NOC 74204Utility maintenance workers

TEER 4 — High-school diploma or several weeks of training

NOC 74204 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Utility maintenance workers. It is classified TEER 4 — High-school diploma or several weeks of training, 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: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

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Definition

Utility maintenance workers locate, repair, install and perform maintenance work to various equipment and facilities, such as water filtration and distribution plants, waste water treatment plants and power plants. They may also work on exterior and underground gas mains and distribution lines. They are employed by municipal, provincial and federal public works departments, private contractors under contract with government public works departments and gas distribution companies.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Waterworks maintenance workers
Check, clean and lubricate waterworks equipment, such as pumping equipment, chlorination equipment and compressors
Adjust and repair waterworks equipment under the direction of qualified tradesperson
Search and locate reported water leaks and repair water-mains, valves or outlets
Install water meters using hand and power tools.
Gas maintenance workers
Check and lubricate gas pipeline valves
Conduct routine survey of gas mains and distribution lines to detect and locate escaping gas using gas detecting devices
Investigate reports of gas leaks to determine the exact location and extent of leaks
Dig ground to expose gas lines and repair damaged pipes
Keep record of work performed and location and condition of pipelines
Provide information on underground gas distribution lines and observe excavation work to ensure that underground gas facilities are protected.
Other utility workers
Operate equipment and instruments to locate and mark underground utility lines and pipes
Provide information on underground utility lines
Operate equipment and hand tools to inspect and test utility poles for decay and deterioration.

Example job titles

•gas leak locator
•gas maintenance worker
•gas utility operator
•pipeline maintenance worker
•pipeline patrolman/woman
•power pole inspector
•utility locator
•utility plant maintenance worker

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Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, NOC 74204 covers Utility Maintenance Workers. These individuals are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing critical utility systems, including water mains, sanitary and storm sewers, gas distribution lines, and related infrastructure. They are primarily employed by municipal public works departments, utility utility companies, and private contractors. Key duties involve operating specialized maintenance equipment, locating underground utility lines, and repairing system components such as valves, pipes, and hydrants.

As a TEER 4 occupation, positions under NOC 74204 generally require secondary school completion along with on-the-job training. Some positions may require specific operator certifications or a valid commercial driver's license depending on the equipment used. For Canadian immigration, foreign nationals with experience in this code may qualify for permanent residency through specific Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), or other regional economic immigration streams tailored to intermediate-skilled workers.

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 74204 eligible for Express Entry?

Not for Express Entry's federal skilled programs — Utility maintenance workers is TEER 4, 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 74204 usually require?

Utility maintenance workers is classified as TEER 4 — High-school diploma or several weeks of training. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

Is this occupation regulated in Québec?

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

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