NOC 72300Plumbers

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

NOC 72300 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Plumbers. It is classified TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. 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: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 72 › 723 › 7230

Definition

Plumbers install, repair and maintain pipes, fixtures and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution and waste water disposal in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. They are employed in maintenance departments of factories, plants and similar establishments, by plumbing contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Read blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine layout of plumbing system, water supply network and waste and drainage systems
Install, repair and maintain domestic, commercial or industrial plumbing fixtures and systems
Locate and mark positions for pipe connections, passage holes and fixtures in walls and floors
Cut opening in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings
Measure, cut, bend and thread pipes using hand and power tools or machines
Join pipes using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement or soldering, brazing and welding equipment
Test pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges
May prepare cost estimates.

Example job titles

•maintenance plumber
•plumber
•plumber apprentice
•plumbing mechanic

Express Entry category draws

NOC 72300 is in the “Trades” group used for category-based Express Entry draws.

Latest draw: April 2, 2026
CRS cut-off: 477
Invitations: 3,000

See all Express Entry draws →

Overview

NOC 72300 (Plumbers) is classified under TEER 2 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system. Professionals in this unit group install, repair, and maintain pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution and wastewater disposal in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They are commonly employed by plumbing contractors and maintenance departments of factories and plants, or they may choose to be self-employed.

To immigrate to Canada as a plumber, candidates can leverage skilled migration pathways such as the Express Entry Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Employment requirements typically include the completion of secondary school, a four- to five-year apprenticeship program, or a combination of over five years of work experience in the trade to qualify for trade certification. Trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, while remaining voluntary in other provinces and territories. Obtaining a Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.

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

Check program eligibility →

Frequently asked questions

Is NOC 72300 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Plumbers is TEER 2, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.

What education or training does NOC 72300 usually require?

Plumbers is classified as TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

Is this occupation regulated in Québec?

Yes — Plumbers is regulated in Québec, so practising there requires recognition from the relevant professional body, and Québec immigration programs take this into account.

Do category-based Express Entry draws cover NOC 72300?

Yes — it's in the “Trades” group. The latest Trades round (April 2, 2026) invited 3000 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 477.

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