Machinery Operators and Drivers
Linemarker
In shortage nationally, in NSW, in VIC, in QLD, in SA, in WA, in TAS, in NT and in ACT.
Our read
Opportunity
StrongIn shortage nationally this year, and it's been short for most of the last five — steady demand, not a blip.
Getting in
Quicker startThe standard route is a Certificate II or III — months rather than years, so you can be working sooner.
Opportunity and Getting-in are our analysis of the official data — not a Jobs and Skills Australia rating. How we work these out.
Getting in
Training level 4. Certificate II or III.
Why it's in shortage — and how hard it is to break in
Jobs and Skills Australia hasn't published a shortage-driver analysis for this occupation's group, so we can't say what's behind the shortage here — only that the shortage is real.
Will AI replace it?
Some parts could be automated; others are harder to replace. Expect AI to take on the routine pieces over time, while the hands-on, judgement-heavy parts stay human. How it lands depends on the specific role.
Our editorial read, based on the kind of work (its occupation group) — not a Jobs and Skills Australia rating, and not a prediction.
Five-year national trend
Strong, steady demand. Employers have struggled to fill these roles every year for the last five — a persistent shortage, and a dependable outlook for finding work.
● in shortage · ○ no shortage
Where it's in shortage (2025)
Open a state or territory for the local picture — its five-year trend, the regional vs metro read, and how it compares with the national rating.
Skilled migration list
This occupation is not on the current Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) as at 7 November 2025.
Being on the list says nothing about anyone's visa eligibility — it is one condition among many. This is general information, not migration advice. For advice about your circumstances, see the Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation lists or a registered migration agent (OMARA register).
Related occupations
Know the moment new numbers land
You're already seeing the newest numbers: the 2025 Occupation Shortage List is the government's current release — checked against the source in July 2026 — and apprentice pay rates include the 1 July 2026 increase. When the next list lands, we'll send one note: what moved, what it means. No newsletter, no selling your address.
ANZSCO 721912 · Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Occupation Shortage List 2025.