Sound Technician (ANZSCO 399516)
Updated
What a Sound Technician does
Operates audio equipment to record, enhance, mix and amplify sound in support of television, radio, film or video productions, or stage performances.
- Specialisations
- Audio Operator, Dubbing Machine Operator, Foley Artist, Re-recording Mixer, Sound Editor, Sound Effects Person, Sound Mixer, Sound Recordist, Video and Sound Recorder
Key facts
- ANZSCO code
- 399516
- Skill level
- 3Certificate IV, or Certificate III with on-the-job training
- Skilled lists
- Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)Regional Occupation List (ROL)
- Assessing authority
- TRA
- National shortage
- Shortage
Visa options
Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.
Points-tested
- Subclass 189 Skilled IndependentNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 190 Skilled NominatedVia STSOLEligible
- Subclass 491, state or territory nominatedVia STSOL and ROLEligible
- Subclass 491, family sponsoredNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Employer-sponsored
Main tasks
- operating microwave equipment to transmit video information to transmitter sites and receiving video signals from remote locations
- maintaining and repairing radio and television transmitters and associated equipment
- selecting and attaching equipment to cameras, positioning cameras, and following the action of scenes being photographed while adjusting controls
- positioning equipment, such as spotlights, floodlights and cables, and operating lights during filming, broadcasting and stage performances
- applying and retouching make up during shooting and performance, including special effects make up such as scars and wounds
- designing and making musical instruments and instrument parts using specially selected materials and techniques similar to those used in cabinetmaking, metal pipe making, silversmithing and wood carving, and tuning and repairing musical instruments
- setting up and adjusting equipment such as microphones, and operating sound mixing consoles and associated equipment to regulate volume and sound quality
- selecting and setting up television recording, editing and mixing equipment, and adjusting and monitoring their operation
Shortage by state
- NationalShortage
- ACTShortage
- NSWShortage
- NTShortage
- QLDShortage
- SAShortage
- TASShortage
- VICShortage
- WAShortage
State and territory nomination
For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.
Common questions
What does a Sound Technician do?
Operates audio equipment to record, enhance, mix and amplify sound in support of television, radio, film or video productions, or stage performances. (ABS ANZSCO description.)
Is Sound Technician on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Sound Technician (ANZSCO 399516) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 186, 190, 482, 491 and 494 visas.
What is the ANZSCO code for Sound Technician?
399516. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.
How can a Sound Technician migrate to Australia?
The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Sound Technician for the Subclass 186, 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 Sound Technician for an Australian visa?
TRA, the skills assessing authority listed for 399516.
Is Sound Technician in demand in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "Shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.