Geoscientists and oceanographers
Occupation · NOC 2021 21102 · Canada
- NOC 2021 code
- 21102
- TEER
- 1
- Positions on positive LMIAs, all lists
- 61
- Median wage, Canada
- C$50.00 per hour
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 152
OC<CANGEOSCIENTISTS<AND<OCEANOGRAPHERS<<<<<< 211024<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<8
About this occupation
Geoscientists include geologists, geochemists and geophysicists who conduct programs of exploration and research to extend knowledge of the structure, composition and processes of the earth, to locate, identify and extract hydrocarbon, mineral and groundwater resources and to assess and mitigate the effects of development and waste disposal projects on the environment. Oceanographers conduct programs of exploration and research on ocean processes and phenomena, biological, chemical and physical characteristics of oceans, interactions with atmospheric and geological environments and impacts of human activity on oceans and marine ecosystems. Geoscientists are employed by petroleum and mining companies, consulting geology, geophysics and engineering firms and by governments and educational institutions, or they may be self-employed. Oceanographers are employed by governments, educational institutions and private companies engaged in exploration of seafloor deposits and seafarming areas, or they may be self-employed.
Example job titles
- development geologist
- environmental geologist
- exploration geologist
- geochemist
- geologist
- geophysicist
- glaciologist
- groundwater geologist
- hydrogeologist
- hydrologist
- mine geologist
- mineralogist
- oceanographer
- paleontologist
- petroleum geologist
- petrologist
Main duties
- This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Geoscientists
- Conduct theoretical and applied research to extend knowledge of surface and subsurface features of the earth, its history and the operation of physical, chemical and biological systems that control its evolution
- Plan, direct and participate in geological, geochemical and geophysical field studies, drilling and geological testing programs
- Plan and conduct seismic, geodetic, electromagnetic, magnetic, gravimetric, radiometric, radar and other remote sensing programs
- Plan, direct and participate in analyses of geological, geochemical and geophysical survey data, well logs and other test results, maps, notes and cross sections
- Develop models and applied software for the analysis and interpretation of data
- Plan and conduct analytical studies of core samples, drill cuttings and rock samples to identify chemical, mineral, hydrocarbon and biological composition and to assess depositional environments and geological age
- Assess the size, orientation and composition of mineral ore bodies and hydrocarbon deposits
- Identify deposits of construction materials and determine their characteristics and suitability for use as concrete aggregates, road fill or for other applications
Employment requirements
- Geoscientists require a university degree in geology, geochemistry, geophysics or a related discipline.
- A master's or doctoral degree in geophysics, physics, mathematics or engineering may be required for employment as a geophysicist.
- Registration with a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers, geologists, geophysicists or geoscientists is usually required for employment and is mandatory to practice in all provinces and territories except Prince Edward Island and the Yukon.
- Geologists and geophysicists are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program and after several years of supervised work experience and, in some provinces, after passing a professional practice examination.
- Oceanographers require a university degree in science, mathematics, statistics or engineering and usually require a graduate degree in oceanography.
Temporary foreign worker positions (LMIA)
Positions on positive LMIAs in ESDC employer lists, by year of the list.
Approved positions by year
Data table
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 1 |
- Subsea 7 Canada Inc.7
- Laurentia Exploration Inc.6
- Glencore Canada Corporation2
- Goldspot Discoveries Corp2
- FREEPORT-MCMORAN MINERAL PROPERTIES CANADA INC.2
- Englobe Corp.2
- Université McGill1
- University of Western Ontario1
- AMEC Foster Wheeler Americas Limited1
- Atlantic Gold Corporation1
- Corem1
- Triple Flag Mining Finance Ltd1
- Artisanal Gold Council1
- Dundee Precious Metals Inc.1
- Roscoe Postle Associates Inc1
Work permits
Work permit holders by year the permit took effect, mapped from NOC 2016 where the code has a single NOC 2021 successor (IRCC).
| Year | TFWP permits | IMP permits |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 20 |
| 2025 | 25 | 25 |
| 2024 | 5 | 40 |
| 2023 | 0 | 30 |
| 2022 | 0 | 50 |
| 2021 | 0 | 20 |
| 2020 | 5 | 10 |
| 2019 | 0 | 90 |
| 2018 | 0 | 100 |
| 2017 | 0 | 120 |
| 2016 | 0 | 95 |
| 2015 | 0 | 165 |
All work permits by year
Data table
| 2015 | 165 |
| 2016 | 95 |
| 2017 | 120 |
| 2018 | 100 |
| 2019 | 90 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 50 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 45 |
| 2025 | 50 |
| 2026 | 25 |
Permanent residence
Admissions of permanent residents by intended occupation and Express Entry invitations by occupation (IRCC).
New permanent residents by year
Data table
| 2015 | 165 |
| 2016 | 110 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 50 |
| 2019 | 45 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 25 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 5 |
- Canadian Experience Class510
- Federal Skilled Worker435
- Provincial Nominee Program75
Wages
Median wage by province and territory (2025 release). Hourly unless marked per year.
| Area | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | C$30.77 | C$50.00 | C$100.00 |
| Alberta | C$28.85 | C$44.43 | C$117.95 |
| British Columbia | C$30.77 | C$51.28 | C$87.18 |
| Manitoba | C$23.17 | C$44.23 | C$51.92 |
| New Brunswick | C$30.67 | C$48.72 | C$76.92 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | C$27.47 | C$50.00 | C$96.15 |
| Nova Scotia | C$30.67 | C$48.72 | C$76.92 |
| Ontario | C$33.65 | C$57.69 | C$79.49 |
| Quebec | C$31.25 | C$48.08 | C$66.67 |
| Saskatchewan | C$27.50 | C$52.20 | C$77.88 |
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 152
- Vacancies advertised
- 195
- Median advertised minimum hourly wage
- C$30.77
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