Wall and Floor Tiler Visa Pathway to Australia: Complete 2026 Guide
Updated: 13 May 2026
Australia classifies Wall and Floor Tiler under ANZSCO 333411. Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) conducts the skills assessment via the Job Ready Program or the Offshore Skills Assessment Program. The code sits on the Core Skills Occupation List and MLTSSL, unlocking subclasses 189, 190, 491, 482, and 186. Typical 2026 salaries range AUD $80,000-$90,000. NSW lists tilers on both its 190 and 491 nomination programs.
Quick Facts: Wall and Floor Tiler Migration Pathway
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ANZSCO Code | 333411 (Wall and Floor Tiler) |
| Skill Level | 3 (AQF Certificate III or IV, or three years of relevant experience) |
| Skills Assessment | TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) — Job Ready Program or OSAP |
| Occupation List | CSOL and MLTSSL |
| Visa Options | 189, 190, 491, 482, 186 |
| Demand Level | Critical — Jobs and Skills Australia identifies wall and floor tilers in persistent national shortage |
| Salary Range | AUD $80,000-$90,000 (SEEK Salary Hub, April 2026); top subcontractors $100,000+ |
| Typical 189 Score | 65-80 points (lower competition than ICT codes) |
| Key Challenge | Onshore JRP runs 12-15 months; references must show ceramic/stone/glass tiling, not just general site work |
What a Wall and Floor Tiler Does in Australia
A 333411 tiler lays ceramic, porcelain, slate, marble, glass, and natural stone tiles on internal and external walls and floors. The work covers residential bathrooms and kitchens, commercial retail and hospitality fit-outs, swimming pools, splashbacks, public spaces, and large-format outdoor applications. The trade overlaps with waterproofing — most Australian residential tilers also hold a waterproofing endorsement under state licensing rules.
Demand is structural and durable. Every new home, apartment, hotel, restaurant, public bathroom, and retail fit-out needs a tiler. The Federal Government's Housing Accord targets 1.2 million new homes by 2029, against build rates running materially below that pace. Apartment construction (a tile-intensive product type) is concentrated in NSW, Victoria, and South-East Queensland. Renovation activity adds a parallel demand stream — Australian bathroom and kitchen renovations almost always involve a tiling phase.
The work concentrates in metropolitan markets but extends across every regional town. Larger commercial tile contractors include Tilers Group, Akros Tiling, and a long tail of subcontracting firms. Most qualified tilers operate as subcontractors quoting per square metre rather than as PAYG employees.
ANZSCO Code Mapping
ANZSCO 333411 covers Wall and Floor Tiler — the single code for the trade. There is no separate code for stone masonry tile work, mosaic tile work, or pool tiling; all fall under 333411 where the primary activity is laying tile to substrate.
Typical 333411 tasks include:
- Examining drawings and surfaces to plan work and calculate quantities
- Cutting and shaping tiles using wet saws, manual cutters, and angle grinders
- Preparing substrates including waterproofing membranes, screeds, and primers
- Applying adhesive and laying tiles to specified pattern and level
- Grouting, sealing, and finishing tile installations
- Removing existing tile and preparing damaged substrates
TRA examines employment evidence against the code description. Tilers claiming 333411 should produce payslips and references describing ceramic, porcelain, stone, or glass tile work — not bricklaying, rendering, or general site labouring. The Australian Certificate III equivalent is CPC31320 Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling. Offshore applicants need a qualification TRA can map to this Australian benchmark.
Skills Assessment with TRA
Trades Recognition Australia is the sole assessing body for 333411. The route depends on whether you are onshore or offshore.
Job Ready Program (Onshore Pathway)
For applicants already in Australia — typically on a Temporary Graduate (485) visa after completing CPC31320 or equivalent. The JRP runs across four stages.
- Stage 1 — Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA): AUD $130. Confirms eligibility and qualification authenticity.
- Stage 2 — Job Ready Employment (JRE): AUD $490. Begin 12 months (minimum 1,725 hours) of paid full-time work in the nominated trade.
- Stage 3 — Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA): AUD $2,845. An approved RTO conducts an on-site workplace assessment.
- Stage 4 — Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA): AUD $75. TRA issues the final outcome letter within approximately 45 days.
Total approximate cost: AUD $3,540. End-to-end timeline: 12-15 months. Wall and Floor Tiler is currently on TRA's prioritised construction-trades list, accelerating PSA and JRFA processing where capacity permits.
Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)
For applicants outside Australia. OSAP combines a documentary review with a practical technical interview conducted by a TRA-approved Registered Training Organisation in your country (or in Australia if you travel). Costs vary by RTO but typically fall in the AUD $1,000-$3,500 range. Processing time is 12-26 weeks once the technical interview is scheduled.
Common rejection reasons across both routes: employment references that describe general construction rather than specific tiling duties; qualifications without sufficient practical tile-laying component; and lack of evidence for waterproofing competence on residential work. For wider context, see the skills assessment bodies complete list.
Visa Pathways for Wall and Floor Tilers
Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand Visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa, no points test. The fastest entry for offshore tilers with a confirmed job offer.
- Visa fee: AUD $1,895 (Core Skills stream, primary applicant)
- Salary threshold: AUD $76,515 (Core Skills Income Threshold, in force until 30 June 2026; rising to AUD $79,499 from 1 July 2026)
- Duration: Up to 4 years
- Processing time: Around 1-3 months for the Core Skills stream
Qualified tiler roles in capital cities consistently pay above the CSIT, so the salary floor is not usually the binding constraint. Securing a Standard Business Sponsor is the harder step.
Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme
Permanent residency through employer sponsorship.
- Visa fee: AUD $4,640 (primary applicant)
- Streams: Direct Entry (offshore with 3 years' post-qualification experience) or Temporary Residence Transition (after 2 years on 482)
- Processing time: Around 6-12 months
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa
State-nominated permanent residency. Adds 5 points to the points test.
- Visa fee: AUD $4,640 (primary applicant)
- Obligation: Live and work in the nominating state for 2 years
- Best states: NSW currently lists tilers on its 190 program, Victoria accepts all national SOL occupations, and Queensland supports tilers under its construction priority
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional Visa
Regional provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residency via subclass 191 after 3 years of regional residence and income compliance.
- Visa fee: AUD $4,640 (primary applicant)
- Points boost: +15 from regional nomination
- Best states: NSW (regional 491), Tasmania, regional South Australia, regional Western Australia
Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent Visa
Points-tested permanent residency, no state or employer sponsorship required.
- Visa fee: AUD $4,640 (primary applicant)
- Minimum points: 65 (typical clearing range for trades 65-80)
- Processing time: 6-12 months
189 invitations for trades have been less consistent than for healthcare codes. Most tiler applicants pair 189 with a 190 or 491 application to maximise invitation odds.
Points Test Strategy
The points test applies to 189, 190, and 491. Typical scoring for 333411:
| Points Factor | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age (25-32) | 30 | Maximum bracket — most trade applicants score here |
| Qualification (Cert III or IV) | 10 | AQF Certificate IV gets 10 points; Cert III alone gets 0 |
| English (Competent, IELTS 6.0) | 0 | Mandatory minimum |
| English (Proficient, IELTS 7.0) | 10 | Achievable with preparation |
| Overseas Experience (5-7 years) | 10 | Most career tilers reach this |
| State Nomination (190) | 5 | Apply where eligible |
| Regional (491) | 15 | Strongest single boost |
| Partner Skills | 5-10 | If partner has a skilled occupation |
Realistic Score Scenarios
Scenario 1: Offshore tiler, 28 years old, Certificate IV in Building, 7 years' experience, Competent English, NSW 190 nomination
Age 30 + Qualification 10 + Experience 10 + 190 nomination 5 = 55 points. Add Proficient English (10) for 65 points — competitive for invitation.
Scenario 2: Offshore tiler, 32 years old, Cert III only, 10 years' experience, Proficient English, regional 491 nomination
Age 30 + Experience 15 + English 10 + 491 15 = 70 points. Strong score for regional invitation.
State Nomination for Wall and Floor Tilers
New South Wales
NSW lists Wall and Floor Tilers on both its 190 and 491 nomination programs for 2025-26. The Western Sydney Airport, Aerotropolis, Sydney Metro, and housing pipeline create sustained demand. NSW prioritises applicants currently living and working in NSW or with a strong demonstrated state connection. Application is via the NSW Nominate platform with EOI updates required throughout the cycle.
Victoria
Victoria accepts all occupations on the national SOL including 333411. Applicants register interest through the Live in Melbourne portal and are invited to apply. The 2025-26 allocation totals approximately 2,700 places for subclass 190 and 700 for subclass 491. Tiling trades are supported under Victoria's broader construction priority.
Queensland
Queensland's 2025-26 program supports building and construction trades on 190 and 491 pathways, with around 2,600 places allocated. Migration Queensland prioritises offshore applicants for construction trades in regional roles outside Brisbane.
Tasmania
Tasmania has invited 491 applicants at points scores as low as 40 in early 2026 rounds, making it the most accessible state for trade applicants. Tilers are supported under Tasmania's broader construction priority.
Western Australia
WA's 2025-26 allocation is 2,000 places for 190 and 1,400 for 491. Construction and skilled trades have been targeted across multiple invitation rounds.
South Australia
SA issued 406 invitations in a single March 2026 round — the largest of that month — and continues to prioritise regional construction trades on 491.
Salary and Employment Outlook
What Wall and Floor Tilers Earn in 2026
| Role | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Tiler (Apprentice / Year 4) | AUD $60,000-$70,000 |
| Tiler (Qualified, Employed) | AUD $80,000-$90,000 |
| Tiler (Subcontractor, m² rate) | AUD $95,000-$130,000 |
| Commercial Lead Tiler | AUD $100,000-$120,000 |
| Tiler (FIFO, WA / regional QLD) | AUD $120,000-$160,000 |
Source: SEEK Salary Hub (April 2026), cross-referenced with Talent.com Australia and PayScale.
Employed tilers receive base salary plus superannuation (11.5% from 1 July 2025) and site allowances on commercial projects. Subcontractor tilers running their own ABN typically earn the most by quoting per square metre on residential renovation jobs — but absorb insurance, vehicle, and consumables costs. Specialised tile work (large-format porcelain, natural stone, swimming pools) commands premium rates over standard ceramic work.
Geography Matters
Sydney and Melbourne pay the highest base rates but also carry the highest cost of living. Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Perth offer strong tile demand with materially lower housing costs. Regional Tasmania and SA offer the easiest 491 pathway. FIFO mining-adjacent tile work in WA and Queensland pays the highest absolute rates but requires remote-site discipline.
Tips for a Successful Application
1. Document Tile-Specific Duties
Employment references should describe ceramic, porcelain, stone, or glass tile work — substrate preparation, waterproofing, adhesive application, setting out, cutting, grouting, sealing. References that say "construction worker" or "site finisher" without specifying tile work will fail TRA's documentary review.
2. Add a Waterproofing Endorsement
Most Australian states require a separate waterproofing licence to legally complete wet-area tile work. Building waterproofing into your skill set during the Australian Cert III adds employability and supports premium pricing as a subcontractor. Reference your waterproofing competence in the JRWA workplace assessment.
3. Start the JRP With a Sponsoring Employer Already Lined Up
The Job Ready Program requires 12 months of paid employment in the nominated trade. Applicants who finish their Certificate III without a job offer waste months looking for work. Industry contacts from your trade school placement are usually the strongest lead.
4. Apply for NSW or Victoria 190 First
For tilers offshore, NSW and Victoria offer the most reliable 190 pathways given the state of the housing pipeline. NSW lists tilers on its 190 program specifically, and Victoria accepts the national SOL. Application strategy should target the state with the strongest demonstrable connection — work history, family, or job offer.
5. Budget Realistically
A realistic offshore tiler pathway costs around AUD $10,000 once you add OSAP ($1,500-$3,500), visa fee ($1,895 for 482 Core or $4,640 for 189/190/491), IELTS or PTE ($350-$500), medicals ($500-$800), and police clearances. The JRP onshore pathway sits closer to AUD $7,000 including TRA fees and visa application.
Step-by-Step Migration Roadmap
- Confirm ANZSCO 333411 is the right code — review the how to find ANZSCO code guide
- Verify list status — confirm 333411 on the skilled occupation list SOL 2026
- Gather qualification and employment evidence — Certificate III equivalent, payslips, tax records, photographs of completed work
- Sit your English test — IELTS or PTE, aim for at least Competent (IELTS 6.0)
- Choose JRP (onshore) or OSAP (offshore) — depending on current location
- Lodge TRA application — pay PSA fee or engage an OSAP-approved RTO
- Complete skills assessment — JRP runs 12-15 months; OSAP 12-26 weeks
- Calculate points and choose pathway — 189, 190, 491, or 482 employer sponsorship
- Submit EOI in SkillSelect — for 189, 190, or 491
- Apply for state nomination — NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, WA, or SA based on eligibility
- Receive invitation and lodge visa within 60 days
- Complete health and character checks — medicals via Bupa, police clearances from every country lived in for 12+ months
- Receive visa grant and relocate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wall and Floor Tiler on the CSOL in 2026?
Yes. ANZSCO 333411 sits on the Core Skills Occupation List under the Skills in Demand framework and remains on the MLTSSL. The code unlocks the full skilled visa suite — 189, 190, 491, 482 (Core Skills stream), and 186 (Direct Entry and TRT streams). Check the CSOL hub page for the current published list.
Does NSW currently nominate Wall and Floor Tilers?
Yes. NSW lists Wall and Floor Tilers (unit group 3334) on both its 190 and 491 nomination programs for the 2025-26 cycle. NSW prioritises applicants with strong state connection — current NSW residence and employment, family ties, or an Australian qualification completed in NSW. Allocations are 2,100 places for 190 and 1,500 for 491.
Do I need a separate waterproofing licence to tile in Australia?
Yes, in most states. Waterproofing wet areas (bathrooms, balconies, pools) requires a separate licence or endorsement under state Building Practitioner laws. Most Australian Certificate III tile programs include a waterproofing unit, but you'll still need to register the licence with the relevant state authority before doing wet-area work. Confirm with each state's building authority — VBA in Victoria, NSW Fair Trading in NSW, QBCC in Queensland.
Can I work as a tiler in Australia without a TRA assessment?
You can work on a 482 visa with a TRA-positive assessment, but you cannot apply for any skilled migration visa (189, 190, 491, 186) without it. The skills assessment is mandatory for all 333411 applicants regardless of nationality or experience. New Zealand citizens use a different mechanism under the trans-Tasman travel arrangement.
What's the demand outlook for tilers in Australia in 2026?
Strong and structural. Jobs and Skills Australia identifies wall and floor tilers in persistent national shortage. The Federal Government's housing pipeline (Housing Accord 1.2 million new homes by 2029), commercial fit-out activity, and the renovation market all sustain tiler demand at the national level. Apartment construction concentrated in NSW, Victoria, and SE Queensland is particularly tile-intensive.
Is subcontracting more profitable than PAYG employment for tilers?
Generally yes for experienced tilers. Subcontractors quoting per square metre on residential renovation work routinely earn AUD $100,000-$130,000 gross, against AUD $80,000-$90,000 for an employed tiler. The subcontractor model requires an ABN, public liability insurance, vehicle, tools, and the time to chase invoices and manage cash flow. Most successful Australian tilers transition to subcontracting within 2-3 years of completing their trade.
