Toolmaker
A Toolmaker manufactures precision cutting tools, dies, moulds, and jigs using CNC and conventional machining for Australian injection moulding, stamping die, and tool and die manufacturing industries.
Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.
Consistent demand; toolmakers are in persistent short supply across Australian precision manufacturing.
Occupation list membership
Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.
- STSOLShort-Term Skilled Occupation List
Occupations eligible for shorter-term sponsored visas including Subclass 482 (short-term stream).
- CSOLCombined Skilled Occupation List
The merged skilled list that consolidates previous MLTSSL and STSOL eligibility under the Skills in Demand program.
Assessing authority
The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.
- TRATrades Recognition AustraliaVisit official site →
Visa pathways
Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.
- 186Learn more →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 190Learn more →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Learn more →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Learn more →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Learn more →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations
States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.
| Code | State / Territory | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | New South Wales | View nomination → |
| SA | South Australia | View nomination → |
Key duties
- Machine precision tool components using CNC milling, turning, and EDM
- Manufacture injection moulds, blanking dies, and forming tools to tight tolerances
- Inspect tooling to micron tolerances using CMMs and precision gauging
- Modify and repair production tooling and assess wear patterns
Skills required
- CNC machining of precision tooling components
- EDM (wire and sinker) operation and programming
- CMM measurement and precision gauging
- Tooling and die design interpretation and manufacture
Typical qualifications pathway
Certificate III in Engineering — Toolmaking Trade. TRA assesses qualifications.
Visa & occupation list information
Listed on MLTSSL and CSOL, enabling subclasses 186, 189, 190, 482, 485, 491, and 494 For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.
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