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NOC 72301: Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
NOC 72301 is a TEER 2 occupation. It counts as skilled work for Express Entry under FSW, CEC and FST. It is not on any 2026 category list, so candidates compete in general and program rounds.
Is this your code?
Steamfitters and pipefitters lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair piping systems carrying water, steam, chemicals and fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other process piping systems. Sprinkler system installers fabricate, install, test, maintain and repair water, foam, carbon dioxide and dry chemical sprinkler systems in buildings for fire protection purposes. Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers are employed in maintenance departments of factories, plants and similar establishments, and by pipefitting and sprinkler system contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Job titles filed under this code
Official example titles
- apprentice pipefitter-steamfitter
- fire protection mechanic
- fire sprinkler fitter
- marine pipefitter
- pipefitter
- sprinkler system fitter
- sprinkler system installer
- steamfitter
- steamfitter-pipefitter
Not this code
Close occupations that have their own code
- Gas fitters → 72302
- Pipefitters supervisor → 72012 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
- Plumbers → 72300
- Residential and commercial installers and servicers → 73200
- Sprinkler system installers supervisor → 72012 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
- Steamfitters supervisor → 72012 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Steamfitters and pipefitters
- Read and interpret drawings, blueprints and specifications to determine layout requirements
- Cut openings for pipe in walls, floors and ceilings using hand or power tools or machines
- Select type and size of pipe required
- Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required shape using hand and power tools
- Weld, braze, cement, solder and thread joints to join pipes and fabricate sections of piping system
- Install supports, valves, piping and control systems
- Test system for leaks using testing equipment
- Clean and maintain pipe units and fittings and flush system
- Remove and replace worn components and reactivate system
- May prepare cost estimates for clients.
Sprinkler system installers
- Read and interpret drawings, specifications and fire codes to determine layout requirements
- Install clamps, brackets and hangers to support piping system and sprinkler and fire protection equipment, using hand and power tools
- Select, measure, cut, ream and thread pipe, install sprinkler heads and mount prepared pipe in supports
- Join pipes and piping sections using soldering and welding equipment
- Connect piping system to water mains, supply tanks, pumps, compressors and control equipment
- Installs valves, alarms and associated equipment
- Test system for leaks using air or liquid pressure equipment
- Service and repair sprinkler system
- May prepare cost estimates for clients.
What this code means for Express Entry
TEER 0–3 work counts toward the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
One year of this work in Canada can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class.
This code is in a trade group the Federal Skilled Trades Program accepts.
CRS points from November 3, 2026
NOC 72301 is on IRCC's high-wage occupations list at the 1.5x level. From November 3, 2026, at least 12 months (1,560 hours) of Canadian work in it adds 40 points to your Canadian work experience points in the CRS, and a valid job offer in it is worth 70 points; the higher of the two counts. No LMIA is needed.
IRCC high-wage list (list from 2023 to 2025 wage data, read 2026-10-16) · CRS calculator with the new rules
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Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in steamfitting, pipefitting or sprinkler system installation is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Steamfitter-pipefitter trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
- Steamfitter-pipefitter (non-construction) trade certification is compulsory in Quebec.
- Sprinkler system installer trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Manitoba and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
- Sprinkler system installer (non-construction) trade certification is compulsory in Quebec.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified steamfitters-pipefitters and sprinkler system installers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Good to know
- The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
- Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Codes in the same group
Official sources
- noc.esdc.gc.caNOC 2021 Version 1.0: 72301 Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
- statcan.gc.caStatistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
- canada.caIRCC: Find your National Occupational Classification (NOC)
- canada.caIRCC: Express Entry, who can apply