Electricians consistently appear on Australia's skills shortage lists. If you're a licensed electrician, here's how to get your qualifications assessed and which visa pathway suits you best.
Are Electricians in Demand in Australia?
Yes, consistently. The electrical trade has appeared on Australia's national skills shortage lists for over a decade, driven by housing construction, renewable energy infrastructure, and industrial development. The national rollout of solar, battery storage, and EV charging infrastructure has made the demand even more acute.
Median annual earnings for licensed electricians in Australia range from AUD $80,000–$110,000 depending on state, specialisation, and whether you work for yourself or an employer.
Which Visa Can Electricians Apply For?
Electrician (General) — ANZSCO code 341111 — appears on the MLTSSL, which means electricians can apply for:
Subclass 189 — independent skilled migration (no employer needed)
Subclass 190 — state-nominated (adds 5 points, requires living in that state)
Subclass 491 — regional skilled (adds 15 points, requires regional living for 3 years)
Subclass 482 — employer-sponsored (temporary, with 186 PR pathway)
Subclass 494 — employer-sponsored regional (5 years provisional, 191 PR pathway)
The TRA Skills Assessment
For trade occupations like electricians, the assessing authority is TRA (Trades Recognition Australia). The offshore assessment process for electricians involves:
Document lodgement — qualifications, trade registration, work experience evidence
Offshore Trade Assessment — TRA assesses whether your skills are equivalent to an Australian Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
A practical component — in some cases, TRA may require further assessment before you can register in Australia
Processing times range from 3–6 months. Start this well before you plan to apply for your visa.
State Electrical Licensing
Australia does not have a national electrician's licence — each state and territory issues its own. Once you arrive in Australia with a TRA assessment, you'll need to apply for a local electrical licence:
NSW: Energy and Environment (SafeWork NSW) — Electrician's Licence
VIC: Energy Safe Victoria — Electrician's Licence
QLD: Electrical Safety Office — Electrical Work Licence
WA: Electrical, Licensing & Standards Division — Western Australia Electrician's Licence
SA: Consumer and Business Services — Electrical Work Licence
The licensing requirements vary but typically include a skills assessment, work experience, and sometimes a local competency exam.
Points for Electricians
A typical electrician from South Africa or the UK in their late 20s might achieve:
FactorPointsAge (25–32)30Competent English (IELTS 6.0)0Proficient English (IELTS 7.0)10Relevant trade qualification105–8 years work experience10State nomination (190)5Typical total65–75
65 points is the minimum; most successful invitations for electricians are at 70–80 points.