NOC 73301: Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators drive buses and operate streetcars, subway trains and light rail transit vehicles to transport passengers on established routes. Bus drivers are employed by urban transit systems, school boards or transportation authorities and private transportation companies. Streetcar, subway and light rail transit operators are employed by urban transit systems.
Official Main Duties for NOC 73301
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 73301
Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 Version 1.0), Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators is categorized under TEER 3. 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 73301.
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) | $17.18 | $25/hr | $37.68 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador → | $16/hr | $21/hr | $28.85/hr |
| Prince Edward Island → | $17/hr | $23.5/hr | $28.21/hr |
| Nova Scotia → | $19.98/hr | $25/hr | $30.4/hr |
| New Brunswick → | $20/hr | $23.6/hr | $27.5/hr |
| Quebec → | $17.86/hr | $23.5/hr | $34.6/hr |
| Ontario → | $17.6/hr | $22.43/hr | $38/hr |
| Manitoba → | $18/hr | $24/hr | $31/hr |
| Saskatchewan → | $16/hr | $22/hr | $30/hr |
| Alberta → | $16.25/hr | $27.5/hr | $37/hr |
| British Columbia → | $21/hr | $31.11/hr | $40.19/hr |
| Yukon → | $27.1/hr | $35.96/hr | $43.83/hr |
| Northwest Territories → | $19.97/hr | $28.2/hr | $34.59/hr |
| Nunavut → | $19/hr | $22.5/hr | $37.71/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.
- Up to three months of on-the-job training, including classroom instruction, is usually provided for all occupations in this unit group.
- A minimum of one year of safe driving experience is required.
- Bus drivers require a Class B, C, E or F driver's licence in Ontario, and a Class 2 driver's licence is required in all other provinces and the territories.
- An air brakes endorsement and first aid certificate may be required.
- Experience as a public transit bus driver is usually required for subway and light rail transit operators.
Official Job Titles for NOC 73301
27 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:
- Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators (See 72024 Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators)View NOC 72024→
Frequently Asked Questions for NOC 73301 (Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators)
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 73301, explore your TEER 3 immigration pathways, and check recent draw cutoffs.