NOC 85120: Logging and forestry labourers
Logging and forestry labourers perform a variety of manual tasks such as attaching choker cables to logs, planting trees, clearing brush, spraying chemicals, cleaning up landing areas and assisting other workers in woodlands operations. They are employed by logging companies and contractors.
Official Main Duties for NOC 85120
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 85120
Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 Version 1.0), Logging and forestry labourers is categorized under TEER 5. Occupations in this tier typically require secondary school graduation or job-specific on-the-job training.
Express Entry Alignment
Classified under TEER 5, meaning this occupation does not qualify for direct Express Entry general pools. Candidates should focus on employer-driven Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) or federal pilot pathways.
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 85120.
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) | $19.37 | $28.71/hr | $47.5 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador → | $16/hr | $20/hr | $25/hr |
| Nova Scotia → | $16.5/hr | $20.05/hr | $45/hr |
| New Brunswick → | $17/hr | $22/hr | $35/hr |
| Quebec → | $20/hr | $30/hr | $50/hr |
| Ontario → | $20/hr | $28.71/hr | $45/hr |
| Manitoba → | $18/hr | $27/hr | $50/hr |
| Saskatchewan → | $17/hr | $25/hr | $45/hr |
| Alberta → | $19.77/hr | $25/hr | $35/hr |
| British Columbia → | $21.6/hr | $33/hr | $50/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 may be required.
- Completion of pre-employment safety courses may be required.
- Several weeks of formal and on-the-job training are provided.
- Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) certificate may be required.
- Chemicals application licence may be required.
Official Job Titles for NOC 85120
21 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:
- Chain saw and skidder operators (See 84110 Chain saw and skidder operators)View NOC 84110→
- Logging machinery operators (See 83110 Logging machinery operators)View NOC 83110→
- Silviculture and forestry workers (See 84111 Silviculture and forestry workers)View NOC 84111→
Frequently Asked Questions for NOC 85120 (Logging and forestry labourers)
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 85120, explore your TEER 5 immigration pathways, and check recent draw cutoffs.