Roof Tilers in Australia typically work on residential and commercial construction sites, often collaborating with builders and carpenters. They are responsible for laying tiles to create watertight roofs, with a unique focus on using materials suited to Australia's varied climate conditions. A distinguishing feature of Australian practice is the stringent adherence to bushfire safety standards in roofing materials and methods, which is more rigorous than in many other countries.
Roof Tiler is a skilled occupation on Australia's Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This occupation is eligible for the points-tested Subclass 190 and 491 visas (state or territory nomination required). It is also eligible for employer-sponsored pathways via the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa and Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme.
Residential construction companies in Victoria are actively hiring Roof Tilers due to a surge in housing developments. The Victorian Government's Big Housing Build, a $5.3 billion investment, is driving this demand by significantly increasing the number of homes being built. Employers report that finding Roof Tilers skilled in installing energy-efficient and solar-compatible roofing systems is particularly challenging.
In Australia, Roof Tilers must adhere to strict regulations regarding the use of safety harnesses and fall protection systems, compliance with which is monitored by WorkSafe authorities and is more rigorous than in the UK, South Africa, India, or the Philippines. In these countries, while safety is a concern, the enforcement and specific requirements around personal protective equipment on job sites may not be as stringently regulated or uniformly enforced. New Roof Tilers in Australia should prioritise familiarising themselves with local safety standards and invest time in obtaining any necessary certifications or training to ensure compliance with Australian safety regulations.
The primary driver for pay increases among Roof Tilers in Australia is obtaining a Cert IV in Building and Construction, which can lead to a supervisory position and higher pay. A lucrative role for Roof Tilers is that of a Site Manager, particularly enticing due to Australia's large-scale residential projects. In New South Wales, Roof Tilers earn slightly more than in Western Australia, reflecting regional disparities in housing market demands.
New South Wales has strong demand due to extensive residential development driven by population growth in Sydney. Western Australia sees increased demand thanks to investments in mining infrastructure projects requiring roof tiling expertise.
No national licence is required for Roof Tilers, but some states, like Queensland, require a specific trade contractor licence.
VETASSESS assesses Roof Tiler qualifications based on practical experience and equivalent training to an AQF Certificate III. Employers expect at least this level or a bridging pathway for overseas qualifications.
Senior roles like Roofing Supervisor and Construction Site Manager require additional certifications and experience in project management. Roofer professionals can advance by completing a Cert IV in Building and Construction.
Entry AUD $55,000 → Senior AUD $90,000, driven by certification and supervisory roles.
Navigating local building codes and climate-specific material use can be challenging for overseas Roof Tilers.
The next five years look promising for Roof Tilers, driven by continued urban expansion and government investment in residential infrastructure.
Australia's construction sites require strict adherence to environmental and safety standards.
Roof Tilers find the general points test moderately competitive, with employer sponsorship offering a faster pathway in high-demand regions.
The current occupation mapping identifies 4 potential skilled visa pathways. A listed pathway is not an approval or guarantee; the applicant must satisfy every requirement applying to that subclass.
These occupation-explorer estimates compare entry, experienced and senior salary levels across Australia. They are planning figures rather than job offers and should be checked against current vacancies, awards and employer terms.
| State or territory | Entry salary | Experienced salary | Senior salary | Demand | Regional context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | AUD$62,000 | AUD$85,000 | AUD$110,000 | High | Check current state and regional employer demand. |
| Victoria | AUD$60,000 | AUD$82,000 | AUD$106,000 | High | Check current state and regional employer demand. |
| Queensland | AUD$56,000 | AUD$77,000 | AUD$100,000 | High | Regional areas offer 491 nomination, reduced cost of living and faster invitations |
| Western Australia | AUD$60,000 | AUD$82,000 | AUD$107,000 | High | State nomination available; mining sector drives strong demand |
| South Australia | AUD$54,000 | AUD$74,000 | AUD$96,000 | Medium | SA Skilled & Business migration, competitive 190/491 quotas |
| Tasmania | AUD$51,000 | AUD$71,000 | AUD$91,000 | Medium | 491 regional visa available; lifestyle benefits and lower living costs |
| Australian Capital Territory | AUD$65,000 | AUD$89,000 | AUD$116,000 | Medium | High government and defence sector demand |
| Northern Territory | AUD$57,000 | AUD$78,000 | AUD$101,000 | Low | NT nomination available; remote area incentives |
State and territory nomination allocations indicate programme capacity, not places reserved for Roof Tiler. Applicants must confirm that their occupation is open and meet the jurisdiction's current criteria before relying on a Subclass 190 or 491 pathway.
| State or territory | Subclass 190 places | Subclass 491 places | Nomination context |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 2,500 | 0 | NSW nomination available for select occupations. Check NSW Skills List. |
| Victoria | 2,000 | 0 | Victoria State Nomination (VSNP) program. Competitive quotas. |
| Queensland | 1,200 | 1,800 | Queensland Skilled Migration, separate 190 and 491 streams. |
| Western Australia | 1,500 | 500 | WA State Nomination, strong demand in mining, engineering, health. |
| South Australia | 1,000 | 1,200 | SA Skilled & Business program, open occupation list. |
| Tasmania | 500 | 800 | Tasmania 491 covers the whole state; 190 for critical occupations. |
| Australian Capital Territory | 600 | 0 | ACT Critical Skills and Graduate pathways. High competition. |
| Northern Territory | 200 | 600 | NT nomination, remote area incentives and dedicated quotas. |
The assessing authority is TRA. A skills assessment compares overseas qualifications and employment history with the Australian standard for ANZSCO 333311. Applicants normally need identity documents, academic certificates and transcripts, detailed employer references, proof of paid employment and certified translations where applicable.
Assessment rules differ by authority and occupation. Some authorities require English testing, professional registration, supervised practice, competency demonstrations or a technical interview. Applicants should use the authority's current checklist and ensure that duties in employment references align with the nominated occupation rather than relying only on a job title.
Published processing ranges change with application volumes and individual complexity. The figures below are planning ranges used by the occupation explorer. They begin after a valid visa application is lodged and do not include time needed for English testing, skills assessment, Expression of Interest, nomination or sponsorship.
| Visa pathway | 75% planning range | 90% planning range |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated | 5–7 months | 12–24 months |
| Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional | 4–8 months | 10–18 months |
| Subclass 482: SID (Core Skills) | 2–4 months | 6–9 months |
| Subclass 482: SID (Specialist Skills) | 2–4 months | 6–9 months |
| Subclass 186: ENS (Direct Entry) | 12–18 months | 24–36 months |
| Subclass 186: ENS (TRT, after 2 yrs) | 10–16 months | 20–30 months |
Typical duration: 1–3 months
Check occupation on MLTSSL/STSOL lists, identify assessing authority, research state nomination options, calculate migration points score.
Typical duration: 3–12 months
Submit application to the relevant assessing authority. Gather qualifications, employment evidence and references.
Typical duration: 1–24 months
Lodge EOI in SkillSelect. Wait for an invitation to apply based on your points score. Higher scores are invited first.
Typical duration: 6–36 months
Lodge formal visa application with Department of Home Affairs. Undergo health examinations and police clearances.
Typical duration: 1–3 months
Book flights, arrange accommodation, open an Australian bank account, research your destination city.
Typical duration: Ongoing
Activate your visa by entering Australia. Begin building your life, applying for work, and accessing services.
Yes. Roof Tiler (ANZSCO 333311) is on Australia's short-term occupation reference category. Its list placement determines which points-tested, state-nominated, regional or employer-sponsored pathways may be available. List placement alone does not guarantee a visa: applicants must also meet age, English, skills assessment, points, nomination or sponsorship requirements for the selected subclass.
The occupation data currently identifies Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand), Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) as potential pathways for Roof Tiler. Each pathway has separate eligibility rules. State nomination depends on the relevant state list and invitation settings, while employer-sponsored pathways require a qualifying position and an approved sponsoring employer.
TRA is the assessing authority shown for Roof Tiler. A positive skills assessment is generally required before lodging an Expression of Interest for points-tested skilled migration. Applicants should confirm the authority's current qualification, employment evidence, English, registration and document requirements before applying because assessment criteria can change.
The occupation explorer estimates New South Wales earnings from AUD$62,000 at entry level to AUD$85,000 for an experienced worker, with senior roles around AUD$110,000. Actual pay depends on location, employer, industry, registration, specialisation and experience. Regional positions may combine a different base salary with allowances or lower living costs.
Subclass 189, 190 and 491 applicants need at least 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest, but 65 does not guarantee an invitation. Competitive invitation scores can be higher. Points are awarded for age, English proficiency, qualifications, skilled work experience, Australian study and other factors, with state nomination adding points for Subclass 190 or 491.
A positive assessment from TRA is required for most points-tested pathways connected to Roof Tiler. The authority examines qualifications and employment evidence against Australian standards. Processing often takes several months, so applicants should prepare detailed references, payslips, tax evidence, transcripts and certified identity documents before submitting.
Subclass 190 grants permanent residence after state or territory nomination. Subclass 491 is provisional and may lead to permanent residence through Subclass 191 after meeting regional requirements. Subclass 186 is an employer-nominated permanent pathway. Eligibility depends on the applicant's complete circumstances and the rules in force when invited or applying.
A complete skilled migration journey can take two to four years. Skills assessment may take three to twelve months, followed by an uncertain wait for an invitation or nomination. After invitation, visa processing varies by subclass and caseload. Health examinations, police clearances, employer sponsorship and requests for further information can extend the timeline.
While no national licence is required, states like Queensland do require a trade contractor licence for Roof Tilers.
Experienced Roof Tilers can earn around AUD $85,000 in NSW and AUD $82,000 in WA, with potential for more in supervisory roles.
Typically, an AQF Certificate III in Roof Tiling is required, assessed by VETASSESS, along with experience.
The outlook is positive, fuelled by government investment in housing and a focus on sustainable building practices.