Skilled Migration Pathway
Automotive Electrician Skills Assessment Australia | ANZSCO 321111 Complete Guide (Updated June 2026)
Automotive Electricians are essential to Australia's automotive repair, heavy vehicle, mining, and rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) industries. With Australia's vehicle fleet becoming increasingly complex, from advanced driver-assistance systems to hybrid and electric drivetrains, skilled Automotive Electricians from overseas are in strong demand. This guide covers the TRA skills assessment, visa pathways, salary expectations, and how to achieve permanent residency in Australia.
This guide covers the TRA skills assessment, visa pathways, salary expectations, and how to achieve permanent residency in Australia.
Occupation Snapshot – Quick Reference Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Automotive Electrician |
| ANZSCO Code | 321111 |
| Skills Assessing Body | TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) |
| Eligible Visa Subclasses | 190, 491, 482, 186 (verify 189 status for your invitation round, see note) |
| Occupation Lists | STSOL / Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) / Regional Occupation List |
| Minimum Points Required | 65 points |
| English Requirement | Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band) |
| Trade Licence Required | Generally not required for employees |
ANZSCO 321111
Who is an Automotive Electrician? (ANZSCO 321111)
An Automotive Electrician inspects, diagnoses, repairs, and maintains electrical and electronic systems in motor vehicles, plant, and machinery. Under ANZSCO 321111, core duties include:
- Diagnosing and repairing faults in vehicle electrical systems (starting, charging, lighting, ignition)
- Servicing and repairing vehicle electronics, including engine management systems, sensors, and ECUs
- Installing and maintaining vehicle accessories (alarms, audio systems, GPS, dashcams, aftermarket lighting)
- Diagnosing and repairing air conditioning electrical components
- Working on hybrid and electric vehicle (EV/HEV) high-voltage electrical systems
- Installing and maintaining auxiliary electrical systems for trucks, buses, and heavy machinery (refrigeration units, tail lifts, GPS tracking)
- Using diagnostic scan tools, multimeters, and oscilloscopes to troubleshoot electrical faults
- Reading and interpreting vehicle wiring diagrams and electrical schematics
- Performing battery testing, replacement, and charging system diagnostics
- Ensuring compliance with Australian vehicle standards and workplace safety regulations
Automotive Electricians work in dealership service departments, independent repair workshops, heavy vehicle/transport companies, mining operations, and increasingly in EV servicing and conversion businesses.
Skills Assessment
Skills Assessment: TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)
The designated skills assessing authority for Automotive Electricians (ANZSCO 321111) is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). TRA assesses whether your overseas qualifications and experience are comparable to the Australian Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology standard.
TRA Assessment Pathways
Pathway 1: Overseas Qualification Assessment (OQA)
For tradespeople with formal apprenticeship or trade qualifications in automotive electrical work from overseas.
Documents required:
- Trade certificate / apprenticeship completion papers (certified copies)
- Academic transcripts and training records
- Employment reference letters from all employers (specific automotive electrical duties, vehicle types worked on, diagnostic tools used, dates, hours per week)
- Trade licence/registration from country of origin (if applicable)
- Passport copy
- English translations for non-English documents
- Completed TRA application form
- Application fee (approx. AUD $750-$1,100)
Pathway 2: Employer Sponsorship Assessment (482 Visa)
For automotive electricians being sponsored by an Australian employer.
TRA Assessment Process
After document review, TRA may require a practical trade assessment at a Trade Assessment Centre (TAC). The assessment typically covers:
- Written component: Australian automotive electrical standards, vehicle wiring systems, WHS, diagnostic procedures
- Practical component: Fault diagnosis and repair of automotive electrical circuits using diagnostic equipment
Processing Time: 3-6 months.
Eligible Visas
Visa Subclasses for Automotive Electricians
Automotive Electricians (ANZSCO 321111) are eligible for both points-tested state nominations and employer-sponsored visas under the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) / Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) / Regional Occupation List.
| Visa Subclass | Visa Name | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 190 | Skilled Nominated | PR; state nominates; +5 points bonus |
| 491 | Skilled Work Regional | Provisional; regional; pathway to PR via 191 |
| 482 | Temporary Skill Shortage | Employer sponsored temp. |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme | Employer sponsored PR |
Visa 190: Skilled Nominated Visa
The Subclass 190 is the primary points-based PR pathway for Automotive Electricians. State nomination adds 5 bonus points. With the rapid growth of the EV and hybrid vehicle market, Automotive Electrician is frequently included on state occupation lists due to a shortage of tradespeople with high-voltage automotive electrical skills.
Visa 491: Skilled Work Regional Visa
The 491 visa suits Automotive Electricians willing to work in regional Australia, where transport companies, mining operations, and agricultural machinery dealerships need skilled auto electricians. The 491 adds 15 bonus points and leads to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after 3 years in a regional area.
Visa 482: Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
Automotive dealerships, repair workshops, transport and logistics companies, and mining contractors can sponsor Automotive Electricians under the TSS 482 visa for up to 4 years.
Visa 186: Employer Nomination Scheme
The ENS 186 visa provides permanent residency through employer nomination — via the Temporary Residence Transition stream (after 3 years on a 482 visa) or the Direct Entry stream for offshore applicants with an eligible Australian employer.
Points Test
Points Test for Automotive Electricians (190/491 Visas)
Points-tested visas require meeting a minimum score of 65 points. Below is a breakdown of how points are allocated:
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 25-32 years | 30 points |
| English: Proficient | 10 points |
| English: Superior | 20 points |
| Overseas experience 8-10 yrs | 15 points |
| Australian experience 8-10 yrs | 20 points |
| Trade / Certificate III qual. | 10 points |
| Australian study requirement | 5 points |
| Partner skills / single | Up to 10 points |
| State nomination (190) | 5 points |
| Regional nomination (491) | 15 points |
Language Level
English Language Requirements
- IELTS: 6.0 per band (Competent); 8.0 per band (Superior)
- PTE Academic: 50 per skill; 79 (Superior)
- TOEFL iBT / OET / CAE: TOEFL iBT: 12/13/18/18; OET: Grade B; CAE: 169 per skill
EV Technology
EV and Hybrid Vehicle Opportunities for Automotive Electricians
Australia's transition to electric vehicles is creating significant new opportunities for Automotive Electricians:
- High-Voltage EV Training: Working safely on EV/HEV systems requires specific high-voltage safety training, available through TAFE and registered training organisations (RTOs) in Australia
- EV Service Centres: Major dealerships (Tesla, BYD, Hyundai, Toyota, etc.) and independent EV specialists are expanding rapidly
- EV Conversion Workshops: A growing niche industry converting classic and commercial vehicles to electric drivetrains
- Fleet Electrification: Government and corporate fleets transitioning to EVs require specialist maintenance teams
Automotive Electricians with hybrid/EV high-voltage experience are among the most sought-after specialists in the Australian automotive trade sector.
Salary Insights
Salary for Automotive Electricians in Australia
Qualified Automotive Electrician (0-3 years)
AUD $65,000-$80,000 per year
Experienced Automotive Electrician (3-8 years)
AUD $80,000-$105,000 per year
Senior / EV Specialist Automotive Electrician
AUD $100,000-$130,000 per year
Workshop Foreman / Service Manager
AUD $115,000-$150,000 per year
Heavy Vehicle / Mining Auto Electrician
AUD $120,000-$180,000+ per year (Mining and heavy vehicle sectors in WA and QLD often offer the highest remuneration, including FIFO arrangements)
Nomination Opportunities
State Nomination Opportunities for Automotive Electricians
- New South Wales: Strong demand across Sydney's transport and dealership network
- Victoria: Major automotive servicing hub with growing EV specialist demand
- Queensland: Mining and agricultural machinery sectors driving demand
- Western Australia: Mining sector heavy vehicle and plant electrical work
- South Australia: Defence and transport sector opportunities
- Northern Territory and Tasmania: Regional transport and agricultural machinery demand
Migration Services
Why Migrate & How Migration Republic Can Help Automotive Electricians
The automotive industry's shift toward EVs and complex vehicle electronics means strong demand for skilled Automotive Electricians in Australia. Migration Republic's experienced team will help you build a strong TRA application and visa strategy.
Our services for Automotive Electricians include:
- ✔ TRA application preparation and document review
- ✔ State nomination strategy for 190 and 491 visas
- ✔ EOI creation and SkillSelect management
- ✔ Employer sponsorship guidance for 482 and 186 visas
- ✔ Points score calculation and optimisation
- ✔ Full visa lodgement and ongoing case management
👉 Drive your future forward in Australia.
Interactive Tools
Calculate Points & Check Your Visa Eligibility
Use our interactive self-service migration tools to calculate your points score, test your eligibility, and discover your potential Australian visa options instantly.
PR Points Calculator
Calculate your skilled migration points score instantly to check your eligibility for permanent residency pathways.
Calculate Points ↗Visa Selection Quiz
Take our quick interactive quiz to find the most suitable Australian visa subclass for your personal profile.
Start Visa Quiz ↗Eligibility Checker
Verify if you meet the core requirements for Australian skilled, regional state nomination, or employer-sponsored visas.
Check Eligibility ↗FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Your Automotive Electrician Visa Pathway?
Let Migration Republic guide you through every step of your visa pathway to Australia. Contact our team today for a consultation.
Book Consultation TodayDisclaimer: Immigration laws, occupation lists, and trade licensing requirements change regularly. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Please consult a registered migration agent or legal practitioner for advice specific to your circumstances.
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