anzsco.com.au
ANZSCO 311214Skill level 3Version 5Updated 2026-04-26

Operating Theatre Technician

An Operating Theatre Technician prepares the operating theatre, manages surgical instruments, and supports the surgical team during operations in Australian public and private hospitals.

Indicative salary range
$55,000 - $90,000 (2025 indicative)

Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.

Labour market demand

Consistent demand across hospital surgical departments.

Occupation list membership

Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.

  • ROLRegional Occupation List

    Occupations eligible for regional visas such as Subclass 491 and 494.

Assessing authority

The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.

Visa pathways

Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.

State nominations

States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.

CodeState / TerritoryDetails
NSWNew South WalesView nomination →
WAWestern AustraliaView nomination →
SASouth AustraliaView nomination →
ACTAustralian Capital TerritoryView nomination →

Key duties

  • Set up operating theatre with required instruments and equipment pre-surgery
  • Assist the scrub nurse and surgeon by handling instruments and supplies
  • Manage surgical count of instruments, swabs, and sharps during procedures
  • Decontaminate, package, and reprocess surgical instruments

Skills required

  • Surgical instrument knowledge and theatre set-up
  • Sterile technique and infection control in the operating suite
  • Instrument count procedures and patient safety
  • Equipment maintenance and sterilisation standards

Typical qualifications pathway

Certificate IV in Operating Theatre Technical Support. VETASSESS assesses qualifications.

Visa & occupation list information

Listed on CSOL, enabling subclasses 186, 482, and 494 For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.

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Occupation record last reviewed by editorial team: