Roof Tiler Visa Pathway to Australia: Complete 2026 Guide
Updated: 13 May 2026
Australia classifies the Roof Tiler trade under ANZSCO 333311. Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) conducts the Migration Skills Assessment. The occupation sits on the Core Skills Occupation List and the STSOL, unlocking subclasses 190, 491, 482, and 186. Typical 2026 salaries range AUD $58,000-$95,000. Demand is strongest in NSW and Queensland, where terracotta and concrete tile roofing dominates new residential construction.
Quick Facts: Roof Tiler Migration Pathway
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ANZSCO Code | 333311 (Roof Tiler) |
| Skill Level | 3 (AQF Certificate III, plus 2 years on-the-job training) |
| Skills Assessment | TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) — Migration Skills Assessment |
| Occupation List | CSOL and STSOL |
| Visa Options | 190, 491, 482, 186 |
| Demand Level | High — construction trades fill rate 54%; roofing is a critical-path trade in the housing pipeline |
| Salary Range | AUD $58,000-$95,000 (SEEK 2026, ERI SalaryExpert 2026, Glassdoor 2026) |
| Typical 189 Score | Not applicable — 333311 is not on the MLTSSL |
| Key Challenge | TRA assessors require demonstrated current skills with tile materials specifically — sheet metal roofing experience does not satisfy the 333311 assessment |
What a Roof Tiler Does in Australia
A Roof Tiler installs concrete, terracotta, and slate roof tiles on residential, commercial, and heritage buildings. The role covers measuring and cutting tiles, fixing battens, laying sarking, bedding ridge capping, pointing, flashings, valleys, and replacing or restoring tiles on existing roofs.
The Australian residential market is split between tiled and metal (Colorbond) roofs, with tiled roofs still dominant in NSW, Queensland, and parts of South Australia for new-build housing. Restoration of existing tiled roofs — re-bedding ridges, replacing broken tiles, repointing, and waterproofing — is the second large workstream, driven by the ageing housing stock and storm-damage repair cycles. Major hailstorm events in Sydney and Brisbane create sharp peaks of demand for re-roofing crews.
The trade concentrates in NSW (which has the largest tiled-roof housing stock), Queensland (where concrete tiles remain standard on new builds), and parts of regional South Australia. Victoria's residential market has shifted heavily toward metal roofing in the past decade, so Roof Tiler demand there is concentrated in restoration and heritage work rather than new builds.
ANZSCO Code Mapping
The official ANZSCO description for 333311 covers laying and securing tiles and slates on roofs to provide protective and decorative coverings. Typical tasks include:
- Inspecting roof structures and reading specifications and plans
- Cutting and shaping roof tiles using hand tools and power saws
- Fixing battens and underlay (sarking) to roof structures
- Laying concrete, terracotta, or slate tiles to wind-load and waterproofing specifications
- Bedding and pointing ridge and hip capping
- Installing flashings around chimneys, vents, and roof penetrations
- Replacing damaged tiles and re-bedding ridges on existing roofs
- Following safety standards for working at heights including harness and edge-protection systems
The 333311 code is specifically for tile work. Sheet metal roofers fall under 333213 (Metal Roofer). Roof plumbers — who do both metal roofing and roof waterproofing including gutter installation — fall under 334115. Slaters are uncommon in Australia and usually assessed under 333311 with the slate specialty noted. Choose the code matching the majority of your roof-work history.
Skills Assessment — Trades Recognition Australia
TRA is the designated assessing authority for 333311. The Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) is the standard offshore pathway.
Migration Skills Assessment (MSA)
The MSA evaluates whether your overseas qualification and work experience match Australian Certificate III in Roof Tiling (CPC32511 or equivalent) and current Australian industry standards.
Requirements:
- An AQF-comparable trade qualification (Certificate III in Roof Tiling or comparable formal training)
- Three years of paid full-time post-qualification employment as a Roof Tiler
- Current skills demonstrated through at least 12 months of paid employment in the role within the last three years
- Evidence: contracts, payslips, tax records, supervisor statements, photographs of completed roofs, material specifications
Assessment cost: TRA fees start from approximately AUD $300 for offshore MSA applications. The exact fee schedule is set out in the MSA Applicant Guidelines and varies by program component. Applicants from countries without a strong AQF-equivalence pathway typically need the Offshore Skills Assessment, which adds a workplace verification step and a higher fee.
Construction trades priority: Between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2026, TRA is prioritising skills assessments for targeted construction occupations, including Roof Tiler. Applicants from countries with comparable qualifications (UK, Ireland, NZ, and others) can move through assessment faster than the standard 120-day target, with no additional fee for prioritised assessments.
Processing time: TRA aims to finalise MSA applications within 120 days from online submission. Verification of overseas training records or external references can extend the timeline.
Common rejection reasons: evidence weighted toward sheet metal roofing when the applicant nominates 333311; reference letters that describe general roofing labour rather than tile-specific work; qualifications from training providers TRA cannot independently verify; insufficient evidence of recent paid work to meet the 12-month current-skills test.
Visa Pathways for Roof Tilers
Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand Visa (Dominant Route)
The CSOL inclusion makes the 482 the most reliable pathway. Roofing contractors, residential builders, and storm-damage restoration firms regularly sponsor experienced overseas Roof Tilers.
- Visa fee: AUD $3,210 (primary applicant, Core Skills stream)
- Nomination fee paid by employer: AUD $330
- SAF levy paid by employer: AUD $1,200 per year (small business) or AUD $1,800 per year (large business)
- Salary threshold: Core Skills Income Threshold AUD $76,515, rising to AUD $79,499 from 1 July 2026
- Duration: Up to 4 years
- Processing: 1-3 months for the Core Skills stream when documents are complete
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa
Roof Tiler is on the STSOL, so the 190 is available through state nomination. The realistic options are NSW and Queensland, given where the tiled-roof construction market sits.
- Visa fee: AUD $4,910
- Points boost: +5 from state nomination
- Processing: 6-12 months typical
- Obligation: Live and work in the nominating state for two years
- Quirk: NSW prioritises Construction-sector occupations for 2025-26 — Roof Tilers with a confirmed NSW employer offer have a strong nomination case
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional Visa
Regional provisional visa with a pathway to PR through subclass 191. Regional construction pipelines — particularly along the Hunter, Illawarra, Central Coast, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast — sustain Roof Tiler demand.
- Visa fee: AUD $4,910
- Points boost: +15 from regional nomination
- Processing: 90% of applications decided within 15-28 months (Home Affairs, April 2026)
- Obligation: Live, work, and study in a designated regional area for 3 of the 5 years before applying for PR
Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme
Permanent residency through employer sponsorship. Direct Entry (3 years post-qualification experience plus successful TRA assessment) or Transition (after 2+ years on a 482 with the same employer).
- Visa fee: AUD $4,910
- Nomination fee paid by employer: AUD $540
- SAF levy paid by employer: AUD $3,000 (small business) or AUD $5,000 (large business)
- Processing: 6-12 months for Direct Entry; Transition often faster
The 482-then-186 sequence is the most predictable path to PR for offshore Roof Tilers.
State Nomination for Roof Tilers
New South Wales
NSW has confirmed 2,100 subclass 190 places and 1,500 subclass 491 places for 2025-26. Construction is one of three priority sectors. Sydney's residential market remains heavily tile-roofed, and the western and south-western growth corridors (Penrith, Camden, Campbelltown, Wollondilly) are producing thousands of new tile-roofed homes annually. Storm-damage restoration creates additional surge demand. Roof Tilers with a NSW employer offer or NSW family connection rank strongly in the nomination matrix.
Queensland
Queensland's residential market is the second-largest tile-roof market in Australia. Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, and the regional centres all support active Roof Tiler workforces. Concrete tile roofing remains standard on volume residential builds, and hail-storm seasons create surge demand for restoration crews. Queensland's nomination program for construction trades has been active in 2025-26.
South Australia
South Australia includes construction trades on its skilled lists. Adelaide's residential pipeline and the regional South Australian build-out support Roof Tiler demand. The state's nomination program for 491 has been one of the more permissive for construction trades.
Tasmania
Tasmania expanded its Onshore Skilled Occupation List for 2025-26, adding 17 occupation groups and 78 individual occupations. Tasmania's residential market is smaller and more metal-roof-dominant than NSW or Queensland, but heritage restoration and ongoing renovation work create steady Roof Tiler demand.
Salary and Employment Outlook
What Roof Tilers Earn in 2026
| Role | Typical Salary Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level Roof Tiler (1-3 years) | $52,000-$62,000 |
| Experienced Roof Tiler (4-7 years) | $68,000-$82,000 |
| Senior Roof Tiler (8+ years) | $85,000-$100,000 |
| Crew Leader / Foreman | $90,000-$120,000 |
| Subcontractor / Self-employed | $90,000-$170,000 (project-dependent) |
| Hourly rate (PAYG) | $32-$45 per hour |
| Subcontract day rate | $350-$650 per day |
Source: SEEK Salary Hub 2026, ERI SalaryExpert 2026 (national average AUD $73,208, Sydney AUD $77,902), Glassdoor 2026.
Self-employed Roof Tilers running their own crew can clear AUD $150,000+ in a strong year, particularly post-hailstorm when insurance work creates pricing power. Total packages for PAYG roles add 11.5% super and tool/travel allowances on award-covered work.
Highest-Demand Sectors
- Volume residential builders — Metricon, McDonald Jones, Mirvac, Stockland, Henley
- Storm-damage and insurance restoration — major demand peaks after hail events
- Heritage restoration — slate and terracotta specialists earn premium rates
- Commercial and institutional builds — schools, community centres, mid-rise residential
- Re-roofing market — replacement of failing tile roofs on the ageing housing stock
Geographic Concentration
NSW and Queensland dominate the new-build tile-roof market. Victoria's market has shifted toward Colorbond metal roofing for new builds, so Roof Tiler work there is heavily restoration-led. Western Australia and the Northern Territory have smaller tile-roof markets. South Australia retains tile-roof construction on a substantial share of new builds.
Demand Context
Jobs and Skills Australia ranks Technicians and Trades Workers as the category with the most persistent shortages — 51% of all shortage occupations sit in this group. Skill Level 3 trades have a national fill rate of 54.3%. The National Housing Accord (1.2 million homes 2024-2029) sustains new-build demand. Storm-damage cycles create sharp surge demand on top of the baseline.
Tips for a Successful Application
1. Document Tile-Specific Work
TRA evidence packages for Roof Tiler must clearly show tile work. Photographs of completed concrete, terracotta, and slate roofs are stronger than generic roofing site photos. Reference letters should specifically name tile materials, fixing methods, and ridge bedding techniques rather than describing "roofing work" generically.
2. Use the Construction-Trades Priority Window
TRA's priority assessment program for construction trades runs through 30 June 2026. Roof Tiler is included. Applicants from priority source countries (UK, Ireland, NZ, and others with strong AQF equivalence) can move through assessment faster. Apply early if you fit this cohort.
3. Plan Around Australian Standards
Australian Standard AS 2050 governs the installation of roof tiles. AS 1562.3 covers slate roofing. Wind-load classifications (N1-N6 and C1-C4 for cyclonic regions) determine fixing patterns. Demonstrating familiarity with these standards in your application materials and interviews accelerates hireability with Australian employers.
4. Get Your Working-at-Heights Tickets Sorted
Roof tiling is a high-risk trade and Australian sites require a Working at Heights ticket plus, for some employers, a Construction Industry White Card. International qualifications often need Australian conversion. Doing this in parallel with the TRA assessment shortens time-to-employment after arrival.
5. Choose State Based on Tile Market
NSW and Queensland are the realistic state nomination targets for Roof Tilers because their residential markets remain tile-dominant. Victoria's metal-roof shift means Victorian sponsorship is harder to secure for new-build work — heritage and restoration specialists fare better there. Match your state nomination strategy to where the tile work actually is.
Step-by-Step Migration Roadmap
- Confirm the code is Roof Tiler (333311) — review the ANZSCO code finder
- Check the current SOL position — 333311 sits on CSOL and STSOL
- Gather qualification documents — trade certificates, training records, apprenticeship completion
- Gather employment evidence — references, payslips, tax records, project photographs of tile-specific work
- Prepare the TRA Migration Skills Assessment application — review the skills assessment guide
- Sit your English test (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent — Functional English minimum for trades visas)
- Lodge TRA MSA and wait for the 120-day decision (faster if construction-trade priority applies)
- If pursuing employer sponsorship — secure a 482 nomination from a CSOL-listed employer
- If pursuing state nomination — submit an EOI in SkillSelect and apply to NSW, QLD, SA, or TAS
- Receive invitation and lodge the visa within 60 days
- Complete health and character checks
- Receive grant and relocate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roof Tiler on the MLTSSL?
No. Roof Tiler (333311) sits on the Core Skills Occupation List and the STSOL. The MLTSSL is reserved for occupations with consistent national-scale shortages and high invitation volume through the points system. Roof Tiler demand is genuine but concentrated in employer-sponsored and state-nominated work rather than the MLTSSL-aligned subclass 189. Available pathways are 190, 491, 482, and 186.
What's the difference between Roof Tiler and Metal Roofer for migration?
Roof Tiler (333311) covers concrete, terracotta, and slate tile work. Metal Roofer (333213) covers sheet metal roofing — Colorbond, zinc, copper, standing seam. The two codes are assessed separately by TRA with different evidence rules. Choose the code matching the majority of your work — applying as a Roof Tiler with sheet metal evidence will fail the assessment.
How does the TRA construction-trades priority program work for Roof Tilers?
TRA runs a priority assessment pathway for targeted construction trades through 30 June 2026. Eligibility depends on the applicant's source country and qualification — applicants from countries with comparable trade qualifications (UK, Ireland, NZ, and others published on the TRA website) typically qualify. Prioritised assessments have no additional fee and move through faster than the standard 120-day target.
Which states actually nominate Roof Tilers?
NSW and Queensland are the most active states for Roof Tiler nomination because their residential markets remain tile-roof-dominant. South Australia and Tasmania nominate selectively. Victoria's metal-roof shift reduces Roof Tiler nomination activity there, though heritage and restoration specialists may still secure offers. Western Australia and the Northern Territory have smaller tile markets and less consistent nomination history.
What's the demand outlook for Roof Tilers in 2026?
Strong, particularly in NSW and Queensland. The National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million homes 2024-2029 sustains baseline new-build demand. Storm-damage cycles add periodic surge demand — major Sydney and Brisbane hail events generate years of restoration work. Jobs and Skills Australia classes Technicians and Trades Workers as the category with the most persistent shortages, and Roof Tiler sits well inside that profile.
Can I work as a self-employed roof tiling subcontractor?
Not on a 482 visa. The 482 requires direct employment by the sponsoring employer. Self-employed and subcontracting work is permitted on permanent visas (subclass 186, 191) and after meeting the residence requirement for the 491. Many Roof Tilers spend the 482 period building Australian networks and reputation, then move into subcontracting after transitioning to permanent residency. See the most-in-demand occupations list for context on construction-trade pathways.
