Australia continues to face a chronic shortage of skilled tradespeople across every state and territory. Among the most in-demand occupations are electricians, particularly those with commercial or industrial experience.
For UK-qualified electricians looking for a new life in Australia, the migration pathway is clear but highly regulated. With careful planning and the right guidance, it’s possible to secure permanent residency, licensing, and employment in one of the most sought-after professions in the country.
Understanding the Opportunity
Australia’s rapid infrastructure expansion, mining and energy projects, and increasing residential demand have outpaced the availability of local electricians. The occupation Electrician (General) is firmly on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which means it is eligible for a wide range of skilled migration visas, including permanent residency options.
However, migrating to Australia as an electrician involves more than securing a visa. You will need to pass through a licensing and skills assessment process that ensures your qualifications, training, and work experience meet Australian standards.
Check Your Eligibility to Move to Australia as an Electrician
Skills Assessment and the OTSR
For electricians trained outside of Australia, the first critical step is obtaining an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR).
The OTSR confirms that your training and experience are broadly comparable to Australian standards, but it also acknowledges that you still need to complete Australian contextual gap training and supervised employment before being granted a full, unrestricted licence.
The process involves three stages:
Documentary Assessment: Submit proof of your formal qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 3), references, employment history, and recent work experience (at least four years is generally required).
Technical Interview:: This may include a practical test and/or a technical interview, conducted face-to-face in a testing center outside Australia or virtually, depending on your location.
Practical Assessment: This is a hands-on practical test conducted at an approved assessment venue. You’ll be required to demonstrate a range of core electrical skills under observation
Migrant electricians begin their Australian journey by applying for a Provisional Electrical Licence. This licence is issued by the electrical licensing authority in the state or territory where you intend to live and work. It allows overseas-qualified electricians to legally work in Australia under the direct supervision of a fully licensed electrician. While it does not permit independent or unsupervised work, it is a crucial stepping stone that gives you access to the job market while you work toward full licensure.
Holding a Provisional Licence enables you to begin the Australian Context Gap Training required to meet local safety and technical standards. This training addresses the differences between your original training and the specific regulatory and technical requirements of the Australian system. The most common course used for this purpose is the UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, which is the nationally recognised qualification for general electricians.
In most cases, migrant electricians are not required to complete the entire Certificate III. Instead, a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) will conduct a Gap Training analysis, identifying only the specific units you need to complete based on your prior experience and the competencies already covered in your OTSR.
Gap Training usually includes classroom-based learning, hands-on practical training, and workplace-based assessments. It typically covers areas such as Australian electrical regulations, wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000), and local safety protocols. The duration and cost of training will depend on the number of units you need to complete and the RTO delivering the course.
Once you have completed the necessary training modules and logged a required number of hours working under supervision you will be eligible to apply for your Unrestricted Electrical Licence, allowing you to work independently as a fully licensed electrician anywhere in Australia.
Choosing the Right Visa
Electricians are eligible for several visa subclasses depending on age, English proficiency, and points scored:
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) – Permanent residency, no sponsor needed.
Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) – Permanent residency with a state nomination.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) – Provisional visa for regional areas, leading to PR.
Employer Sponsored Visa (subclass 482 or 186) – For those with job offers from Australian companies.
For many electricians, the 189 visa is the most attractive, offering full permanent residency with the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia. However, competition is high, and securing a state nomination or employer sponsorship can significantly increase your chances.
Salary Expectations and Job Market
Electricians in Australia are among the highest-paid tradespeople, and the wages often far exceed those available in the UK or Ireland. This is particularly true for those with experience in commercial, industrial, or mining sectors. The high demand for skilled electricians, combined with a nationwide shortage, has driven up salaries across nearly all regions.
For those just entering the Australian workforce with a provisional licence working under supervision while completing gap training, annual salaries start around AUD $65,000 to $75,000. These roles still offer strong compensation despite the provisional status, and many employers are willing to provide additional support such as relocation assistance or help with licensing.
Once fully licensed, electricians can expect a significant jump in pay. Most qualified electricians working in residential or commercial environments earn between AUD $70,000 and $90,000 annually.
However, those with advanced skills, extensive experience, or those working in remote, regional, or high-risk environments can command far higher rates. Industrial electricians, particularly those involved in mining, energy, infrastructure, or large-scale construction projects, frequently earn over AUD $140,000 per year, with some roles offering compensation packages well above that, especially if shift work, FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) arrangements, or overtime are involved.
Regional variation also plays a role. In Western Australia and Queensland, for example, wages tend to be higher due to demand from the mining and resource sectors. New South Wales and Victoria, while slightly lower on average, still offer robust salaries, particularly in the metropolitan construction and infrastructure markets.
In addition to competitive wages, job security is a major draw. Australia’s ongoing investment in housing, public transport, renewables, defence infrastructure, and urban development projects has created long-term demand for electricians nationwide. With an ageing domestic workforce and not enough new apprentices entering the trade, overseas qualified electricians remain essential to keeping up with the workload. As such, both state governments and private employers are increasingly turning to skilled migration to fill the gap.
For migrants with recognised skills and the right licensing pathway, the Australian job market offers not just better pay, but a higher quality of life, long-term employment prospects, and clear pathways to permanent residency.
