Job outlooks for Heavy equipment operators

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• Newfoundland and LabradorModerate

  The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

  The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.
  • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
  • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
  • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

  Key contributors to expected job prospects include the province's growing mining industry, and a considerable investment in road infrastructure.

  Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in Newfoundland and Labrador:

  • Approximately 2,150 people work in this occupation.
  • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 50%
    • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 20%
    • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 5%
    • Support activities for mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 213): 5%
  • 37% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 63% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 35 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
  • Less than 5% of heavy equipment operators are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.
  • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
    • Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations
    • Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations
  • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
    • no high school diploma: 16% compared to 11% for all occupations
    • high school diploma or equivalent: 24% compared to 27% for all occupations
    • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 48% compared to 17% for all occupations
    • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 23% for all occupations
    • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 14% for all occupations
    • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

  Regional outlooks
  • Avalon Peninsula Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Avalon Peninsula region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

    Additional information is available at the provincial level.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Avalon Peninsula region:

    • Approximately 860 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 56%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 10%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 9%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 7%
      • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 6%

  • Notre Dame-Central-Bonavista Bay Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the South Coast - Burin Peninsula and Notre Dame - Central Bonavista Bay regions for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

    Additional information is available at the provincial level.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the South Coast - Burin Peninsula and Notre Dame - Central Bonavista Bay regions:

    • Approximately 670 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 63%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 9%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 7%
      • Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 5%

  • South Coast–Burin Peninsula Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the South Coast - Burin Peninsula and Notre Dame - Central Bonavista Bay regions for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

    Additional information is available at the provincial level.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the South Coast - Burin Peninsula and Notre Dame - Central Bonavista Bay regions:

    • Approximately 670 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 63%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 9%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 7%
      • Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 5%

  • West Coast–Northern Peninsula–Labrador Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the West Coast - Northern Peninsula - Labrador region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

    Additional information is available at the provincial level.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the West Coast - Northern Peninsula - Labrador region:

    • Approximately 640 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 36%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 30%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 9%
      • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 6%
      • Agriculture (NAICS 111, 112, 1151, 1152): 6%

• Prince Edward IslandGood

  The employment outlook will be Good for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

  The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
  • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
  • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
  • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities may vary depending on the time of the year.

  Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in Prince Edward Island:

  • Approximately 400 people work in this occupation.
  • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 85%
  • 48% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 52% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
  • Less than 5% of heavy equipment operators are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
  • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
    • Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations
    • Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations
  • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
    • no high school diploma: 22% compared to 11% for all occupations
    • high school diploma or equivalent: 52% compared to 28% for all occupations
    • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 18% compared to 11% for all occupations
    • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 7% compared to 25% for all occupations
    • bachelor's degree: n/a
    • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

• Nova ScotiaModerate

  The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

  The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
  • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
  • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
  • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

  Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in Nova Scotia:

  • Approximately 2,450 people work in this occupation.
  • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 68%
    • Support activities for transportation (NAICS 488): 5%
  • 51% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 49% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
  • 7% of heavy equipment operators are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
  • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
    • Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations
    • Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations
  • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
    • no high school diploma: 30% compared to 10% for all occupations
    • high school diploma or equivalent: 32% compared to 27% for all occupations
    • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 28% compared to 12% for all occupations
    • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 9% compared to 22% for all occupations
    • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations
    • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

  Regional outlooks
  • Annapolis Valley Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Annapolis Valley region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Annapolis Valley region:

    • Approximately 530 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 65%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 20%

  • Cape Breton Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Cape Breton region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Cape Breton region:

    • Approximately 600 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 64%
      • Utilities (NAICS 22): 9%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 6%

  • Halifax Region Good

    The employment outlook will be Good for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Halifax region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Halifax region:

    • Approximately 640 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 66%
      • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 12%
      • Management and administrative services (NAICS 55-56): 6%

  • North Shore Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the North Shore region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the North Shore region:

    • Approximately 570 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 82%

  • Southern Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Southern region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Southern region:

    • Approximately 390 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 69%
      • Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 7%
      • Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321): 6%
      • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 6%

• New BrunswickModerate

  The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

  The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
  • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
  • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
  • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

  • This role involves the operation of various heavy machinery, including compaction rollers, dozers, excavators, graders, loaders and tractor loader backhoes. Most of these tasks are carried out in the non-residential construction sector. With investment expected to be steady over the forecast period, opportunities should be moderate.
  • Candidates typically require industry courses in heavy equipment operation, in addition to on-the-job training. Internal company certification may be required by some employers. This occupation is provincially regulated and Red Seal certification applies to the operation of certain types of heavy machinery.

  Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in New Brunswick:

  • Approximately 3,000 people work in this occupation.
  • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 60%
    • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212-213): 8%
  • 44% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 56% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
  • Less than 5% of heavy equipment operators are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.
  • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
    • Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations
    • Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations
  • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
    • no high school diploma: 28% compared to 11% for all occupations
    • high school diploma or equivalent: 43% compared to 30% for all occupations
    • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 17% compared to 12% for all occupations
    • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 10% compared to 23% for all occupations
    • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 16% for all occupations
    • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

  Regional outlooks
  • Campbellton–Miramichi Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Campbellton - Miramichi region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

    Additional information is available at the provincial level.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Campbellton - Miramichi region:

    • Approximately 770 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 50%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 19%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212-213): 14%

  • Edmundston–Woodstock Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Edmundston - Woodstock region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

    Additional information is available at the provincial level.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Edmundston - Woodstock region:

    • Approximately 570 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 57%
      • Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321): 17%
      • Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322): 15%

  • Fredericton–Oromocto Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Fredericton - Oromocto region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

    Additional information is available at the provincial level.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Fredericton - Oromocto region:

    • Approximately 440 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 48%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 11%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212-213): 11%
      • Plastics and rubber products and chemicals manufacturing (NAICS 325-326): 11%
      • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 7%

  • Moncton–Richibucto Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Moncton - Richibucto region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

    Additional information is available at the provincial level.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Moncton - Richibucto region:

    • Approximately 610 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 72%
      • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 7%

  • Saint John–St. Stephen Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Saint John - St. Stephen region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

    Additional information is available at the provincial level.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Saint John - St. Stephen region:

    • Approximately 580 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 65%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212-213): 9%
      • Forestry and logging (NAICS 113, 1153): 8%
      • Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322): 6%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 5%

• QuebecLimited

  The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

  The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
  • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
  • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

  This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

  In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

  Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

  Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in Quebec:

  • Approximately 19,900 people work in this occupation.
  • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 64%
    • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 7%
    • Management and administrative services (NAICS 55, 56): 5%
  • 44% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 56% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
  • 5% of heavy equipment operators are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
  • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
    • Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations
    • Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations
  • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
    • no high school diploma: 23% compared to 12% for all occupations
    • high school diploma or equivalent: 19% compared to 19% for all occupations
    • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 52% compared to 19% for all occupations
    • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 5% compared to 22% for all occupations
    • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
    • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

  Regional outlooks
  • Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Abitibi - Témiscamingue region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Abitibi - Témiscamingue region:

    • Approximately 1,280 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 49%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 17%
      • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 7%
      • Forestry and logging (NAICS 113, 1153): 6%
      • Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321): 6%

  • Bas-Saint-Laurent Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region:

    • Approximately 940 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 49%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 17%
      • Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321): 8%
      • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 7%

  • Capitale-Nationale Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Capitale-Nationale region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Capitale-Nationale region:

    • Approximately 1,580 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 68%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 10%
      • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 5%

  • Centre-du-Québec Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Centre-du-Québec region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Centre-du-Québec region:

    • Approximately 790 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 77%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 6%
      • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 6%

  • Chaudière-Appalaches Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Chaudière - Appalaches region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Chaudière - Appalaches region:

    • Approximately 1,750 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 69%
      • Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321): 6%

  • Côte-Nord Region Very limited

    The employment outlook will be Very limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec regions for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec regions:

    • Approximately 1,100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 44%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 17%
      • Forestry and logging (NAICS 113, 1153): 12%
      • Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321): 11%

  • Estrie Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Estrie region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Estrie region:

    • Approximately 890 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 73%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 11%

  • Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Gaspésie - Îles-de-la-Madeleine region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Gaspésie - Îles-de-la-Madeleine region:

    • Approximately 320 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 57%
      • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 11%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 10%
      • Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321): 9%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 6%

  • Lanaudière Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Lanaudière region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Lanaudière region:

    • Approximately 2,340 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 72%
      • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 6%

  • Laurentides Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Laurentides region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Laurentides region:

    • Approximately 2,680 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 69%
      • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 9%

  • Laval Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region, for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region,:

    • Approximately 4,460 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

  • Mauricie Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Mauricie region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Mauricie region:

    • Approximately 800 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 63%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 9%
      • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 6%
      • Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321): 5%

  • Montréal Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the census metropolitan area of Montréal:

    • Approximately 4,460 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

  • Montérégie Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Montérégie region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Montérégie region:

    • Approximately 3,250 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 66%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 7%
      • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 6%

  • Nord-du-Québec Region Very limited

    The employment outlook will be Very limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec regions for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec regions:

    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 44%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 17%
      • Forestry and logging (NAICS 113, 1153): 12%
      • Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321): 11%

  • Outaouais Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Outaouais region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Outaouais region:

    • Approximately 960 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 73%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%

  • Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    This occupation is found mainly in the construction industry.

    In recent years, activity levels in civil engineering projects have reached record highs, while they are expected to increase only slightly during the forecast period. As some projects reach completion, others will begin, including the construction of bridges, wind farms, and power lines.

    Part of the demand for these operators also depends on other construction sub-sectors, primarily site preparation. As such, the recovery in residential construction will continue to support this occupation in the coming years. Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain relatively stable.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean region:

    • Approximately 1,470 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 59%
      • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 7%
      • Forestry and logging (NAICS 113, 1153): 6%

• OntarioModerate

  The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

  The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
  • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
  • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

  What Types of Employers Are Out There?

  • Most work in the construction industry as site preparation contractors, in highway, street and bridge, and building and utility system construction
  • A smaller number work in manufacturing, mining, municipal government, and waste management

  What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

  • Construction activity is expected to be favourable across Ontario over the forecast period, led by large infrastructure investments in transit, power generation,  and highways and bridges
  • Steady demand for housing to meet population growth including multi-unit buildings in larger urban centres
  • Expenditures in mining

  What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

  • There are three voluntary skilled trades associated with this occupation in Ontario, named, Heavy Equipment Operator – Dozer, Heavy Equipment Operator – Excavator, and Heavy Equipment Operator – Tractor Loader Backhoe.

  Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in Ontario:

  • Approximately 26,150 people work in this occupation.
  • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 61%
    • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 9%
    • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%
  • 55% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 45% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
  • 5% of heavy equipment operators are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
  • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
    • Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations
    • Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations
  • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
    • no high school diploma: 24% compared to 9% for all occupations
    • high school diploma or equivalent: 43% compared to 25% for all occupations
    • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 21% compared to 8% for all occupations
    • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 22% for all occupations
    • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 24% for all occupations
    • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

  Regional outlooks
  • Hamilton–Niagara Peninsula Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region:

    • Approximately 2,840 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 63%
      • Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 8%
      • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 5%

  • Kingston–Pembroke Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Kingston - Pembroke region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Kingston - Pembroke region:

    • Approximately 1,550 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 59%
      • Non-metallic mineral product manufacturing (NAICS 327): 9%
      • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 7%
      • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 5%

  • Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region:

    • Approximately 3,750 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 62%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 10%
      • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 6%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%

  • London Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the London region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the London region:

    • Approximately 1,780 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 74%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%
      • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 5%

  • Muskoka–Kawarthas Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Muskoka - Kawarthas region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Muskoka - Kawarthas region:

    • Approximately 1,430 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 69%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 12%

  • Northeast Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Northeast region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Northeast region:

    • Approximately 2,910 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 50%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 21%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 5%
      • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 5%

  • Northwest Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Northwest region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Northwest region:

    • Approximately 1,320 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 51%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 20%
      • Forestry and logging and fishing, hunting and trapping (NAICS 113, 114, 1153): 5%

  • Ottawa Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Ottawa region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Ottawa region:

    • Approximately 3,030 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 67%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 10%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 7%

  • Stratford–Bruce Peninsula Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Stratford - Bruce Peninsula region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Stratford - Bruce Peninsula region:

    • Approximately 1,050 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 69%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 15%

  • Toronto Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Toronto region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Toronto region:

    • Approximately 6,110 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 64%
      • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 8%
      • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 6%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 5%

  • Windsor-Sarnia Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Windsor - Sarnia region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Windsor - Sarnia region:

    • Approximately 1,180 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 65%
      • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 9%

• ManitobaLimited

  The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

  The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.
  • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
  • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

  • Demand for this occupation is driven by construction activity in residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects initiated through private and government investment.
  • Key trends in this occupation include enhanced safety, such as 360-degree cameras, proximity sensors, and collision avoidance systems, along with an increasing use of electric and hybrid equipment to reduce emissions.
  • Jobs are concentrated in the Parklands, North, Southeast and Interlake regions.

  Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in Manitoba:

  • Approximately 2,950 people work in this occupation.
  • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 67%
    • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 9%
    • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%
  • 53% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 47% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
  • 5% of heavy equipment operators are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
  • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
    • Men: 94% compared to 53% for all occupations
    • Women: 6% compared to 47% for all occupations
  • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
    • no high school diploma: 35% compared to 12% for all occupations
    • high school diploma or equivalent: 46% compared to 31% for all occupations
    • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 12% for all occupations
    • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
    • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations
    • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

  Regional outlooks
  • Interlake Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Interlake region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Interlake region:

    • Approximately 550 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 71%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 9%
      • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 7%

  • North Central Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the North Central region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the North Central region:

    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 57%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 19%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 8%

  • North Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the North region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the North region:

    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 52%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 15%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 9%

  • Parklands Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Parklands region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Parklands region:

    • Approximately 600 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 52%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 15%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 9%

  • South Central Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the South Central region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the South Central region:

    • Approximately 370 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 57%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 19%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 8%

  • Southeast Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Southeast region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Southeast region:

    • Approximately 570 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 61%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 26%

  • Southwest Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Southwest region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Southwest region:

    • Approximately 560 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 69%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 15%

  • Winnipeg Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Winnipeg region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Winnipeg region:

    • Approximately 710 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 75%

• SaskatchewanGood

  The employment outlook will be Good for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

  The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
  • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
  • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

  • Demand for heavy equipment operators is driven by activity in industries such as construction and mining. Positive projections for these sectors will support employment opportunities for this occupation.
  • Saskatchewan's construction and mining sectors are supported by growing investment in mining, industrial and manufacturing activities including the Jansen potash mine project.
  • Large infrastructure investments in healthcare, and public facilities, and improved commercial construction.
  • Key trends in this occupation include enhanced safety, such as 360-degree cameras, proximity sensors, and collision avoidance systems, along with an increasing use of electric and hybrid equipment to reduce emissions.

  Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in Saskatchewan:

  • Approximately 3,650 people work in this occupation.
  • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 59%
    • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 9%
    • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 7%
  • 48% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 52% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
  • 5% of heavy equipment operators are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
  • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
    • Men: 95% compared to 53% for all occupations
    • Women: 5% compared to 47% for all occupations
  • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
    • no high school diploma: 27% compared to 11% for all occupations
    • high school diploma or equivalent: 52% compared to 33% for all occupations
    • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 15% for all occupations
    • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
    • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 18% for all occupations
    • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

  Regional outlooks
  • Northern Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Northern region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Northern region:

    • Approximately 950 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 54%
      • Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 7%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 7%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%

  • Prince Albert Region Moderate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Prince Albert region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Prince Albert region:

    • Approximately 950 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 54%
      • Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 7%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 7%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%

  • Regina–Moose Mountain Region Good

    The employment outlook will be Good for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Regina - Moose Mountain region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Regina - Moose Mountain region:

    • Approximately 910 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 49%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 18%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%

  • Saskatoon–Biggar Region Good

    The employment outlook will be Good for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Saskatoon - Biggar region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Saskatoon - Biggar region:

    • Approximately 1,160 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 69%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 8%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 7%
      • Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 5%

  • Swift Current–Moose Jaw Region Very good

    The employment outlook will be Very good for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Swift Current - Moose Jaw region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Swift Current - Moose Jaw region:

    • Approximately 580 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 63%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 12%
      • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 7%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 7%

  • Yorkton–Melville Region Good

    The employment outlook will be Good for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Yorkton - Melville region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Yorkton - Melville region:

    • Approximately 670 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 71%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 9%
      • Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 6%

• AlbertaLimited

  The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

  The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
  • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
  • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

  Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in Alberta:

  • Approximately 13,000 people work in this occupation.
  • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 48%
    • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 20%
    • Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 8%
    • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 7%
  • 41% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 59% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
  • 5% of heavy equipment operators are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
  • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
    • Men: 91% compared to 53% for all occupations
    • Women: 9% compared to 47% for all occupations
  • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
    • no high school diploma: 26% compared to 10% for all occupations
    • high school diploma or equivalent: 47% compared to 28% for all occupations
    • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 17% compared to 13% for all occupations
    • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations
    • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 21% for all occupations
    • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

  Regional outlooks
  • Athabasca–Grande Prairie–Peace River Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Athabasca - Grande Prairie - Peace River region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Athabasca - Grande Prairie - Peace River region:

    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 34%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 17%
      • Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 14%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 13%

  • Banff–Jasper–Rocky Mountain House Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Banff - Jasper - Rocky Mountain House region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Banff - Jasper - Rocky Mountain House region:

    • Approximately 3,300 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 34%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 17%
      • Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 14%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 13%

  • Calgary Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Calgary region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Calgary region:

    • Approximately 2,130 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 60%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 12%
      • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 5%
      • Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 5%

  • Camrose–Drumheller Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Camrose - Drumheller region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Camrose - Drumheller region:

    • Approximately 1,300 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 60%
      • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 8%
      • Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 8%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 7%

  • Edmonton Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Edmonton region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Edmonton region:

    • Approximately 3,830 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 55%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 14%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 6%

  • Lethbridge–Medicine Hat Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Lethbridge - Medicine Hat region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Lethbridge - Medicine Hat region:

    • Approximately 1,600 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 63%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 9%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 6%

  • Red Deer Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Red Deer region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Red Deer region:

    • Approximately 1,130 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 48%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 28%
      • Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 10%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 5%

  • Wood Buffalo–Cold Lake Region Very limited

    The employment outlook will be Very limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
    • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region:

    • Approximately 3,430 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 56%
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 27%
      • Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 6%

• British ColumbiaLimited

  The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

  The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
  • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
  • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

  Employment in this occupation is primarily in the construction sector, as well as the mining and oil and gas extraction sector. 

  Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in British Columbia:

  • Approximately 11,100 people work in this occupation.
  • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 51%
    • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 17%
  • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
    • Full-time workers: 95% compared to 78% for all occupations
    • Part-time workers: 5% compared to 22% for all occupations
  • 51% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 49% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
  • 8% of heavy equipment operators are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
  • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
    • Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations
    • Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations
  • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
    • no high school diploma: 23% compared to 8% for all occupations
    • high school diploma or equivalent: 46% compared to 28% for all occupations
    • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 21% compared to 13% for all occupations
    • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 8% compared to 17% for all occupations
    • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations
    • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

  Regional outlooks
  • Cariboo Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Cariboo region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Cariboo region:

    • Approximately 1,220 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 50%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 15%
      • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 8%
      • Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321): 7%

  • Kootenay Region Very limited

    The employment outlook will be Very limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Kootenay region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Kootenay region:

    • Approximately 1,610 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 43%
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 25%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 14%

  • Lower Mainland–Southwest Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region:

    • Approximately 4,280 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 57%
      • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 13%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 5%

  • Nechako Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Nechako region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Nechako region:

    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 38%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 23%
      • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 17%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 12%

  • North Coast Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the North Coast region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the North Coast region:

    • Approximately 900 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 38%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 23%
      • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 17%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 12%

  • Northeast Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Northeast region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Northeast region:

    • Approximately 840 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 39%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 37%
      • Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 6%

  • Thompson–Okanagan Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Thompson - Okanagan region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Thompson - Okanagan region:

    • Approximately 2,240 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 56%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 15%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 5%

  • Vancouver Island and Coast Region Limited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Vancouver Island and Coast region for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in the Vancouver Island and Coast region:

    • Approximately 2,000 people work in this occupation.
    • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Construction (NAICS 23): 60%
      • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 10%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 7%
      • Forestry and logging (NAICS 113, 114, 1153): 6%

• Yukon TerritoryModerate

  The employment outlook will be Moderate for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in Yukon for the 2025-2027 period.

  The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
  • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

  • This occupation will benefit from public and private construction projects scheduled in the Yukon over the forecast period, such as a new recreation centre in Dawson and Yukon University's new science building.
  • Employment opportunities in this occupation may be constrained by automation and digital transformation initiatives.

  Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in Yukon:

  • Approximately 300 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
  • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 35%
    • Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 30%
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 25%
  • 53% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 47% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.
  • Less than 5% of heavy equipment operators are self-employed compared to an average of 14% for all occupations.
  • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
    • Men: 88% compared to 49% for all occupations
    • Women: 13% compared to 51% for all occupations
  • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
    • no high school diploma: 28% compared to 11% for all occupations
    • high school diploma or equivalent: 45% compared to 25% for all occupations
    • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 16% compared to 13% for all occupations
    • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 10% compared to 20% for all occupations
    • bachelor's degree: n/a
    • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

• Northwest TerritoriesLimited

  The employment outlook will be Limited for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

  The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
  • Several positions will become available due to retirements.

  • This occupation will benefit from major public and private construction projects scheduled in Northwest Territories over the forecast period.
  • For example, the planned construction of the $1.65 billion Mackenzie Valley Highway, connecting Wrigley to Norman Wells, is expected to generate employment in this occupation when construction begins in 2027 or 2028. Ongoing work at the $4 billion Giant Mine remediation site may also lead to construction employment.
  • Employment opportunities in this occupation may be constrained by automation and digital transformation initiatives.

  Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in Northwest Territories:

  • Approximately 300 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
  • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 35%
    • Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 30%
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 25%
  • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
    • Full-time workers: 94% compared to 88% for all occupations
    • Part-time workers: 6% compared to 12% for all occupations
  • 59% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 41% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.
  • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
    • Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations
    • Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations
  • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
    • no high school diploma: 39% compared to 17% for all occupations
    • high school diploma or equivalent: 26% compared to 26% for all occupations
    • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 31% compared to 12% for all occupations
    • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 18% for all occupations
    • bachelor's degree: n/a
    • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

• NunavutGood

  The employment outlook will be Good for heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.

  The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
  • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
  • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities may vary depending on the time of the year.

  • This occupation will benefit from major public and private construction projects scheduled in Nunavut over the forecast period.
  • For example, the planned construction of a new air terminal in Rankin Inlet by 2026 and the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre in Iqaluit in 2027 are expected to generate employment in this occupation.
  • The Government of Nunavut's proposed $3.3 billion project to connect Manitoba Hydro's power grid to five western Nunavut communities and a gold mine, if built, would also lead to new construction jobs in the territory.
  • Nunavut has a shortage of skilled tradespeople to complete major public and private construction projects, leading to contractors routinely bringing in workers from southern Canada.
  • Employment opportunities in this occupation may be constrained by automation and digital transformation initiatives.
  • Local training for this occupation is available at Nunavut Arctic College.

  Here are some key facts about heavy equipment operators in Nunavut:

  • Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
  • Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 35%
    • Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 30%
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 25%
  • 64% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 36% work only part of the year, compared to 72% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.
  • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
    • Men: 91% compared to 51% for all occupations
    • Women: 9% compared to 49% for all occupations
  • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
    • no high school diploma: 45% compared to 37% for all occupations
    • high school diploma or equivalent: 16% compared to 22% for all occupations
    • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 28% compared to 11% for all occupations
    • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 10% compared to 15% for all occupations
    • bachelor's degree: n/a
    • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a