NOC 72601: Air traffic controllers and related occupations
Air traffic controllers direct air traffic within assigned airspace, and control moving aircraft and service vehicles at airports. Flight service specialists provide pilots with flight information essential to aviation safety. Flight dispatchers authorize airline flights over assigned routes. Air traffic controllers and flight service specialists are employed by NAV Canada and the Canadian Forces. Flight dispatchers are employed by airline and air services companies and by the Canadian Forces.
Official Main Duties for NOC 72601
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 72601
Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 Version 1.0), Air traffic controllers and related occupations 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 72601.
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) | $25.25 | $54.88/hr | $106.19 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador → | $35.7/hr | $70.7/hr | $107.83/hr |
| Nova Scotia → | $26.64/hr | $44.88/hr | $70.56/hr |
| New Brunswick → | $39.08/hr | $75.19/hr | $103/hr |
| Quebec → | $26.85/hr | $47.84/hr | $83.21/hr |
| Ontario → | $27.38/hr | $52.96/hr | $101.19/hr |
| Manitoba → | $31.95/hr | $64.29/hr | $105.26/hr |
| Saskatchewan → | $30.3/hr | $43.91/hr | $67.39/hr |
| Alberta → | $27.31/hr | $56.72/hr | $98.93/hr |
| British Columbia → | $29.87/hr | $54.95/hr | $97.61/hr |
| Yukon → | $33.02/hr | $54.46/hr | $75.95/hr |
| Northwest Territories → | $32/hr | $56.28/hr | $72.33/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 basic radio telephone operator's licence is required.
- Air traffic controllers and flight service specialists require completion of a NAV Canada training program which includes structured in-class and on-the-job training.
- Air traffic controllers require an air traffic controller's licence.
- Flight dispatchers may require experience in air traffic control or flight operations and may require a private pilot's licence.
Official Job Titles for NOC 72601
20 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:
- Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators (See 72604 Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators)View NOC 72604→
Frequently Asked Questions for NOC 72601 (Air traffic controllers and related occupations)
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 72601, explore your TEER 2 immigration pathways, and check recent draw cutoffs.