93102 – Pulping, papermaking and coating control operators
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
Pulping, papermaking and coating control operators operate and monitor multi-function process control machinery and equipment to control the processing of wood, scrap pulp, recyclable paper, cellulose materials, paper pulp and paperboard.
Main duties
- Operate, coordinate and monitor pulping, papermaking and papercoating process equipment from central control room or machine consoles and control panels in equipment cabins to control process operations and machinery in the production of pulp and paper
- Control the processing of wood, scrap pulp, recyclable paper, cellulose materials, pulp paper and paperboard and monitor the chemical and physical process operations using a distributed control system and process computers
- Observe panel indicators, gauges, video monitors and other instruments to detect equipment malfunctions and ensure pulping, papermaking and coating processes are operating according to process specifications
- Analyze instrument readings and production test samples and make adjustments or direct other pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators to make adjustments to pulp production, papermaking and coating process and equipment as required
- Complete and maintain production reports.
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is required.
- A college or other program in forest products processing or a related subject may be required for pulping control operators.
- Completion of several weeks of formal company training and several months of on-the-job training is required.
- Several years of experience as a pulp mill, papermaking or finishing machine operator within the same company is usually required.
- A certificate in industrial first aid may be required.
- A competency certificate in natural gas may be required.
Example job titles
paper machine control operator · cylinder machine operator - pulp and paper · panelboard operator - pulp and paper · beater engineer - pulp and paper · beater room lead hand - pulp and paper · bleach plant operator - pulp and paper · control room operator - pulp and paper · recovery plant operator - pulp and paper · pulping control operator · pulping group operator - pulp and paper · batch operator - pulp and paper · cooking systems operator - pulp and paper · panel operator - pulp and paper · peroxide bleach plant operator - pulp and paper · pulping technician · paper maker - control operation
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $35.00 | $40.00 | $58.00 |
| New Brunswick | $35.15 | $46.57 | $51.73 |
| Quebec | $25.24 | $35.42 | $49.18 |
| Ontario | $23.93 | $33.58 | $43.67 |
| Alberta | $34.13 | $47.48 | $54.48 |
| British Columbia | $34.80 | $47.44 | $59.06 |
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.