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 (140.0 KB).
Some jobs have been grouped together and placed into the next category unit group level to allow a broader scope of occupations to be covered. These jobs are identified with an asterisk.
Jobs and skill levels
The jobs 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 (309.8 KB)
NT skilled occupation priority list information paper DOCX (660.5 KB)
NT skilled occupation priority list
Release date: 27 June 2022.
Read below to find a list of current high priority, priority and industry priority jobs.
| ANZSCO code | Occupation | ANZSCO skill level |
|---|---|---|
| 121216 | Mixed Crop Farmer | 1 |
| 121312 | Beef Cattle Farmer | 1 |
| 121399 | Livestock Farmers nec | 1 |
| 133512 | Production Manager (Manufacturing) | 1 |
| 134214 | Welfare Centre Manager | 1 |
| 149999 | Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers nec | 2 |
| 223311 | Training and Development Professional | 1 |
| 224999 | Information and Organisation Professionals nec | 1 |
| 232111 | Architect | 1 |
| 232212 | Surveyor | 1 |
| 233211 | Civil Engineer | 1 |
| 233214 | Structural Engineer | 1 |
| 233512 | Mechanical Engineer | 1 |
| 234314 | Park Ranger | 1 |
| 241111 | Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher | 1 |
| 241213 | Primary School Teacher | 1 |
| 241311 | Middle School Teacher | 1 |
| 241411 | Secondary School Teacher | 1 |
| 242211 | Vocational Education Teacher | 1 |
| 251411 | Optometrist | 1 |
| 251513 | Retail Pharmacist | 1 |
| 252312 | Dentist | 1 |
| 252411 | Occupational Therapist | 1 |
| 252511 | Physiotherapist | 1 |
| 252712 | Speech Pathologist | 1 |
| 253111 | General Practitioner | 1 |
| 253112 | Resident Medical Officer | 1 |
| 253211 | Anaesthetist | 1 |
| 253311 | Specialist Physician (General Medicine) | 1 |
| 253411 | Psychiatrist | 1 |
| 253511 | Surgeon (General) | 1 |
| 253514 | Orthopaedic Surgeon | 1 |
| 253913 | Obstetrician and Gynaecologist | 1 |
| 253915 | Pathologist | 1 |
| 253917 | Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist | 1 |
| 254111 | Midwife | 1 |
| 254211 | Nurse Educator | 1 |
| 254417 | Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation) | 1 |
| 254421 | Registered Nurse (Medical Practice) | 1 |
| 254499 | Registered Nurses nec | 1 |
| 261312 | Developer Programmer | 1 |
| 261313 | Software Engineer | 1 |
| 262113 | Systems Administrator | 1 |
| 263111 | Computer Network and Systems Engineer | 1 |
| 263212 | ICT Support Engineer | 1 |
| 272112 | Drug and Alcohol Counsellor | 1 |
| 272199 | Counsellors nec | 1 |
| 272311 | Clinical Psychologist | 1 |
| 272399 | Psychologists nec | 1 |
| 272511 | Social Worker | 1 |
| 312111 | Architectural Draftsperson | 2 |
| 312113 | Building Inspector | 2 |
| 312211 | Civil Engineering Draftsperson | 2 |
| 312212 | Civil Engineering Technician | 2 |
| 312412 | Electronic Engineering Technician | 2 |
| 312611 | Safety Inspector | 2 |
| 321211 | Motor Mechanic (General) | 3 |
| 322311 | Metal Fabricator | 3 |
| 323211 | Fitter (General) | 3 |
| 331212 | Carpenter | 3 |
| 334111 | Plumber (General) | 3 |
| 341111 | Electrician (General) | 3 |
| 342111 | Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic | 3 |
| 351311 | Chef | 2 |
| 391111 | Hairdresser | 3 |
| 411411 | Enrolled Nurse | 2 |
| 411511 | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker | 2 |
| 411711 | Community Worker | 2 |
| 411712 | Disabilities Services Officer | 2 |
| 411713 | Family Support Worker | 2 |
| 411716 | Youth Worker | 2 |
| 423111 | Aged or Disabled Carer | 4 |
| 423211 | Dental Assistant | 4 |
| 442217 | Security Officer | 5 |
| 731211 | Bus Driver | 4 |
| 733111 | Truck Driver (General) | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 132511 | Research and Development Manager | 1 |
| 133111 | Construction Project Manager | 1 |
| 133411 | Manufacturer | 1 |
| 134111 | Child Care Centre Manager | 1 |
| 134211 | Medical Administrator | 1 |
| 135112 | ICT Project Manager | 1 |
| 135199 | ICT Managers nec | 1 |
| 142111 | Retail Manager (General) | 2 |
| 149311 | Conference and Event Organiser | 2 |
| 212314 | Film and Video Editor | 1 |
| 221111 | Accountant (General) | 1 |
| 223111 | Human Resource Adviser | 1 |
| 223113 | Workplace Relations Adviser | 1 |
| 224412 | Policy Analyst | 1 |
| 224711 | Management Consultant | 1 |
| 225113 | Marketing Specialist | 1 |
| 225211 | ICT Account Manager | 1 |
| 225213 | ICT Sales Representative | 1 |
| 225499 | Technical Sales Representatives nec | 1 |
| 231213 | Ship's Master | 2 |
| 232411 | Graphic Designer | 1 |
| 233213 | Quantity Surveyor | 1 |
| 233311 | Electrical Engineer | 1 |
| 234311 | Conservation Officer | 1 |
| 234312 | Environmental Consultant | 1 |
| 234313 | Environmental Research Scientist | 1 |
| 234399 | Environmental Scientists nec | 1 |
| 234611 | Medical Laboratory Scientist | 1 |
| 241599 | Special Education Teachers nec | 1 |
| 242111 | University Lecturer | 1 |
| 249111 | Education Adviser | 1 |
| 251111 | Dietitian | 1 |
| 251211 | Medical Diagnostic Radiographer | 1 |
| 251214 | Sonographer | 1 |
| 251311 | Environmental Health Officer | 1 |
| 251312 | Occupational Health and Safety Adviser | 1 |
| 251511 | Hospital Pharmacist | 1 |
| 251911 | Health Promotion Officer | 1 |
| 252111 | Chiropractor | 1 |
| 252611 | Podiatrist | 1 |
| 252711 | Audiologist | 1 |
| 253321 | Paediatrician | 1 |
| 253912 | Emergency Medicine Specialist | 1 |
| 253999 | Medical Practitioners nec | 1 |
| 254411 | Nurse Practitioner | 1 |
| 254412 | Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | 1 |
| 254413 | Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health) | 1 |
| 254414 | Registered Nurse (Community Health) | 1 |
| 254415 | Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) | 1 |
| 254418 | Registered Nurse (Medical) | 1 |
| 254422 | Registered Nurse (Mental Health) | 1 |
| 254424 | Registered Nurse (Surgical) | 1 |
| 261111 | ICT Business Analyst | 1 |
| 261112 | Systems Analyst | 1 |
| 271311 | Solicitor | 1 |
| 272114 | Rehabilitation Counsellor | 1 |
| 272312 | Educational Psychologist | 1 |
| 272412 | Interpreter | 1 |
| 272499 | Social Professionals nec | 1 |
| 272611 | Community Arts Worker | 1 |
| 272612 | Recreation Officer | 1 |
| 272613 | Welfare Worker | 1 |
| 311212 | Cardiac Technician | 1 |
| 311215 | Pharmacy Technician | 2 |
| 311412 | Earth Science Technician | 2 |
| 312112 | Building Associate | 2 |
| 351411 | Cook | 3 |
| 362211 | Gardener (General) | 3 |
| 399312 | Library Technician | 2 |
| 411611 | Massage Therapist | 2 |
| 411715 | Residential Care Officer | 2 |
| 423313 | Personal Care Assistant | 4 |
| 442111 | Prison Officer | 4 |
| 511111 | Contract Administrator | 2 |
| 621312 | Motor Vehicle Parts Interpreter | 4 |
| 621511 | Retail Supervisor | 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 |
| 121411 | Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer | 1 |
| 141111 | Cafe or Restaurant Manager | 2 |
| 141311 | Hotel or Motel Manager | 2 |
| 141411 | Licensed Club Manager | 2 |
| 141999 | Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec | 2 |
| 222312 | Financial Investment Manager | 1 |
| 231111 | Aeroplane Pilot | 1 |
| 231114 | Helicopter Pilot | 1 |
| 231199 | Air Transport Professionals nec | 1 |
| 231212 | Ship's Engineer | 2 |
| 233111 | Chemical Engineer | 1 |
| 234711 | Veterinarian | 1 |
| 252311 | Dental Specialist | 1 |
| 253513 | Neurosurgeon | 1 |
| 253517 | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon | 1 |
| 253518 | Urologist | 1 |
| 254416 | Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability) | 1 |
| 311312 | Meat Inspector | 2 |
| 321111 | Automotive Electrician | 3 |
| 321212 | Diesel Motor Mechanic | 3 |
| 321213 | Motorcycle Mechanic | 3 |
| 322211 | Sheetmetal Trades Worker | 3 |
| 322312 | Pressure Welder | 3 |
| 322313 | Welder (First Class) | 3 |
| 323111 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) | 3 |
| 323112 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) | 3 |
| 323113 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures) | 3 |
| 323212 | Fitter and Turner | 3 |
| 323213 | Fitter-Welder | 3 |
| 324111 | Panelbeater | 3 |
| 324311 | Vehicle Painter | 3 |
| 331111 | Bricklayer | 3 |
| 333111 | Glazier | 3 |
| 333212 | Solid Plasterer | 3 |
| 333311 | Roof Tiler | 3 |
| 333411 | Wall and Floor Tiler | 3 |
| 334114 | Gasfitter | 3 |
| 341112 | Electrician (Special Class) | 3 |
| 342211 | Electrical Linesworker | 3 |
| 342311 | Business Machine Mechanic | 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 |
| 342413 | Telecommunications Linesworker | 3 |
| 342414 | Telecommunications Technician | 3 |
| 351111 | Baker | 3 |
| 351112 | Pastrycook | 3 |
| 351211 | Butcher or Smallgoods Maker | 3 |
| 361311 | Veterinary Nurse | 3 |
| 362212 | Arborist | 3 |
| 362411 | Nurseryperson | 3 |
| 392311 | Printing Machinist | 3 |
| 393113 | Sail Maker | 3 |
| 393311 | Upholsterer | 3 |
| 394111 | Cabinetmaker | 3 |
| 399112 | Shipwright | 3 |
| 399411 | Jeweller | 3 |
| 399516 | Sound Technician | 3 |
| 399611 | Signwriter | 3 |
| 399911 | Diver | 3 |
| 399913 | Optical Dispenser | 3 |
| 399918 | Fire Protection Equipment Technician | 3 |
| 399999 | Technicians and Trades Workers nec | 3 |
| 421111 | Child Care Worker | 3 |
| 421114 | Out of School Hours Care Worker | 3 |
| 423312 | Nursing Support Worker | 4 |
| 423314 | Therapy Aide | 4 |
| 423411 | Child or Youth Residential Care Assistant | 3 |
| 431111 | Bar Attendant | 4 |
| 431112 | Barista | 4 |
| 431311 | Gaming Worker | 4 |
| 431411 | Hotel Service Manager | 2 |
| 431511 | Waiter | 4 |
| 451111 | Beauty Therapist | 3 |
| 451211 | Driving Instructor | 3 |
| 451399 | Funeral Workers nec | 3 |
| 451412 | Tour Guide | 3 |
| 451711 | Flight Attendant | 3 |
| 452315 | Swimming Coach or Instructor | 4 |
| 452413 | Jockey | 3 |
| 452414 | Lifeguard | 3 |
| 512111 | Office Manager | 2 |
| 541111 | Call or Contact Centre Team Leader | 3 |
| 542113 | Hotel or Motel Receptionist | 4 |
| 551211 | Bookkeeper | 3 |
| 591116 | Warehouse Administrator | 4 |
| 599411 | Human Resources Clerk | 4 |
| 599711 | Library Assistant | 4 |
| 599915 | Clinical Coder | 3 |
| 611311 | Sales Representative (Building and Plumbing Supplies) | 4 |
| 612112 | Property Manager | 3 |
| 612114 | Real Estate Agent | 3 |
| 621311 | Motor Vehicle or Caravan Salesperson | 4 |
| 711211 | Industrial Spraypainter | 4 |
| 711513 | Plastics Fabricator or Welder | 4 |
| 711514 | Plastics Production Machine Operator (General) | 4 |
| 711611 | Sewing Machinist | 4 |
| 711913 | Sand Blaster | 4 |
| 711914 | Sterilisation Technician | 4 |
| 711999 | Machine Operators nec | 4 |
| 712111 | Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator | 4 |
| 712211 | Driller | 4 |
| 712213 | Shot Firer | 4 |
| 712311 | Engineering Production Worker | 4 |
| 712911 | Boiler or Engine Operator | 4 |
| 721111 | Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator | 4 |
| 721211 | Earthmoving Plant Operator (General) | 4 |
| 721214 | Excavator Operator | 4 |
| 721311 | Forklift Driver | 4 |
| 721911 | Aircraft Baggage Handler and Airline Ground Crew | 4 |
| 721999 | Mobile Plant Operators nec | 4 |
| 731112 | Taxi Driver | 4 |
| 821611 | Railway Track Worker | 4 |
| 821711 | Construction Rigger | 4 |
| 821712 | Scaffolder | 4 |
| 831211 | Meat Boner and Slicer | 4 |
| 831212 | Slaughterer | 4 |
| 831313 | Seafood Process Worker | 5 |
| 841111 | Aquaculture Worker | 5 |
| 841211 | Fruit or Nut Farm Worker | 5 |
| 841299 | Crop Farm Workers nec | 5 |
| 841513 | Mixed Livestock Farm Worker | 5 |
| 841611 | Mixed Crop and Livestock Farm Worker | 5 |
| 841913 | Pest Controller | 4 |
| 841999 | Farm, Forestry and Garden Workers nec | 5 |
| 899211 | Deck Hand | 4 |
| 899212 | Fishing Hand | 4 |
| 899411 | Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitter (General) | 4 |
| 899415 | Tyre Fitter | 4 |
| 899999 | Labourer nec | 5 |
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.
Last updated: 27 June 2022
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