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Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic ANZSCO 342111 is a skilled trade occupation in Australia responsible for installing, maintaining, testing, and repairing air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating systems across residential, commercial, and industrial environments. These mechanics play a critical role in ensuring energy-efficient climate control and safe refrigerant handling across buildings, cold storage facilities, and industrial plants.
This occupation is in strong demand across Australia due to population growth, expanding construction activity, and increasing reliance on climate control systems in a warming climate. It is assessed by VETASSESS, which evaluates qualifications, work experience, and trade competency for skilled migration purposes.
It is included in several skilled occupation lists, making it a viable pathway for Australian permanent residency through skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas.
To work as an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration ANZSCO 342111 Mechanic in Australia, candidates must demonstrate strong technical, safety, and practical skills in HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) systems.
Their demands in Australia remain consistently strong due to the following reasons:
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (ANZSCO 342111) is classified as Skill Level 3 under the ANZSCO framework.
This typically requires:
For migration purposes, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (ANZSCO 342111) is primarily assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).
TRA evaluates:
In some cases, VETASSESS may be involved depending on the assessment pathway or additional qualification requirements. However, the core trade skills assessment is conducted through TRA-approved pathways.
Weekly Earnings (Median) | $1,850 – $2,200 per week |
Full-time Employment Share | 84% – 92% |
Workforce Size (Employed) | 28,000 – 45,000 workers |
Average Full-time Hours | 44 hours per week |
Female Share | ~2% |
Median Age | 34–36 years |
Employment Growth (Annual) | Steady growth due to skills shortage |
Industry Demand | Construction, cold chain, food retail, commercial buildings |
5-Year Outlook | Strong growth (listed on skills shortage occupation lists) |
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics can apply through multiple visa pathways depending on eligibility:
Typical requirements:
Test | Overall Score | Minimum Score Requirement |
IELTS | 6.0 – 7.0 | Minimum 6.0 in each band (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) |
OET | B | Minimum B in all sections |
TOEFL iBT | 60 – 94+ | Minimum section scores vary depending on visa subclass |
PTE Academic | 50 – 65 | Minimum 50 in each component |
To work as an Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic in Australia, applicants generally need:
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics specialise in climate control and refrigeration systems, combining both mechanical and electrical knowledge specific to HVAC/R, while Electricians (General) focus on broader electrical installation and maintenance across all systems.
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic ANZSCO 342111 is one of Australia’s most in demand trade occupations, increasing dependence on climate control and persistent skilled labor shortages in the refrigeration and HVAC trade. With multiple visa pathways available, competitive salaries, and strong long-term job security, it is an excellent migration option for qualified tradespeople seeking Australian permanent residency.
However, a successful migration outcome requires more than work experience alone. Applicants must ensure proper qualification recognition, obtain the required ARC license and submit comprehensive, accurate documentation for their TRA or VETASSESS skills assessment. Understanding the correct assessment pathway and migration process can significantly reduce delays and improve approval rates.
If you need assistance with Australian migration or skills assessment for Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic ANZSCO 342111, our team at CDRAustraliaEngineer is ready to support you at every stage of the process. Navigating trade occupation assessments and visa documentation can be complex, especially under TRA and VETASSESS guidelines, so professional guidance can help you in that case.
We provide end-to-end support focused on your individual profile, helping you select the correct pathway and avoid common errors that lead to delays or rejections.
We assist with:
Creating a CDR Report may be difficult due to Engineers Australia’s standards and rules ( EA ). Our experienced engineers have assisted many people in obtaining approval for their report from the EA via the use of powerful projects.
An Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic installs, services, and repairs air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They handle refrigerant recovery and recharging, perform fault diagnosis, and ensure systems meet Australian safety and compliance standards.
Yes, this trade is in strong demand across Australia due to population growth, increasing construction activity, the expanding cold chain and food logistics industry, and a persistent shortage of skilled tradespeople in HVAC/R. It appears on multiple skilled occupation lists supporting permanent residency.
Applicants typically need a Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, completion of an apprenticeship, and an ARC (Australian Refrigeration Council) Refrigerant Handling Licence. State-based electrical or refrigeration licensing may also be required depending on the scope of work.
Skills assessment for ANZSCO 342111 is primarily conducted by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), which evaluates trade qualifications, work experience, and practical competency relevant to the occupation. In certain pathways, VETASSESS may also be involved.
Salaries typically range from AUD $75,000 to over $110,000 per year, depending on experience, specialisation, location, and industry sector. Mechanics working in industrial refrigeration or mining environments often earn at the higher end of this range.
Yes. This occupation is eligible for Australian permanent residency through skilled migration visas such as Subclass 189, 190, and 491, as well as employer-sponsored visas including Subclass 186 and 482.
