ANZSCO 311217
Respiratory Technician
General information, not immigration advice. Data as at 2026-10-22.
About this occupation
ANZSCO 2022Performs routine lung function tests; uses and maintains diagnostic equipment under the supervision of Respiratory Scientists. Monitors patients on ventilation or those undergoing sleep studies.
Also called
- Sleep Technician
Specialisations
- Neurophysiological Technician
Unit group 3112
Medical Technicians
Medical Technicians operate anaesthetic, cardiac, operating theatre and medical testing equipment, perform and assist with laboratory tests, and fill prescriptions in support of Health Professionals.
Indicative skill level
Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia
- AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or at least three years of experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)
In New Zealand
- NZQF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)
In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
The occupations Pathology Collector / Phlebotomist and Operating Theatre Technician have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia
- AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)
In New Zealand
- NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)
In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Registration or licensing may be required.
Tasks include
- Operating equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the heart, lungs, kidneys, nervous system and hearing, and in anaesthesia
- Undertaking and assisting with medical analytical procedures and assisting Anaesthetists and surgical teams
- Recording the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured, and pattern and rhythm interpreted
- Taking, collecting and labelling blood, urine and other samples from patients
- Preparing and staining slides and tissue sections for blood and histological examination
- Performing diagnostic tests on tissues and body fluids and analysing the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues
Show all 10 tasks
- Testing for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples
- Setting up, checking and maintaining operating theatres, anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment
- Referring prescriptions to Pharmacists and assisting in preparing medications
- Operating and maintaining equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring of breathing or sleep disorders
Occupations in this unit group
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO 2022. CC BY 4.0.
ANZSCO 2022 (the edition the CSOL uses for the 482 and 186 visas)
Title in this edition: Respiratory Technician, skill level 2
- Major group
- 3 Technicians and Trades Workers
- Sub-major group
- 31 Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians
- Minor group
- 311 Agricultural, Medical and Science Technicians
- Unit group
- 3112 Medical Technicians
Occupation Shortage List (2026)
- National rating
- No Shortage
- Confidence
- Clear
- Rated on
- ANZSCO 2022
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026 Occupation Shortage List - 6 digit ANZSCO and OSCA, released 21 October 2026. CC BY 4.0.
Possible visa options
Visas that Respiratory Technician may be eligible for through its skilled list placement. Being on a list is one requirement; each visa has others (points, age, English, nomination or sponsorship).
| Visa | Stay | MLTSSL | STSOL | ROL | CSOL | Instrument |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills in Demand (subclass 482) - Core Skills stream | Temporary (Up to 4 years) | MLTSSL not used for this visa | STSOL not used for this visa | ROL not used for this visa | On CSOL | LIN 24/089, s 6(3) |
| Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) - Direct Entry Pathway | Permanent | MLTSSL not used for this visa | STSOL not used for this visa | ROL not used for this visa | On CSOL | LIN 24/093, s 7(1) |
✓ the occupation is on a list this visa uses · ✗ this visa uses the list but the occupation is not on it · — the visa does not use this list. Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, visa pages, CC BY 3.0 AU.
Average salary, May 2025
Unit group 3112 Medical technicians (ANZSCO 2022). all employees, Average weekly total cash earnings.
| Average weekly earnings | Average age | |
|---|---|---|
| All employees | $1,275.80 | 42.9 |
| Males | $1,300.60 | 41.2 |
| Females | $1,268.60 | 43.4 |
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia, May 2025: data cube 63060DO011_202505 (Table 1), released 23 January 2026. CC BY 4.0.
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Scan to get the appSource: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO (CC BY 4.0). Source: Department of Home Affairs, Skilled occupation list (CC BY 4.0). Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026 Occupation Shortage List. © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia, May 2025. © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Search another occupation