ANZSCO 312511
Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson
General information, not immigration advice. Data as at 2026-10-22.
About this occupation
ANZSCO 2022Prepares detailed drawings and plans of mechanical engineering work in support of Mechanical Engineers and Engineering Technologists.
Specialisations
- Airconditioning Drafting Officer
- Heating and Ventilating Technical Officer
- Tool Design Draftsperson
- Tool Designer
Unit group 3125
Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians
Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians assist in mechanical engineering research, design, manufacture, construction, operation and maintenance of machines, manufacturing equipment, mechanical installations and facilities.
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 (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)
In New Zealand
- NZQF Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)
At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Tasks include
- Preparing drawings, plans and designs for mechanical engineering work under the direction of Mechanical Engineers and Engineering Technologists
- Assisting Mechanical Engineers and Engineering Technologists in the design of mechanical equipment and plant
- Selecting tools and equipment
- Assembling and installing new and modified mechanical assemblies, components, machine tools and controls, and hydraulic power systems
- Estimating material costs and quantities, and machine requirements
- Performing and directing field and laboratory tests
Show all 9 tasks
- Collecting and analysing data, carrying out complex computations and preparing diagrams
- Organising and supervising inspection and maintenance of machines and plant
- Ensuring that designs and finished work are within specifications, regulations and contract provisions
Occupations in this unit group
- 312511 Mechanical Engineering DraftspersonThis occupation
- 312512 Mechanical Engineering Technician
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: Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson, skill level 2
- Major group
- 3 Technicians and Trades Workers
- Sub-major group
- 31 Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians
- Minor group
- 312 Building and Engineering Technicians
- Unit group
- 3125 Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians
The title and groups are the same in ANZSCO 2013 v1.2 and ANZSCO 2022.
Occupation Shortage List (2026)
- National rating
- 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 Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) State or Territory nominated | — | Not on MLTSSL | Not on STSOL | On ROL | CSOL not used for this visa | LIN 19/051, s 7(1) item 4 |
| Training visa (subclass 407) | Temporary (Up to 2 years) | Not on MLTSSL | Not on STSOL | On ROL | CSOL not used for this visa | LIN 19/050, s 6 |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (subclass 494) - Employer sponsored stream | Temporary (5 years) | Not on MLTSSL | STSOL not used for this visa | On ROL | CSOL not used for this visa | LIN 19/219, s 5(1) |
| 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 3125 Mechanical engineering draftspersons and technicians (ANZSCO 2022). all employees, Average weekly total cash earnings.
| Average weekly earnings | Average age | |
|---|---|---|
| All employees | $2,671.10 | 48.5 |
| Males | — | — |
| Females | — | — |
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