Signwriter (ANZSCO 399611)
Updated
What a Signwriter does
Designs, fabricates and paints signs for displays, buildings, hoardings, boats and structures. Registration or licensing may be required.
- Specialisations
- Sign Manufacturer
Key facts
- ANZSCO code
- 399611
- 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
- No 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
- conferring with clients and responding to proposals, sketches and written instructions to determine composition of signs
- designing and creating signs and graphics using computer software and signmaking machines
- designing and creating signs by measuring and calculating letter size, preparing the surface, applying background paint using brushes, sprays and rollers, and creating the letters using brushes, stencils, enamel paint and decals
- designing and creating wall murals, screen prints, gold leaf work and custom vehicle art
- painting signs and lettering using lacquers, varnishes, paints and other materials
- painting signs on brick, metal, timber, glass, plastic and other surfaces
- making and erecting three dimensional signs
- preparing cost estimates for labour and materials
- may erect and work on scaffolding
- may install signs on-site
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 Signwriter do?
Designs, fabricates and paints signs for displays, buildings, hoardings, boats and structures. Registration or licensing may be required. (ABS ANZSCO description.)
Is Signwriter on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Signwriter (ANZSCO 399611) 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 Signwriter?
399611. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.
How can a Signwriter migrate to Australia?
The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Signwriter 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 Signwriter for an Australian visa?
TRA, the skills assessing authority listed for 399611.
Is Signwriter 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.