Comparing Trade Occupations for Australian Migration

Skilled trade occupations for Australian migration

Skilled trades are in very high demand across Australia, particularly in construction and hospitality. Most are assessed through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) via the Job Ready Program. The table below compares five common trade occupations — each ANZSCO code and skill level is verified against the ABS classification (ANZSCO 2021).

Comparison table

Occupation	ANZSCO code	Skill level	Assessing authority
Electrician	341111Verified 11/06/2026 · Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)	3Verified 11/06/2026 · Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)	TRAVerified 11/06/2026 · Source: Official page
Plumber	334116Verified 19/06/2026 · Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)	3Verified 11/06/2026 · Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)	TRA
Carpenter	331212Verified 11/06/2026 · Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)	3Verified 11/06/2026 · Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)	TRAVerified 11/06/2026 · Source: Official page
Chef	351311Verified 11/06/2026 · Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)	2Verified 11/06/2026 · Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)	TRAVerified 11/06/2026 · Source: Official page
Cook	351411Verified 11/06/2026 · Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)	3Verified 11/06/2026 · Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)	TRAVerified 11/06/2026 · Source: Official page

ANZSCO version: the plumber code 334116 is the ANZSCO 2022 version (used by the CSOL → visas 482/186); under ANZSCO 2013 (MLTSSL/STSOL → visas 189/190/491) the code is 334111. An ANZSCO code is a classification, not by itself visa eligibility — see Plumber migration to Australia.

Skill levels are not uniform

The construction trades (electrician, plumber, carpenter) sit at Skill Level 3 — requiring a Certificate III/IV trade qualification. But within the kitchen, a Chef sits at Skill Level 2 while a Cook sits at Skill Level 3 — a small distinction, but one that affects conditions and pathway. Choosing the correct code (Chef ≠ Cook) is essential before you lodge an application.

A shared pathway through TRA

Most trade occupations must complete the TRA Job Ready Program — a multi-step process that usually runs 12–18 months, comprising an initial evidence assessment, a period of supervised employment and a final assessment. After TRA, electricians and plumbers also need to obtain a state-based occupational licence to practise. Read the detailed article for each occupation below to understand the specific process and costs.