New Brunswick → | $29.3/hr | $39.53/hr | $54.6/hr |
| Quebec → | $28/hr | $39/hr | $57/hr |
| Ontario → | $22/hr | $38/hr | $52.66/hr |
| Manitoba → | $20.1/hr | $33.12/hr | $45.67/hr |
| Saskatchewan → | $25/hr | $40/hr | $51/hr |
| Alberta → | $36.5/hr | $44.5/hr | $51.9/hr |
| British Columbia → | $28/hr | $39/hr | $51/hr |
| Yukon → | $36.02/hr | $43.28/hr | $56.02/hr |
| Northwest Territories → | $27.78/hr | $41.71/hr | $56.9/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 required.
- A college diploma in aircraft maintenance or Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program is usually required.
- Several years of on-the-job training are required for aircraft mechanics.
- Aircraft mechanics and inspectors who sign maintenance releases and certify airworthiness require an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's (AME) licence issued by Transport Canada.
- Trade certification for aircraft maintenance engineers is available, but voluntary, in Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
- Trade certification for aircraft structural technicians is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia.
- Industry certification from the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council for some occupations in this unit group is available, but voluntary.
- Aircraft inspectors require several years of experience as an aircraft mechanic.
Official Job Titles for NOC 72404
84 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:
- Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors (See 93200 Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors)View NOC 93200→
- Aircraft engine assembly fitter (See 72405 Machine fitters)View NOC 72405→
- Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors (See 22313 Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors)View NOC 22313→
- Aircraft mechanics and inspectors foreman/woman (See 72020 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades)View NOC 72020→
- Airworthiness inspector (See 22231 Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers)View NOC 22231→
- Non-destructive test technician (See 22230 Non-destructive testers and inspectors)View NOC 22230→
Frequently Asked Questions for NOC 72404 (Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors)
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 72404, explore your TEER 2 immigration pathways, and check recent draw cutoffs.