On this page you will find:
- A list of the 11 STEM occupations targeted in Express Entry draws in 2025
- The NOC code for each occupation
- Typical salary expectations in Canada
- A concise job description for each role
- An outline of Canada’s need for each occupation
In 2025, Canada continues to use category-based draws under Express Entry to prioritise candidates in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations. To qualify, a candidate must have at least six months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in one of the eligible occupations within the past three years.
Below are the STEM roles included in the 2025 targeted draws, along with details on each.
Architecture and Science Managers (NOC 20011)
Typical salary: $90,000 to $150,000+
Description: These managers lead architecture, science, research or development units. They plan, coordinate, and direct scientific or architectural activities, oversee budgets and resources, and guide teams of professionals.
Canada’s need: Canada invests heavily in infrastructure, environmental planning, and research institutions. Skilled leaders who can bridge scientific vision and operational execution are in demand to support innovation, public works, and R&D projects.
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC 22300)
Typical salary: $50,000 to $80,000 (technologists) / $45,000 to $70,000 (technicians)
Description: These professionals assist civil engineers by preparing plans, conducting site surveys, applying building codes, and measuring materials. They may monitor construction, perform testing, and ensure compliance.
Canada’s need: With urban growth and infrastructure renewal, Canada needs technologists and technicians to support bridge, road, water, and transit projects, reducing bottlenecks in engineering teams.
Civil Engineers (NOC 21300)
Typical salary: $75,000 to $130,000
Description: Civil engineers design, analyse, and manage infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, water supply systems, and buildings. They ensure safety, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
Canada’s need: Many Canadian provinces are investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, transit expansion, and sustainable urban development. Civil engineers are central to these initiatives.
Cybersecurity Specialists (NOC 21220)
Typical salary: $80,000 to $140,000
Description: These experts protect information systems against attacks. They assess vulnerabilities, design security architectures, perform penetration testing, monitor threats, and respond to breaches.
Canada’s need: Cyber threats are a growing risk for public institutions, critical infrastructure, and private industry. Skilled cybersecurity professionals are vital to safeguard data and maintain trust in digital systems.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC 22310)
Typical salary: $55,000 to $85,000
Description: They support engineers by building, testing, and maintaining electrical and electronic systems. Tasks may include wiring, circuit design, troubleshooting, and quality control.
Canada’s need: As Canada pursues electrification – from EV charging to renewable energy – technologists and technicians play a key role in bringing designs into reality and maintaining systems in operation.
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NOC 21310)
Typical salary: $90,000 to $130,000+
Description: These engineers design, test, and oversee development of electrical and electronic systems such as power generation, control systems, telecommunications, and embedded systems.
Canada’s need: Canada’s electricity grid modernisation, renewable energy expansion, and high-tech manufacturing sectors demand strong electrical engineering talent.
Geological Engineers (NOC 21331)
Typical salary: $80,000 to $140,000
Description: Geological engineers investigate Earth materials, assess geological hazards, and support resource development such as minerals, oil, and groundwater. They design foundations, slopes, and site evaluations.
Canada’s need: With abundant natural resources and climate resilience goals, Canada needs experts to guide safe extraction, remediation, and land use planning in remote and sensitive areas.
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers (NOC 21321)
Typical salary: $75,000 to $120,000
Description: These engineers optimise production systems, implement lean manufacturing, plan workflow, and oversee quality assurance. They often integrate automation, robotics, and process improvements.
Canada’s need: To remain globally competitive, Canada’s manufacturing and advanced technology sectors need engineers who can modernise operations, reduce waste, and adopt Industry 4.0 practices.
Insurance Agents and Brokers (NOC 63100)
Typical salary: $50,000 to $100,000+ (including commissions)
Description: Agents and brokers sell and advise on insurance policies such as life, property, or casualty insurance. They assess risk, negotiate with providers, and manage client portfolios.
Canada’s need: Though not a traditional engineering role, this occupation supports financial risk assessment, data modelling, and insurtech innovation. Canada requires insurance professionals to address evolving risk landscapes such as climate and cyber.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC 22301)
Typical salary: $55,000 to $85,000
Description: These technologists and technicians support design and maintenance of mechanical systems by performing CAD drafting, prototyping, testing, and system monitoring.
Canada’s need: In sectors like automotive, energy, HVAC, aerospace, and manufacturing, technologists are essential to convert engineering designs into practical systems and oversee their upkeep.
Mechanical Engineers (NOC 21301)
Typical salary: $80,000 to $130,000+
Description: Mechanical engineers design, develop, and test mechanical devices such as engines, machines, heating and cooling systems, and manufacturing equipment. They solve mechanical and thermal problems.
Canada’s need: As Canada supports clean energy, green building, transportation electrification, and advanced manufacturing, mechanical engineers play a core role in innovation and infrastructure.
Final Notes on Canada’s Need
While STEM-targeted draws continue, Canada has signalled changes in 2025. Some reports suggest that STEM occupations may be removed from targeted draws, with renewed focus on education, healthcare, and trades. Even so, STEM roles remain eligible through general draws and Provincial Nominee Programs.
In 2025, Canada’s economy still depends on STEM talent to drive infrastructure, clean technology, digital transformation, and resource development. Even if targeted draws shift, the demand and opportunities for STEM professionals remain strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum work experience requirements for STEM targeted draws?
You must have at least six months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a single eligible STEM occupation within the past three years to qualify.
Can STEM roles be removed from targeted draws in 2025?
Yes. Canada has proposed removing STEM from targeted occupation draws and shifting priority to education, healthcare, and trades. But STEM roles remain eligible via general draws and PNPs.
How accurate are the salary ranges listed?
The listed ranges are typical estimates based on national wage data and industry averages. Actual pay depends on experience, location, employer, and specialisation.
Do these STEM jobs guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?
Not necessarily. Inclusion in the list simply makes the occupation eligible for category-based draws. You must still rank highly under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) or through a provincial nomination.
What should a candidate do if their NOC or role changed recently?
A candidate should re-map their experience to updated NOC codes, match duties to the lead statements, and verify that their updated role is listed among eligible STEM occupations. Then update their Express Entry profile accordingly.
