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Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators

Occupation · NOC 2021 94121 · Canada

NOC 2021 code
94121
TEER
4
Positions on positive LMIAs, all lists
26
Median wage, Canada
C$32.01 per hour
Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
17
NOC94121TEER 4
Year by year
Data as at 2026
OC<CANPULP<MILL<PAPERMAKING<AND<FINISHING<MA
941213<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<6

About this occupation

Pulp mill and papermaking and finishing machine operators operate and monitor various types of processing machinery and equipment to produce pulp and assist papermaking and coating control operators to produce, coat and finish paper. They are employed by pulp and paper companies.

Example job titles

  • assistant bleacher operator - pulp and paper
  • assistant coating operator - pulp and paper
  • calender operator - pulp and paper
  • cook - pulp and paper
  • digester operator - pulp and paper
  • embossing calender operator - pulp and paper
  • fourth hand - pulp and paper
  • graderman/woman - pulp and paper
  • grinderman/woman - pulp and paper
  • paper machine operator
  • paper-coating machine operator
  • refiner operator - pulp and paper
  • sheeter operator - pulp and paper
  • thermomechanical pulp assistant operator
  • thermomechanical pulp operator
  • winder operator - pulp and paper

Main duties

  • This group performs some or all of the following duties:
  • Operate and monitor paper mill, papermaking and finishing process machinery and equipment such as screening equipment, bleaching equipment, digesters, mixing tanks, and washers to carry out one or more cellulose processing steps and equipment such as dryers, laminators, cutters, coaters, calenders and hoists to carry out one or more papermaking and finishing process steps
  • Observe equipment and machinery panel indicators, gauges, level indicators and other equipment instruments to detect machinery and equipment malfunctions and ensure process steps are carried out according to specifications
  • Communicate with pulping, papermaking and coating control operators to make process adjustments and start up or shut down machinery and equipment as required
  • Collect processing samples and conduct titration tests, pH readings, specific density tests and other routine tests on pulp and solutions
  • Inspect paper visually for wrinkles, holes, discolouration, streaks or other defects and take corrective action
  • Complete and maintain production reports.

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is required.
  • A college diploma in forest products processing or a related subject may be required.
  • Completion of several weeks of formal company training and/or on-the-job training is required.
  • Previous experience as a labourer 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.

Temporary foreign worker positions (LMIA)

Positions on positive LMIAs in ESDC employer lists, by year of the list.

Approved positions by year

61120202022202320242025
61120202022202320242025
Data table
20201
20222
20235
202411
20257
By province or territory
  1. Quebec22
  2. Ontario3
  3. British Columbia1
Employers with the most positions
  1. Compagnie WestRock du Canada Corp.12
  2. WestRock Company of Canada Corp.4
  3. AMECCI INC3
  4. 2962-0309 Québec Inc.1
  5. Cascades Container Board Packaging Ontario Inc.1
  6. Atlantic Coated Papers1
  7. Altro Industries Inc.1
  8. 8741891 CANADA INC.1
  9. Cascades Canada ULC1
  10. Produits Kruger Sherbrooke inc.1
By stream
  1. High-wage stream (TFWP)15
  2. Low-wage stream (TFWP)11

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).

YearTFWP permitsIMP permits
202150

All work permits by year

352021
352021
Data table
20215

Wages

Median wage by province and territory (2025 release). Hourly unless marked per year.

AreaLowMedianHigh
CanadaC$22.00C$32.01C$45.50
AlbertaC$34.04C$47.71C$58.42
British ColumbiaC$26.96C$38.00C$47.98
ManitobaC$22.00C$32.00C$42.00
New BrunswickC$31.00C$35.00C$42.00
Newfoundland and LabradorC$22.00C$35.00C$42.00
Nova ScotiaC$22.91C$30.13C$37.20
OntarioC$19.00C$24.94C$40.00
QuebecC$25.85C$32.25C$46.00
Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
17
Vacancies advertised
51
Median advertised minimum hourly wage
C$22.36