Chemist (ANZSCO 234211)

    Updated

    What a Chemist does

    Studies the chemical and physical properties of substances, and develops and monitors chemical processes and production.

    Specialisations
    Analytical Chemist, Industrial Chemist

    Key facts

    ANZSCO code
    234211
    Skill level
    1Bachelor degree or higher
    Visas that list it
    189190491482186494
    Assessing authority
    VETASSESS
    National shortage
    No shortage

    Visa options

    Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.

    Main tasks

    • conducting experiments and tests to identify the chemical composition and reactive properties of natural substances and processed materials
    • analysing and conducting research to develop theories, techniques and processes, and testing the reliability of outcomes under different conditions
    • developing practical applications of experimental and research findings
    • testing food products for flavour, colour, taste, texture and nutritional content
    • advising on preserving, processing, packaging, storing and delivering foods
    • developing quality control procedures and safety standards for the manufacture of food products
    • examining grape samples to assess ripeness, sugar and acid content, and determining suitability for processing
    • coordinating winemaking processes, directing workers in testing and crushing grapes, fermenting juices, and fortifying, clarifying, maturing and finishing wines
    • blending wines according to formulae and knowledge of winemaking techniques

    Shortage by state

    • NationalNo shortage
    • ACTNo shortage
    • NSWNo shortage
    • NTNo shortage
    • QLDNo shortage
    • SANo shortage
    • TASNo shortage
    • VICNo shortage
    • WANo shortage

    State and territory nomination

    For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.

    Common questions

    What does a Chemist do?

    Studies the chemical and physical properties of substances, and develops and monitors chemical processes and production. (ABS ANZSCO description.)

    Is Chemist on the skilled occupation list?

    Yes. Chemist (ANZSCO 234211) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 186, 189, 190, 482, 491 and 494 visas.

    What is the ANZSCO code for Chemist?

    234211. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.

    How can a Chemist migrate to Australia?

    The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Chemist for the Subclass 186, Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 482, Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.

    Who assesses Chemist for an Australian visa?

    VETASSESS, the skills assessing authority listed for 234211.

    Is Chemist in demand in Australia?

    Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "No shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.

    Sources

    1. 1Department of Home Affairs, skilled occupation listimmi.homeaffairs.gov.au
    2. 2Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, 2022, CC BY 4.0abs.gov.au
    3. 3Jobs and Skills Australia, Occupation Shortage List, 2025 listjobsandskills.gov.au