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Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber

ANZSCO Code: 334112 | MLTSSL Migration Pathway

$85k – $105k Avg Salary (AUD)
Strong Job Security
High Future Demand
TRA Assessment Body

PR Pathway Overview

Study
Graduate
Work
Skills Assess
EOI
Invitation
Visa Grant
Pathway Insights: Most applicants aim for 80+ points. Regional Advantage: Studying or working in regional Australia provides a significant advantage and grants an additional +5 points to your total. The estimated total timeline from course commencement to permanent residency grant is typically 4 to 6 years, depending on English proficiency, state nominations, and specific work experience factors.

Occupation Overview

Entry Req.: Year 12 completion (or equivalent); IELTS 6.0 overall (no band less than 5.5).

Intakes: February, July, November.

Qualification: Certificate III in Plumbing (or equivalent trade qualification).

Pathways: 4-year apprenticeship; valid licensing/registration is mandatory.

Migration Requirement: Minimum 3 years post-qualification work experience.

Course Cost: Indicative $17,695 AUD.

Strategic Demand: ★★★★★ (Critical role in new housing schemes and large-scale mechanical infrastructure).

Mechanical Plumber

Job Description & Training

Core Role: Installs, maintains, and repairs complex piping, ducting, and equipment for heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in both residential buildings and commercial vessels.

Industry Insights: This is a highly technical specialized branch of plumbing. With Australia's push for 1 million new homes, the demand for mechanical services plumbers to install modern HVAC systems is at an all-time high.

Your Australian PR occupation guide

Select any occupation to see the full skills assessment pathway, study options, English requirements, state nomination status, and visa comparison — all in one place.

90 Occupations
8 Assessing Bodies
6 Visa Pathways
8 States & Territories
Search related occupations, ANZSCO code, or assessing body...

Simple 4 Step Process

1

Enrol to a Course

Firstly, you must enrol in the right course/courses – one that trains you for a position on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

FIND A COURSE
2

Apply for 485 visa

After graduation, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary work visa called the 485 Graduate Visa to gain full-time work rights.

3

Undertake a Full Skill Assessment

Most trade occupations undertake the Job Ready Program assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), which involves 12-months of paid work experience in your field.

4

Apply for 189, 190, 491 visas

Finally... you may be eligible to apply for General Skilled Migration Visas: The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), State Nominated (Subclass 190) or Regional Nominated (Subclass 491) Visas.

Visa & PR Pathways

Skilled Independent

Subclass 189
  • Direct Permanent Residency
  • Points-based (No sponsor needed)
  • Full access via MLTSSL status

Skilled Nominated

Subclass 190
  • Permanent Residency
  • State/Territory nomination
  • +5 Points bonus for nomination

Regional Skilled

Subclass 491
  • 5-year provisional visa
  • +15 Points for Regional
  • Pathway to 191 Permanent Residency

Employer Sponsored

Subclass 482
  • Temporary Skill Shortage
  • Medium-term stream sponsorship
  • Pathway to PR available

Regional Employer

Subclass 494
  • Regional Employer Sponsored
  • Priority Processing
  • Direct PR pathway available

MLTSSL Status grants full access to all skilled visa streams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Course entry requirements?

Standard entry requirements for international students generally include the successful completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) and an English proficiency score equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall (with no band less than 5.5).

Course intakes?

Most Australian institutions offering this trade qualification have their major intakes in February and July, with some providers also offering a November intake depending on campus availability.

Course duration?

For international students, a relevant trade package (such as a Certificate III combined with a Certificate IV or Diploma) typically takes 2 years of full-time study to complete.

Does studying regionally add points?

Yes. By completing your studies and living in a designated regional area of Australia, you will be awarded an additional +5 points towards your overall General Skilled Migration points score.

Is the Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber role in demand?

Absolutely. The occupation is listed on the MLTSSL, demonstrating a critical and sustained national shortage, largely driven by nationwide infrastructure projects and new housing developments.

Do I need a license/registration to work?

Yes, mechanical services plumbing is a highly regulated trade. You must hold valid state/territory licensing or registration to legally perform unsupervised work in Australia.

What is the average salary expectation?

Qualified Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumbers in Australia typically earn an average salary ranging between $85,000 and $105,000 AUD per year, depending on state and experience.

What visa pathways are available?

With MLTSSL status, you have access to excellent PR pathways including the Subclass 189, the State Nominated Subclass 190, and the Regional Subclass 491 visas.

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