Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
Also called: Welder supervisor, Tooling supervisor, Welding contractor, Welding supervisor, Ironwork contractor, Ironwork supervisor, Machining supervisor, Machinists supervisor, Boilermaker supervisor, Sheet metal contractor, Machine shop supervisor, Machining foreman/woman
Contractors and supervisors in machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations supervise and coordinate the activities of workers classified in the following unit groups: Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (72100), Tool and die makers (72101), Sheet metal workers (72102), Boilermakers (72103), Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters (72104), Ironworkers (72105), Welders and related machine operators (72106) and Machining tool operators (94106). They are employed by structural, platework and related metal products fabrication, manufacturing and erecting companies and machine shops. Contractors may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of workers who shape, form and join metal parts or products to specified dimensions, machine metal into parts, products, tools and dies or moulds with precise measurements and erect light and heavy metal products and structures
- Establish methods to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments
- Requisition materials and supplies
- Resolve work problems and recommend work measures to improve productivity
- Train or arrange for training of workers
- Recommend personnel actions such as hirings and promotions
- Ensure standards for safe working conditions are observed
- Prepare production and other reports
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Several years of experience as a qualified machinist or tool and die maker are required. Journeyman/woman trade certification in machining, tool and die making or in another related metalworking trade is required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $78,000 a year The middle half earn $66,300 to $97,032.
- About 20,200 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 22,400 are projected by 2033. (+10.9%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
- Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
- Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
- Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
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Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03