72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
This occupation is on IRCC's Express Entry high-wage list (median wage at least 1.3 times the average median wage). From November 3, 2026, 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience in it can add 20 CRS points, or a qualifying job offer in it can earn 50 points. Only the higher of the two counts, not both.
Lead statement
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics repair, troubleshoot, adjust, overhaul and maintain mobile heavy-duty equipment used in construction, transportation, forestry, mining, oil and gas, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, farming and similar activities. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main duties
- Check bulldozers, cranes, graders and other heavy construction, agricultural, logging and mining equipment for proper performance and inspect equipment to detect faults and malfunctions
- Diagnose faults or malfunctions using computerized and other testing equipment to determine extent of repair required
- Adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems, using hand and power tools
- Test repaired equipment for proper performance and to ensure that work meets manufacturers' specifications
- Clean, lubricate and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment
- Service attachments and working tools such as harvesting and tillage equipment, blades, ploughs, winches and side booms
- May perform repair work on heavy trucks
- May attach components and adjust new farm equipment.
Employment requirements
- Completion of a three- to five-year apprenticeship program ora combination of over four years of work experience and industry courses in heavy equipment repair is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Agricultural equipment technician trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
- Heavy-duty equipment technician trade certification is compulsory in Quebec (only in the construction industry) and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
- Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified heavy duty equipment technicians and agricultural equipment technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Example job titles
heavy-duty equipment mechanic apprentice · backhoe mechanic · caterpillar tractor repairer · heavy equipment combination mechanic · construction equipment mechanic · construction equipment repairman/woman · crane repairer · diesel engine mechanic apprentice · diesel mechanic apprentice · diesel engine mechanic - heavy equipment · diesel mechanic - heavy equipment · diesel locomotive repairman/woman · dredge mechanic · excavating equipment mechanic · farm equipment mechanic · farm tractor mechanic · farm tractor repairer · heavy equipment field mechanic · fuel injection unit servicer - diesel · grading equipment mechanic · heavy equipment inspector-repairer · heavy mobile equipment repairer · heavy mobile equipment repairman/woman · heavy mobile logging equipment mechanic · heavy mobile mining equipment mechanic · heavy equipment mechanic · heavy-duty equipment mechanic · diesel engine mechanic · diesel mechanic · journeyman/woman heavy-duty equipment mechanic · locomotive mechanic · mobile logging equipment mechanic · mobile mining equipment mechanic · sideboom mechanic · tractor mechanic · mobile farm equipment mechanic · mobile farm machinery repairer · paving equipment mechanic · power shovel mechanic · farm machinery wheelwright
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $23.87 | $37.12 | $55.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $23.87 | $39.63 | $55.85 |
| Nova Scotia | $20.00 | $31.26 | $41.00 |
| New Brunswick | $20.00 | $29.00 | $40.20 |
| Quebec | $24.00 | $33.00 | $47.00 |
| Ontario | $22.00 | $35.00 | $51.19 |
| Manitoba | $23.75 | $35.00 | $48.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $22.50 | $37.00 | $51.50 |
| Alberta | $23.50 | $42.00 | $65.00 |
| British Columbia | $27.00 | $45.00 | $55.50 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.