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NOC 83101 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers. 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.
Classification
Natural resources & agriculture
8 › 83 › 831 › 8310
Definition
Oil and gas well drillers and well servicers control the operation of drilling and hoisting equipment on drilling and service rigs, and direct the activities of the rig crew under supervision of the rig manager. Oil and gas well loggers, testers and related workers operate specialized mechanical or electronic equipment, tools or instruments to provide services in conjunction with well drilling, completion or servicing. They are employed by drilling and well service contractors, petroleum producing companies and well logging or testing companies.
Main duties
Example job titles
Overview
National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 83101 covers oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers, and related workers in Canada. Classified under TEER 3, these skilled workers operate drilling and service rigs to drill oil and gas wells, and utilize specialized equipment to test and complete them. They are primarily employed by petroleum producing companies and drilling or well service contractors. Under Canada's Express Entry system, TEER 3 occupations are eligible for federal skilled migration programs.
To qualify under NOC 83101, candidates typically require a high school diploma along with several years of progressive experience in rig operations, such as serving as a derrickhand or assistant. Essential safety certifications are mandatory, including First Aid, Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) safety, Blowout Prevention (BOP), and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Key duties include directing the rig crew, operating drilling controls, and ensuring strict adherence to environmental and safety regulations on-site.
Experienced oil and gas workers under NOC 83101 can pursue permanent residency (PR) in Canada through several pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in energy-rich provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan, and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.
Commonly confused codes
Yes — Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers 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.
Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers 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.
Applicants most often mix up 83101 with 84101 (Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators). If your real day-to-day duties fit one of those codes better, that mismatch is exactly what an officer flags — double-check before you submit.
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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.