Logging and forestry labourers
Occupation · NOC 2021 85120 · Canada
- NOC 2021 code
- 85120
- TEER
- 5
- Positions on positive LMIAs, all lists
- 253
- Median wage, Canada
- C$28.71 per hour
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 279
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About this occupation
Logging and forestry labourers perform a variety of manual tasks such as attaching choker cables to logs, planting trees, clearing brush, spraying chemicals, cleaning up landing areas and assisting other workers in woodlands operations. They are employed by logging companies and contractors.
Example job titles
- chokerman/woman
- forestry labourer
- logging labourer
- seasonal tree planter
- swamper - logging and forestry
Main duties
- This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Assist other workers at logging sites
- Attach chokers or cables to felled trees for yarding
- Plant trees using manual tools
- Spray herbicides from the ground using manual spraying equipment
- Clear trails through woodlands using chain saws
- Clean up landing areas at logging sites.
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school may be required.
- Completion of pre-employment safety courses may be required.
- Several weeks of formal and on-the-job training are provided.
- Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) certificate may be required.
- Chemicals application licence may be required.
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 | 1 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 69 |
| 2025 | 89 |
| 2026 | 10 |
- Société d'exploitation des ressources de la Vallée64
- LA COOPÉRATIVE FORESTIÈRE DE GIRARDVILLE44
- Futur Boréal inc25
- COOPÉRATIVE FORESTIÈRE LA NORD-CÔTIÈRE20
- Coopérative Forestière Haut Plan Vert17
- Groupement forestier coopératif Baie-des-Chaleurs11
- NL Vegetation Control10
- les entreprise charles twagirimana inc.9
- S.E.R.V., Coopérative de Solidarité8
- Groupement forestier Chaudière inc6
- Société d'exploitation des ressources des Monts Inc.6
- QUE LA FAMILLE FORESTIERE INC.5
- D'un arbre à l'autre inc5
- Groupement forestier Métis-Neigette Inc5
- Groupement Forestier Dorchester4
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 | 20 | 0 |
| 2025 | 60 | 0 |
| 2024 | 40 | 0 |
| 2023 | 20 | 0 |
All work permits by year
Data table
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 40 |
| 2025 | 60 |
| 2026 | 20 |
Wages
Median wage by province and territory (2025 release). Hourly unless marked per year.
| Area | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | C$19.37 | C$28.71 | C$47.50 |
| Alberta | C$19.77 | C$25.00 | C$35.00 |
| British Columbia | C$21.60 | C$33.00 | C$50.00 |
| Manitoba | C$18.00 | C$27.00 | C$50.00 |
| New Brunswick | C$17.00 | C$22.00 | C$35.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | C$16.00 | C$20.00 | C$25.00 |
| Nova Scotia | C$16.50 | C$20.05 | C$45.00 |
| Ontario | C$20.00 | C$28.71 | C$45.00 |
| Quebec | C$20.00 | C$30.00 | C$50.00 |
| Saskatchewan | C$17.00 | C$25.00 | C$45.00 |
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 279
- Vacancies advertised
- 584
- Median advertised minimum hourly wage
- C$20.96
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