Wall and Floor Tiler Visa Pathway Australia

Australia classifies Wall and Floor Tiler under ANZSCO 333411. Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) conducts the skills assessment via the Migration Skills Assessment, the Offshore Skills Assessment Program or, for Australian VET graduates, the Job Ready Program. The code sits on the Core Skills Occupation List and MLTSSL, unlocking subclasses 189, 190, 491, 494, 485, 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

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 where you trained and your passport. Use TRA's Pathfinder to confirm which program applies to your passport and occupation.

Job Ready Program (Onshore Pathway)

For international graduates of an Australian VET course (such as CPC31320) who are working in Australia, often on a Temporary Graduate (485) visa. It is not an offshore route. The pathway runs across four stages: the Provisional Skills Assessment, then the three Job Ready Program steps.

• Stage 1 — Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA): AUD130 in total. Confirms eligibility and qualification authenticity.
• Stage 2 — Job Ready Employment (JRE): Begin at least 12 months of paid full-time work (an average of 38 hours a week, or the part-time equivalent) in the nominated trade.
• Stage 3 — Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA): An approved RTO conducts an on-site workplace assessment.
• Stage 4 — Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA): TRA issues the final outcome letter.

TRA lists the Job Ready Program cost (stages 2-4) as AUD3,410 in total (AUD490 for Job Ready Employment, AUD2,845 for the Job Ready Workplace Assessment and AUD75 for the Job Ready Final Assessment), and more if you need more than one Workplace Assessment. The Job Ready Program takes at least 12 months, because it needs 12 months of full-time (or equivalent) work with a TRA-approved employer, unless you have eligible prior employment. TRA's FAQs describe priority processing, at no extra fee, for targeted construction occupations between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2026. Check TRA's website for whether priority still applies to your trade.

Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)

Most applicants who trained overseas can use the documentary Migration Skills Assessment (MSA), which is open to MLTSSL occupations like this one. It costs AUD795 in total and is processed typically within 120 days of submission. The MSA is not for 482 applicants, and applicants whose passport and occupation are on TRA's OSAP lists must use the OSAP instead.

The Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) combines a documentary review with a technical interview conducted by a TRA-approved Registered Training Organisation, and a practical assessment if required. It costs up to AUD5,320 for Pathway 1 and AUD2,020 for Pathway 2. TRA says the RTO emails the outcome approximately 15 weeks after you submit complete documentary evidence.

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: AUD4,015 for the main applicant
• Salary threshold: Core Skills Income Threshold AUD79,423 (from 1 July 2026) (the Specialist Skills stream is not open to this occupation group)
• Duration: Up to 4 years
• Processing time: Core Skills stream: 50% of applications processed within 4 months and 90% within 9 months

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. If your 482 needs a skills assessment, TRA runs a separate Temporary Skills Shortage Skills Assessment Program; check its current fee and time on TRA's website.

Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme

Permanent residency through employer sponsorship.

• Visa fee: AUD6,140 for the main applicant
• Streams: Direct Entry (at least 3 years' relevant work experience, unless exempt) or Temporary Residence Transition (after 2 years on 482)
• Processing time: Direct Entry stream: 50% of applications processed within 21 months and 90% within 25 months; Temporary Residence Transition stream: 50% of applications processed within 21 months and 90% within 25 months

Home Affairs also lists Wall and Floor Tiler for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa, an employer-sponsored regional visa (AUD6,140 for the main applicant). It needs a sponsoring employer in a designated regional area.

Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa

State-nominated permanent residency. Adds 5 points to the points test.

• Visa fee: AUD6,140 for the main 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: AUD6,140 for the main 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: AUD6,135 for the main applicant
• Minimum points: 65 (typical clearing range for trades 65-80)
• Processing time: 50% of applications processed within 61 days and 90% within 8 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:

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 + Qualification 10 + Experience 15 + English 10 + 491 15 = 80 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 is often named as an accessible state for trade applicants. You still need at least 65 points, so check Tasmania's current criteria before you apply. 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

Source: SEEK Salary Hub (April 2026), cross-referenced with Talent.com Australia and PayScale.

Employed tilers receive base salary plus 12% superannuation 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 with an employer TRA approves. Applicants who finish their Australian 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

An offshore tiler pathway adds up several costs: the TRA assessment (the MSA is AUD795 in total; the OSAP is up to AUD5,320 for Pathway 1 and AUD2,020 for Pathway 2), the visa fee (for example AUD6,135 for the main applicant for the 189, or AUD4,015 for the main applicant for the 482), plus an English test, medicals and police clearances. The onshore pathway adds the PSA (AUD130 in total) to the visa fee, and TRA lists the Job Ready Program cost as AUD3,410 in total (AUD490 for Job Ready Employment, AUD2,845 for the Job Ready Workplace Assessment and AUD75 for the Job Ready Final Assessment), and more if you need more than one Workplace Assessment.

Step-by-Step Migration Roadmap

1. Confirm ANZSCO 333411 is the right code — review the how to find ANZSCO code guide
2. Verify list status — confirm 333411 on the skilled occupation list SOL 2026
3. Gather qualification and employment evidence — Certificate III equivalent, payslips, tax records, photographs of completed work
4. Sit your English test — IELTS or PTE, aim for at least Competent (IELTS 6.0)
5. Choose your TRA program: the MSA or OSAP if you trained overseas; the PSA and Job Ready Program only if you hold an Australian VET qualification and work in Australia
6. Lodge TRA application: through TRA's Online Portal, or through an OSAP-approved RTO
7. Complete skills assessment: the MSA is processed typically within 120 days of submission; the Job Ready Program takes at least 12 months, because it needs 12 months of full-time (or equivalent) work with a TRA-approved employer, unless you have eligible prior employment
8. Calculate points and choose pathway — 189, 190, 491, or 482 employer sponsorship
9. Submit EOI in SkillSelect — for 189, 190, or 491
10. Apply for state nomination — NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, WA, or SA based on eligibility
11. Receive invitation and lodge visa within the time your invitation allows
12. Complete health and character checks — medicals via Bupa, police clearances from every country lived in for 12+ months
13. 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. Home Affairs lists it for subclasses 189, 190, 491, 494, 485, 482 (Core Skills stream) and 186. 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?

The 189, 190, 491 and 494 each need a suitable skills assessment for the occupation, and the 186 Direct Entry stream needs one unless you are exempt. For the 482, check whether Home Affairs requires one; TRA runs a separate Temporary Skills Shortage Skills Assessment Program for it. 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.