NOC 73112Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

NOC 73112 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Painters and decorators (except interior decorators). It is classified TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training, 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 › 73 › 731 › 7311

Definition

Painters and decorators apply paint, wallpaper and other finishes to interior and exterior surfaces of buildings and other structures. They are employed by construction companies, painting contractors and building maintenance 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 specifications to determine quantities of materials required
Prepare and clean surfaces using methods such as scraping, sanding, sandblasting, hydro-blasting and steam-cleaning; remove old wallpaper and loose paint; repair cracks and holes in walls; and sandpaper and apply sealer
Mix and thin paint to obtain desired colour and texture
Apply paint or other materials, such as stains, lacquer, enamel, oil, varnish, fibreglass, metal coating or fire retardant using brushes, rollers or spray equipment
Measure, cut and apply wallpaper or fabric to walls
Assemble and erect scaffolding and swing stages
May advise customer on selection of colour schemes and choice of wall coverings
May provide cost estimates to clients.

Example job titles

•construction painter
•maintenance painter
•painter
•painter and decorator
•painter and decorator apprentice
•paperhanger

Express Entry category draws

NOC 73112 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

Under Canada's NOC 2021 system, Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) are classified under NOC code 73112. This occupation belongs to TEER 3, which qualifies skilled workers for key Canadian economic immigration streams, including the Express Entry-managed Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and numerous Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Professionals in this category prepare surfaces and apply paint, wallpaper, and other finishes to the interior and exterior of buildings and other structures.

To meet the employment requirements for NOC 73112, candidates typically require the completion of secondary school. Additionally, entry into the occupation usually requires completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program, or a combination of over three years of work experience in the trade combined with some high school, college, or industry courses in painting and decorating. While trade certification is compulsory in Quebec, it is voluntary but highly beneficial in all other provinces and territories. Qualified painters can also obtain a Red Seal endorsement upon successful completion of the interprovincial exam.

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 73112 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) is TEER 3, 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 73112 usually require?

Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) is classified as TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

Is this occupation regulated in Québec?

Yes — Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) 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 73112?

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.