NOC 65202Meat cutters and fishmongers - retail and wholesale

TEER 5 — Short work demonstration, no formal education

NOC 65202 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Meat cutters and fishmongers - retail and wholesale. It is classified TEER 5 — Short work demonstration, no formal education, which does not meet the skill requirement for Express Entry's federal programs. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.

Express Entry eligible: No
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Sales & service

6 › 65 › 652 › 6520

Definition

Meat cutters and fishmongers prepare and package pieces of meat, poultry and fish that are sold by food retailers or wholesalers. They use tools to cut, trim and package meat, poultry and fish on a daily basis. They are employed in grocery stores, fish stores, or they may be self-employed.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Grind meats and slice cooked meats using powered grinders and slicing machines
Cut, weigh, package, label and price meat, meat products, fish and seafood for sale
Suggest complementary and/or alternative meat or fish products to consumers
Inspect the quality of meat, fish and seafood, expiry dates and ensure proper product rotation
Ensure the maintenance of equipment, displays and work area
Receive and store merchandise in accordance with the company's established standards
Comply with government health and safety standards and occupational health and safety standards.

Example job titles

•fishmonger
•fishmonger - retail
•meat cutter - retail or wholesale
•supermarket meat cutter

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Overview

National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 65202 covers meat cutters and fishmongers working in retail and wholesale environments. Classified under TEER 5, these workers prepare standard cuts of meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish for commercial sale. Common job titles under this classification include retail meat cutter, fishmonger, and supermarket butcher assistant. These occupations play a vital role in Canadian supermarkets, specialty butcher shops, and seafood markets across the country.

Key responsibilities under NOC 65202 include cutting, trimming, boning, and preparing meat and fish products according to customer specifications or standard portions. Workers are also responsible for maintaining strict hygiene standards, wrapping and packaging products, and providing direct customer service at counter displays. Employment requirements typically include some secondary school education, and on-the-job training is standard. Certification in safe food handling is frequently required by employers or provincial regulations.

For Canadian immigration purposes, TEER 5 occupations like NOC 65202 are eligible for specific immigration pathways, such as the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and certain stream-specific pilots, rather than federal program streams that target higher TEER levels. Candidates must ensure they meet the specific provincial licensing, language, and employment criteria to qualify under these streams.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Frequently asked questions

Is NOC 65202 eligible for Express Entry?

Not for Express Entry's federal skilled programs — Meat cutters and fishmongers - retail and wholesale is TEER 5, and TEER 4–5 occupations don't meet that skill level. Provincial streams and other pathways may still be open; run the eligibility check to see which.

What education or training does NOC 65202 usually require?

Meat cutters and fishmongers - retail and wholesale is classified as TEER 5 — Short work demonstration, no formal education. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.