Hard to fill jobs in the NT
The Northern Territory (NT) Government identifies jobs in high demand or that are critical to the local economy and industry. This is known as the Northern Territory skilled occupation priority list (NTSOPL).
The list is developed and updated annually.
Get the NT skilled occupation priority list PDF (608.6 KB).
Occupations may be grouped together and placed into the next category unit group level to allow a broader scope of occupations to be covered. These groups are identified with an asterisk.
Jobs and skill levels
The occupations listed on this page have all been assigned an Australian and New Zealand standard classification of occupation (ANZSCO) code and skill level.
The codes and skill levels are used for a range of purposes, including on applications for migration to the NT and Australia.
Skill level numbers show the level of qualifications or experience needed for each job, in the following order:
- ANZSCO skill level 1 - bachelor degree or higher qualification
- ANZSCO skill level 2 - associate degree, advanced diploma or diploma
- ANZSCO skill level 3 - certificate III or certificate IV
- ANZSCO skill level 4 - certificate II or certificate III
- ANZSCO skill level 5 - certificate I or compulsory secondary education.
For more information, go to the Australian Bureau of Statistics website.
Skilled migration
For more information about occupations open to skilled migration, read the NT migration occupation list.
You can find information on migrate to work on The Territory website, or email Migration NT at migration@nt.gov.au.
How to report a hard to fill job
If you have a job vacancy in your business that is hard to fill, you can report it to the Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT).
ISACNT works with business and peak industry bodies throughout the year to:
- gather evidence about hard to fill jobs and
- make recommendations to the NT Government.
To find out more, go to the ISACNT website.
Read the information paper used to determine which jobs are included on the list.
NT skilled occupation priority list information paper PDF (332.6 KB)
NT skilled occupation priority list information paper DOCX (668.8 KB)
NT skilled occupation priority list
Release date: 14 July 2023.
Read below to find a list of current high priority, priority and industry priority jobs.
| ANZSCO code | Occupation | ANZSCO skill level |
|---|---|---|
| 111211 | Corporate General Manager | 1 |
| 132511 | Research and Development Manager | 1 |
| 133111 | Construction Project Manager | 1 |
| 133211 | Engineering Manager | 1 |
| 133611 | Supply and Distribution Manager | 1 |
| 139914 | Quality Assurance Manager | 1 |
| 141111 | Cafe or Restaurant Manager | 2 |
| 141999 | Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec | 2 |
| 231111 | Aeroplane Pilot | 1 |
| 231114 | Helicopter Pilot | 1 |
| 231213 | Ship's Master | 2 |
| 233211 | Civil Engineer | 1 |
| 233214 | Structural Engineer | 1 |
| 233311 | Electrical Engineer | 1 |
| 233512 | Mechanical Engineer | 1 |
| 233611 | Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) | 1 |
| 234411 | Geologist | 1 |
| 234711 | Veterinarian | 1 |
| 241111 | Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher | 1 |
| 241213 | Primary School Teacher | 1 |
| 242211 | Vocational Education Teacher (Aus) \ Polytechnic Teacher (NZ) | 1 |
| 251513 | Retail Pharmacist | 1 |
| 252312 | Dentist | 1 |
| 252411 | Occupational Therapist | 1 |
| 252712 | Speech Pathologist (Aus) \ Speech Language Therapist (NZ) | 1 |
| 253111 | General Practitioner | 1 |
| 253112 | Resident Medical Officer | 1 |
| 254412 | Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | 1 |
| 254413 | Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health) | 1 |
| 254415 | Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) | 1 |
| 254417 | Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation) | 1 |
| 254421 | Registered Nurse (Medical Practice) | 1 |
| 254422 | Registered Nurse (Mental Health) | 1 |
| 254499 | Registered Nurses nec | 1 |
| 261111 | ICT Business Analyst | 1 |
| 263111 | Computer Network and Systems Engineer | 1 |
| 272311 | Clinical Psychologist | 1 |
| 272399 | Psychologists nec | 1 |
| 312912 | Metallurgical or Materials Technician | 2 |
| 321111 | Automotive Electrician | 3 |
| 321211 | Motor Mechanic (General) | 3 |
| 321212 | Diesel Motor Mechanic | 3 |
| 322311 | Metal Fabricator | 3 |
| 323112 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) | 3 |
| 323211 | Fitter (General) | 3 |
| 331212 | Carpenter | 3 |
| 334111 | Plumber (General) | 3 |
| 341111 | Electrician (General) | 3 |
| 342111 | Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic | 3 |
| 351111 | Baker | 3 |
| 351311 | Chef | 2 |
| 351411 | Cook | 3 |
| 362211 | Gardener (General) | 3 |
| 391111 | Hairdresser | 3 |
| 411511 | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker | 2 |
| 411713 | Family Support Worker | 2 |
| 421111 | Child Care Worker | 3 |
| 423111 | Aged or Disabled Carer | 4 |
| 423211 | Dental Assistant | 4 |
| 431111 | Bar Attendant | 4 |
| 431511 | Waiter | 4 |
| 451111 | Beauty Therapist | 3 |
| 451412 | Tour Guide | 3 |
| 721311 | Forklift Driver | 4 |
| 733111 | Truck Driver (General) | 4 |
| 899211 | Deck Hand | 4 |
Definitions
- ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand standard classification of occupation is a skill-based occupation classification standard used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics
- nec - not elsewhere classified is a term used to describe occupation that has not been classified anywhere else under the ANZSCO classification system
Source: NT Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade.
| ANZSCO code | Occupation | ANZSCO skill level |
|---|---|---|
| 111111 | Chief Executive or Managing Director | 1 |
| 131112 | Sales and Marketing Manager | 1 |
| 132111 | Corporate Services Manager | 1 |
| 132211 | Finance Manager | 1 |
| 132311 | Human Resource Manager | 1 |
| 132411 | Policy and Planning Manager | 1 |
| 133112 | Project Builder | 1 |
| 133512 | Production Manager (Manufacturing) | 1 |
| 134111 | Child Care Centre Manager | 1 |
| 134211 | Medical Administrator (Aus) \ Medical Superintendent (NZ) | 1 |
| 134214 | Welfare Centre Manager | 1 |
| 134299 | Health and Welfare Services Managers nec | 1 |
| 135112 | ICT Project Manager | 1 |
| 135199 | ICT Managers nec | 1 |
| 139999 | Specialist Managers nec | 1 |
| 142111 | Retail Manager (General) | 2 |
| 149112 | Fitness Centre Manager | 2 |
| 149212 | Customer Service Manager | 2 |
| 149311 | Conference and Event Organiser | 2 |
| 149999 | Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers nec | 2 |
| 212314 | Film and Video Editor | 1 |
| 221111 | Accountant (General) | 1 |
| 223111 | Human Resource Adviser | 1 |
| 223112 | Recruitment Consultant | 1 |
| 223311 | Training and Development Professional | 1 |
| 224713 | Management Consultant | 1 |
| 225113 | Marketing Specialist | 1 |
| 225213 | ICT Sales Representative | 1 |
| 225411 | Sales Representative (Industrial Products) | 1 |
| 231212 | Ship's Engineer | 2 |
| 232111 | Architect | 1 |
| 232212 | Surveyor | 1 |
| 232411 | Graphic Designer | 1 |
| 232611 | Urban and Regional Planner | 1 |
| 233915 | Environmental Engineer | 1 |
| 234312 | Environmental Consultant | 1 |
| 234313 | Environmental Research Scientist | 1 |
| 234314 | Park Ranger | 1 |
| 234399 | Environmental Scientists nec | 1 |
| 234413 | Hydrogeologist | 1 |
| 234611 | Medical Laboratory Scientist | 1 |
| 241311 | Middle School Teacher (Aus) \ Intermediate School Teacher (NZ) | 1 |
| 241411 | Secondary School Teacher | 1 |
| 241511 | Special Needs Teacher | 1 |
| 241599 | Special Education Teachers nec | 1 |
| 242111 | University Lecturer | 1 |
| 251111 | Dietitian | 1 |
| 251214 | Sonographer | 1 |
| 251312 | Occupational Health and Safety Adviser | 1 |
| 251411 | Optometrist | 1 |
| 251511 | Hospital Pharmacist | 1 |
| 251911 | Health Promotion Officer | 1 |
| 252511 | Physiotherapist | 1 |
| 252611 | Podiatrist | 1 |
| 252711 | Audiologist | 1 |
| 253311 | Specialist Physician (General Medicine) | 1 |
| 253321 | Paediatrician | 1 |
| 253411 | Psychiatrist | 1 |
| 253915 | Pathologist | 1 |
| 253917 | Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist | 1 |
| 253999 | Medical Practitioners nec | 1 |
| 254111 | Midwife | 1 |
| 254211 | Nurse Educator | 1 |
| 254212 | Nurse Researcher | 1 |
| 254411 | Nurse Practitioner | 1 |
| 254414 | Registered Nurse (Community Health) | 1 |
| 254418 | Registered Nurse (Medical) | 1 |
| 261312 | Developer Programmer | 1 |
| 261313 | Software Engineer | 1 |
| 262113 | Systems Administrator | 1 |
| 263212 | ICT Support Engineer | 1 |
| 263213 | ICT Systems Test Engineer | 1 |
| 272112 | Drug and Alcohol Counsellor | 1 |
| 272199 | Counsellors nec | 1 |
| 272312 | Educational Psychologist | 1 |
| 272499 | Social Professionals nec | 1 |
| 272511 | Social Worker | 1 |
| 272613 | Welfare Worker | 1 |
| 312112 | Building Associate | 2 |
| 312113 | Building Inspector | 2 |
| 312911 | Maintenance Planner | 2 |
| 313112 | ICT Customer Support Officer | 2 |
| 313199 | ICT Support Technicians nec | 2 |
| 322211 | Sheetmetal Trades Worker | 3 |
| 322313 | Welder (First Class) (Aus) \ Welder (NZ) | 3 |
| 323111 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) | 3 |
| 323212 | Fitter and Turner | 3 |
| 342311 | Business Machine Mechanic | 3 |
| 351112 | Pastrycook | 3 |
| 362711 | Landscape Gardener | 3 |
| 399611 | Signwriter | 3 |
| 399999 | Technicians and Trades Workers nec | 3 |
| 411411 | Enrolled Nurse | 2 |
| 411611 | Massage Therapist | 2 |
| 411711 | Community Worker | 2 |
| 411715 | Residential Care Officer | 2 |
| 411716 | Youth Worker | 2 |
| 421114 | Out of School Hours Care Worker | 3 |
| 422116 | Teachers' Aide | 4 |
| 423313 | Personal Care Assistant | 4 |
| 431112 | Barista | 4 |
| 442111 | Prison Officer | 4 |
| 442217 | Security Officer | 4 |
| 452111 | Fitness Instructor | 4 |
| 511111 | Contract Administrator | 2 |
| 511112 | Program or Project Administrator | 2 |
| 531111 | General Clerk | 4 |
| 542111 | Receptionist (General) | 4 |
| 542113 | Hotel or Motel Receptionist | 4 |
| 542114 | Medical Receptionist | 4 |
| 551111 | Accounts Clerk | 4 |
| 551211 | Bookkeeper | 3 |
| 591116 | Warehouse Administrator | 4 |
| 591211 | Despatching and Receiving Clerk | 4 |
| 599999 | Clerical and Administrative Workers nec | 4 |
| 611312 | Sales Representative (Business Services) | 4 |
| 612112 | Property Manager | 3 |
| 621312 | Motor Vehicle Parts Interpreter (Aus) \ Automotive Parts Salesperson (NZ) | 4 |
| 621511 | Retail Supervisor | 4 |
| 721912 | Linemarker | 4 |
| 731112 | Taxi Driver | 4 |
| 731211 | Bus Driver | 4 |
| 732111 | Delivery Driver | 4 |
| 741111 | Storeperson | 4 |
Definitions
- ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand standard classification of occupation is a skill-based occupation classification standard used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics
- nec - not elsewhere classified is a term used to describe occupation that has not been classified anywhere else under the ANZSCO classification system
Source: NT Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade.
| ANZSCO code | Occupation | ANZSCO skill level |
|---|---|---|
| 121111 | Aquaculture Farmer | 1 |
| 121311 | Apiarist | 1 |
| 121312 | Beef Cattle Farmer | 1 |
| 121399 | Livestock Farmers nec | 1 |
| 121411 | Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer | 1 |
| 141311 | Hotel or Motel Manager | 2 |
| 212112 | Media Producer (excluding Video) | 1 |
| 231199 | Air Transport Professionals nec | 1 |
| 233111 | Chemical Engineer | 1 |
| 233999 | Engineering Professionals nec | 1 |
| 234514 | Biotechnologist | 1 |
| 253514 | Orthopaedic Surgeon | 1 |
| 254416 | Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability) | 1 |
| 261399 | Software and Applications Programmers nec | 1 |
| 311215 | Pharmacy Technician | 2 |
| 312211 | Civil Engineering Draftsperson | 2 |
| 312212 | Civil Engineering Technician | 2 |
| 312412 | Electronic Engineering Technician | 2 |
| 312512 | Mechanical Engineering Technician | 2 |
| 321213 | Motorcycle Mechanic | 3 |
| 321214 | Small Engine Mechanic | 3 |
| 323213 | Fitter-Welder | 3 |
| 323313 | Locksmith | 3 |
| 324111 | Panelbeater | 3 |
| 324311 | Vehicle Painter | 3 |
| 331211 | Carpenter and Joiner | 3 |
| 333111 | Glazier | 3 |
| 333211 | Fibrous Plasterer | 3 |
| 333212 | Solid Plasterer | 3 |
| 333311 | Roof Tiler | 3 |
| 333411 | Wall and Floor Tiler | 3 |
| 334113 | Drainer (Aus) \ Drainlayer (NZ) | 3 |
| 334114 | Gasfitter | 3 |
| 342313 | Electronic Equipment Trades Worker | 3 |
| 342314 | Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (General) | 3 |
| 342315 | Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class) | 3 |
| 342411 | Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) | 3 |
| 342414 | Telecommunications Technician | 3 |
| 351211 | Butcher or Smallgoods Maker | 3 |
| 361311 | Veterinary Nurse | 3 |
| 362111 | Florist | 3 |
| 362511 | Arborist | 3 |
| 392311 | Printing Machinist | 3 |
| 393311 | Upholsterer | 3 |
| 394112 | Cabinetmaker | 3 |
| 399111 | Boat Builder and Repairer | 3 |
| 399513 | Light Technician | 3 |
| 399516 | Sound Technician | 3 |
| 399913 | Optical Dispenser (Aus) \ Dispensing Optician (NZ) | 3 |
| 411214 | Dental Therapist | 1 |
| 411712 | Disabilities Services Officer | 2 |
| 423312 | Nursing Support Worker | 4 |
| 431311 | Gaming Worker | 4 |
| 431411 | Hotel Service Manager | 2 |
| 451211 | Driving Instructor | 3 |
| 451399 | Funeral Workers nec | 3 |
| 452315 | Swimming Coach or Instructor | 4 |
| 452414 | Lifeguard | 3 |
| 512111 | Office Manager | 2 |
| 599914 | Radio Despatcher | 4 |
| 621311 | Motor Vehicle or Caravan Salesperson | 4 |
| 711211 | Industrial Spraypainter | 4 |
| 711913 | Sand Blaster | 4 |
| 711999 | Machine Operators nec | 4 |
| 712111 | Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator | 4 |
| 712211 | Driller | 4 |
| 721111 | Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator | 4 |
| 721211 | Earthmoving Plant Operator (General) | 4 |
| 721214 | Excavator Operator | 4 |
| 721999 | Mobile Plant Operators nec | 4 |
| 733113 | Furniture Removalist | 4 |
| 821611 | Railway Track Worker | 4 |
| 821711 | Construction Rigger | 4 |
| 821712 | Scaffolder | 4 |
| 821713 | Steel Fixer | 4 |
| 831211 | Meat Boner and Slicer | 4 |
| 831212 | Slaughterer | 4 |
| 899411 | Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitter (General) | 4 |
| 899412 | Autoglazier | 4 |
| 899415 | Tyre Fitter | 4 |
Definitions
- ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand standard classification of occupation is a skill-based occupation classification standard used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics
- nec - not elsewhere classified is a term used to describe occupation that has not been classified anywhere else under the ANZSCO classification system
Source: NT Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade.
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