NOC 94105: Metalworking and forging machine operators
Light metalworking machine operators operate metalworking machines which shape and form sheet or other light metal into parts or products. Heavy metalworking machine operators operate metalworking machines which shape and form steel or other heavy metal into parts or products. Forging machine operators operate forging machines to form and shape metal into various shapes and sizes and impart desired strength, hardness or other characteristics. Light metalworking machine operators are employed by sheet metal products manufacturing companies, sheet metal shops and other light metal products manufacturing establishments. Heavy metalworking machine operators are employed by structural steel fabrication, boiler and platework manufacturing companies, heavy machinery manufacturing companies and in the shipbuilding industry. Forging machine operators are employed primarily in the fabricated metal products, machinery and transportation equipment manufacturing industries.
Official Main Duties for NOC 94105
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 94105
Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 Version 1.0), Metalworking and forging machine operators is categorized under TEER 4. Occupations in this tier typically require secondary school graduation or job-specific on-the-job training.
Express Entry Alignment
Classified under TEER 4, 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 94105.
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 | $25/hr | $34.68 |
| Nova Scotia → | $16.62/hr | $19.49/hr | $28.12/hr |
| New Brunswick → | $15.65/hr | $20/hr | $24/hr |
| Quebec → | $20/hr | $27.6/hr | $37.77/hr |
| Ontario → | $19/hr | $24.91/hr | $31.5/hr |
| Manitoba → | $20/hr | $21.75/hr | $32/hr |
| Saskatchewan → | $20/hr | $24/hr | $45.18/hr |
| Alberta → | $18.5/hr | $28/hr | $52.1/hr |
| British Columbia → | $24.25/hr | $30/hr | $35/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 education may be required.
- Previous experience as a labourer or helper in the same company may be required.
- On-the-job training is usually provided.
Official Job Titles for NOC 94105
168 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:
- Sheet metal workers (See 72102 Sheet metal workers)View NOC 72102→
- Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters (See 72104 Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters)View NOC 72104→
- Supervisors, other mechanical and metal products manufacturing (See 92023 Supervisors, other mechanical and metal products manufacturing)View NOC 92023→
Frequently Asked Questions for NOC 94105 (Metalworking and forging machine 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 94105, explore your TEER 4 immigration pathways, and check recent draw cutoffs.