National Occupational Classification, TEER 4
NOC 94105: Metalworking and forging machine operators
Light metalworking machine operators operate metalworking machines which shape and form sheet or other light metal into parts or products. Below are the main duties, all 168 job titles it covers, what it means for Express Entry and what it pays in each province.
Updated
- Official NOC 2021 data
- Job Bank wages
What is NOC 94105?
NOC 94105 is the code for metalworking and forging machine operators in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021. Job titles in this group include bending press operator - metal fabrication, cold press operator - metal forging, disk flange operator - metal fabrication and drop hammer operator - metal forging. It is a TEER 4 occupation (usually a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training), so it does not count as skilled work for Express Entry. The Job Bank median wage across Canada is $25.00 an hour.
- NOC code
- 94105
- TEER
- 4: High school or several weeks of training
- Broad category
- Occupations in manufacturing and utilities
- Express Entry
- Not skilled
- Category draws
- None
- Median wage
- $25.00 an hour
Job titles under NOC 94105
Light metalworking machine operators operate metalworking machines which shape and form sheet or other light metal into parts or products. Heavy metalworking machine operators operate metalworking machines which shape and form steel or other heavy metal into parts or products. Forging machine operators operate forging machines to form and shape metal into various shapes and sizes and impart desired strength, hardness or other characteristics. Light metalworking machine operators are employed by sheet metal products manufacturing companies, sheet metal shops and other light metal products manufacturing establishments. Heavy metalworking machine operators are employed by structural steel fabrication, boiler and platework manufacturing companies, heavy machinery manufacturing companies and in the shipbuilding industry. Forging machine operators are employed primarily in the fabricated metal products, machinery and transportation equipment manufacturing industries.
Main job titles
- bending press operator - metal fabrication
- cold press operator - metal forging
- disk flange operator - metal fabrication
- drop hammer operator - metal forging
- electric arc cutter - metal products manufacturing
- forging press operator
- metal-forming machine set-up operator
- metalworking machine operator
- power brake operator - metal fabrication
- power press operator - metal fabrication
- punch press setter - metalworking
- roll operator - metal fabrication
- saw operator - metal fabrication
- shear setter - metal fabrication
- sheet metal roll operator - metal fabrication
All 168 job titles in the NOC index
acetylene torch operator - metal fabrication, air hammer operator - metal forging, aluminum sheet cutter - ductwork, aluminum sheet cutter - metal fabrication, aluminum sheet trimmer - ductwork, angle shear operator - metal fabrication, arc cutter - metal fabrication, automatic cut-off operator - metal fabrication, automatic cut-off saw operator - metal products manufacturing, bender set-up operator - metal products manufacturing, bending machine operator - metal forging, bending machine set-up operator - metal fabrication, bending machine tender - metal fabrication, bending machine tender - metal products manufacturing, bending press operator - metal fabrication, bending roll operator - metal fabrication, board drop hammer operator, board hammer operator - metal forging, brake setter - metalworking, buffing line setter, buffing machine set-up operator - metal fabrication, burning machine operator - metal fabrication, burning table operator - metal fabrication, cage builder - metal fabrication, cold drawn operator - metal forging, cold press operator - metal forging, computer numerically controlled (CNC) brake press operator, computer numerically controlled (CNC) brake press set-up operator, corrugator sheet metal operator, disc flanging operator - metal fabrication, disk flange operator, disk flange operator - metal fabrication, drop forge hand, drop forge operator, drop forge operator - metal forging, drop forger, drop hammer forger, drop hammer operator - metal forging, dual action hammer operator - metal forging, duplicator punch operator - metal fabrication, electric arc cutter - metal products manufacturing, expanding machine operator - metal products manufacturing, flame cutting machine operator - metal fabrication, flame cutting tracer machine operator - metal fabrication, flame hardening machine setter, flying shear operator - metal fabrication, forge manipulator operator, forging air hammer operator, forging machine operator, forging machine operator group leader, forging machine operators lead hand, forging machine setter, forging machine set-up man/woman, forging press operator, forging press tender, forging roll operator, forming machine operator - metal fabrication, forming press operator - metal fabrication, forming roll set-up operator - metal fabrication, forming roll tender - metal fabrication, hammer driver - forging, hammer operator - metal forging, heater operator - metal forging, heavy forger, heavy-duty press set-up operator - metal fabrication, hoop bender, hoop-maker machine operator - metal fabrication, hot press operator - metal forging, hydraulic press operator - metal fabrication, impact hammer operator - metal forging, impression die press operator - metal fabrication, laser cutter - metal fabrication, lay-out marker - metal products manufacturing, lead fabricator, leaf spring inspector, leaf spring maker - metal fabrication, machine power saw operator, magnetic flame cutting machine operator - metal fabrication, manipulator operator - metal forging, mechanical press operator - metal products manufacturing, metal cut-off saw operator, metal fabricating machine operator, metal parts inspector, metal power saw operator, metal sawing machine operator, metal spinner, metal table saw operator, metal-forming machine set-up operator, metal-forming machine tender, metal-stamping press operator, metalworking machine operator, metalworking machine setter, metalworking machine set-up man/woman, metalworking machine set-up operator, multi-operation forming machine tender, multiple punch press operator - metal fabrication, musical instrument tube bender, nibbling machine operator - metal fabrication, ornamental metal worker - metal fabrication, pantograph burner - metal fabrication, pantograph flame cutter - metal fabrication, pipe-bending machine operator - metal fabrication, plate burner - metal fabrication, plate shear operator - metal fabrication, power brake operator - metal fabrication, power hammer operator - metal forging, power press operator, power press operator - metal fabrication, power press operator - metal products manufacturing, power press set-up operator - metal fabrication, power shear operator - metal fabrication, power shear tender - metal fabrication, press brake operator, press brake operator - metal products manufacturing, press tender - pierce and shave, punch and shear machine operator - metal fabrication, punch press operator, punch press operator - metal fabrication, punch press setter - metalworking, puncher and shearer - metal products manufacturing, restrike hammer operator - metal forging, ring mill operator - metal forging, rod-bending machine operator - metal fabrication, roll bender operator - metal products manufacturing, roll forger, roll operator - metal fabrication, roll-forming machine setter - metalworking, rolling machine operator - metal forging, rotary shear operator - metal fabrication, saw operator - metal fabrication, shear operator, shear operator - metal fabrication, shear setter - metal fabrication, shearer - metal working, sheet metal brake tender, sheet metal corrugation machine operator, sheet metal corrugator, sheet metal cutter - metal fabrication, sheet metal fabrication inspector, sheet metal roll operator - metal fabrication, sheet metal spinner - metal fabrication, sheet-metal-embossing machine operator, sheet-metal-working machine operator - metal products manufacturing, sheet-metal-working machine set-up operator, sheet-metal-working machine tender - metal fabrication, slide forming machine setter - metal fabrication, slide forming machine set-up operator, slide forming machine tender - metal fabrication, steam hammer operator - metal forging, steel shot machine operator, straight line press setter - metal fabrication, straightener hand - metal fabrication, straightening press operator - metal fabrication, strip-roll-forming machine operator - metal fabrication, strip-roll-forming machine tender - metal fabrication, threader - metal products manufacturing, trip hammer operator - metal forging, tube-bending machine operator - metal fabrication, tubular metal products fabricator, turret press operator, turret press set-up operator, turret punch press operator - metal fabrication, upsetter operator - metal forging, upsetting machine operator - metal forging, vehicle spring repairer - metal forging, vertical press operator, vertical press operator - metal fabrication, vertical roll operator - metal fabrication.
Main duties of NOC 94105
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Metalworking machine operators
- Read specifications or follow verbal instructions
- Lay out, set up and operate one or more light or heavy metalworking machines such as shears, power presses, saws, plate rolls, drills, brakes, slitters, punch presses, computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment, and other hand tools to cut, bend, roll, ream, punch and drill, weld or otherwise shape and form metal stock into parts or products
- Operate machines or equipment which weld, solder, bolt, screw or rivet metal parts together
- Check products for correct shapes, dimensions and other specifications
- Troubleshoot and perform corrective action or minor repairs
- May select and transport material to work area manually or using crane or hoist
- May document work completed
- May build staging or erect scaffolding as required for heavy metalworking jobs
- May clean or lubricate equipment and replace parts as required.
Forging machine operators
- Operate gas or oil fired furnaces to heat metal to proper temperature prior to forging
- Place metal pieces in furnace using hand tongs or overhead cranes and remove from furnace when colour of metal indicates proper forging temperature, or load and unload furnace with automatic conveyor
- Position heated or cold metal pieces, on die of press or other forging machinery
- Operate presses or other forging machines to perform hot or cold forging by flattening, straightening, twisting, forming, drawing, upsetting, splitting, cutting, punching, piercing, bending, coining, or other operations to shape or form metal
- Position and adjust dies on anvil of forging machinery using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices and hand tools.
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school education may be required.
- Previous experience as a labourer or helper in the same company may be required.
- On-the-job training is usually provided.
Additional information
- There is little or no mobility between operators of light and heavy metalworking machines.
- Progression to structural metal fabricator or supervisory positions is possible with experience for metalworking machine operators.
- Progression to blacksmith, die setting, or supervisory positions is possible with experience for forging machine operators.
Is NOC 94105 eligible for Express Entry?
Not for the main Express Entry programs, which need TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 work. TEER 4 jobs can still lead to permanent residence through some provincial and other programs, so check each program's own list.
| Program or draw | NOC 94105 |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | Does not count (TEER 4) |
| Canadian Experience Class | Does not count (TEER 4) |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | Not a listed trade |
| Occupation category draws (2026) | Not on any occupation list |
| French-language proficiency (category draw) | Open to any occupation with NCLC 7 in French |
Read how TEER categories work and the full list of NOC codes in each 2026 category draw. Category draws also need at least 12 months of full-time work (or the same amount part-time) in one listed occupation within the past 3 years.
How much does NOC 94105 pay?
Job Bank wages for this occupation, per hour. Low and high are, in most cases, the 10th and 90th percentiles, so 8 in 10 workers earn somewhere between them.
| Area | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $19.00 | $25.00 | $34.68 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.62 | $19.49 | $28.12 |
| New Brunswick | $15.65 | $20.00 | $24.00 |
| Quebec | $20.00 | $27.60 | $37.77 |
| Ontario | $19.00 | $24.91 | $31.50 |
| Manitoba | $20.00 | $21.75 | $32.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $20.00 | $24.00 | $45.18 |
| Alberta | $18.50 | $28.00 | $52.10 |
| British Columbia | $24.25 | $30.00 | $35.00 |
Source: Job Bank, Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank 2025 wages, revised November 19, 2025), data from 2023-2024 (Labour Force Survey). Wages for job offers in LMIA and provincial programs are compared with these figures, so check the current numbers on Job Bank before you rely on them.
Using NOC 94105 duties on your resume
Canadian resumes do not list NOC codes. Employers read your job titles, what you did and what came of it. The NOC duties are still a useful checklist: if you did these tasks, say so in your own words and add the numbers that prove it.
For Express Entry, the reference letter from your employer should describe the duties you really performed, in line with this lead statement and most of the main duties, without copying the NOC text word for word. The free reference letter generator checks your duties against NOC 94105 as you write.
- Start each bullet with a strong verb and end it with a result: how many, how often, how fast.
- Use the job title your employer used, even if the NOC title is different.
- Keep immigration details such as your NOC code and permit type off the resume.
Turn my duties into a resume Free to start, no card.
Where this information comes from
Occupation codes, titles and descriptions are adapted from Statistics Canada, National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0. This does not constitute an endorsement by Statistics Canada of this product.
Wages come from Job Bank, Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank 2025 wages, revised November 19, 2025). Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
Express Entry rules come from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): the program pages for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the category-based selection page as modified on June 22, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NOC code for a bending press operator - metal fabrication?
NOC 94105, Metalworking and forging machine operators, a TEER 4 occupation in NOC 2021.
What TEER is NOC 94105?
TEER 4. Usually a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training. The TEER is the second digit of the code. See all TEER categories.
Is NOC 94105 eligible for Express Entry?
Not for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Skilled Trades Program, which need TEER 0 to 3 work. Some provincial nominee programs and other pathways accept TEER 4 jobs.
Is NOC 94105 in an Express Entry category-based draw?
No. It is not on any 2026 occupation list. The French-language proficiency category is open to any occupation if you reach NCLC 7 in French. See every category.
How much does NOC 94105 pay in Canada?
The Job Bank median across Canada is $25.00 an hour, with most wages between $19.00 and $34.68. Pay varies by province: see the table above.
Where is the official description?
On the Statistics Canada and ESDC NOC site: search 94105 in NOC 2021 Version 1.0. This page shows the same text, from the open data Statistics Canada publishes.
Your duties fit. Now show employers.
CVMaple turns the work you did into a Canadian resume: the right format, strong bullets and the keywords Canadian applicant tracking systems look for.
More on NOC codes and Canadian resumes
- NOC Code Finder: Describe your duties and get your NOC 2021 code, TEER and Express Entry eligibility. Free.
- NOC Codes Canada: Full List: All 516 NOC 2021 codes with their TEER, duties and wages.
- TEER Categories Explained: What TEER 0 to 5 means, which count for Express Entry, and every job in each one.
- Express Entry Category Draws: NOC Codes: Every NOC code on the 2026 healthcare, STEM, trades, education and other lists.
- Canadian Resume Examples by Job: Real examples for cashiers, caregivers, trades, tech, students and more.
- Newcomer Resume Guide: Turn international experience into a resume Canadian employers understand.