Fast Track Your Career in Australia as a Structural Engineer
Secure your Australia PR Visa faster as a Structural Engineer with a 100% EA-approved CDR report. Get expert help now and maximise your chances of success!
Structural Engineer - ANZSCO 233214
A Structural Engineer is a qualified professional responsible for analysing, designing, and supervising the construction of various structures, including buildings, bridges, and infrastructure projects.
Structural Engineers apply principles of physics, mathematics, and materials science to develop safe, efficient, and cost-effective solutions.
Their duties involve assessing the strength, stability, and durability of materials and structural systems to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Job Responsibilities as a Structural Engineer
The work you will be doing once you land as a structural engineer in Australia or New Zealand is as follows:
- Analyse static and dynamic properties of all types of structures.
- Test materials to understand their stress response and long-term durability.
- Design structures ranging from commercial high-rises to underwater tunnels.
- Supervise on-site construction to ensure the blueprint becomes a safe reality.
- Use software like Revit, STAAD.Pro, AutoCAD, SAP2000, and more.
- Assess risks associated with environmental factors, including earthquakes, floods, and high winds.
- Cooperate with clients, architects, engineers, and local authorities to ensure seamless project execution.
Industries That Need Structural Engineers
Your skills are in demand across a variety of fast-growing industries:
- Energy – Renewable energy projects like wind farms and solar stations.
- Infrastructure – Highways, tunnels, airports, and railway stations.
- Pharmaceuticals – Structural planning for secure, high-standard facilities.
- Waste Management – Structural designs for treatment plants and waste disposal units.
- Mining & Resources – Support frameworks and underground structures.
- Construction & Real Estate – High-rise buildings, malls, and smart cities.
ANZSCO Structure
| Major Group | Sub-Major Group | Minor Group | Unit Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 - Professionals | 23 - Design, Engineering, Science and Transport Professionals | 233 - Engineering Professionals | 2332 - Civil Engineering |
Job Outlook
| WEEKLY EARNINGS | $1962 |
| WORK FULL TIME HOURS | 89% |
| GROWTH EXCEPTED IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS | Very Strong |
| GENDER SHARE | 11% FEMALE |
| AVERAGE FULL-TIME | 44 Hours |
| SKILL LEVEL RATING | Very High Skills |
| AVERAGE AGE | Males: 39.2, Females: 33.1, Persons: 38.3 |
| EMPLOYED | 6,200 |
Average Salary
The annual salary for structural engineers in Australia and New Zealand ranges from AUD $100,000 to $120,000 and from $95,000 to $115,000, depending on location and experience. The cost of living is balanced by the quality of life, safety, and excellent public services in both countries.
The demand for skilled structural engineers is booming in both Australia and New Zealand, and ANZSCO 233214 is the code to turn a dream into a reality.
Required Skill Level for Structural Engineer Migration
Skill level 1:
This level is reserved for experts who can work independently on complex tasks. To be eligible under ANZSCO 233214, you’ll need:
Education:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (or higher).
- Preferably, your degree should be from a university accredited under the Washington Accord.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience.
- Proven track record of managing design and construction projects.
- Familiarity with international building codes (such as AS/NZS, Eurocodes, or ACI).
- Having additional certifications in sustainability, project management, or construction safety gives you a competitive edge.
Skill Assessment Authority
Before you pack your bags, your skills need to be assessed by the official bodies in Australia or New Zealand.
For Australia: Engineers Australia (EA)
For Australia, you must apply through Engineers Australia, which assesses your engineering qualifications, work experience, and English language skills.
To show these skills, you must submit a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR), which includes three Career Episodes describing your engineering projects, a Summary Statement mapping your experience to EA’s competencies, and a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) list.
For New Zealand: Engineering New Zealand
In New Zealand, Engineering New Zealand will evaluate you based on Accredited qualifications, Work experience, and Professional membership (optional but beneficial). Always apply under the Skilled Migrant Category, which focuses on skills shortage and regional development.
Skill Priority in 2023
The Skills Priority List (SPL) provides a detailed view of occupations that are facing a shortage at a national level and within different states and territories in Australia. It also gives information about the expected future demand for different professions.
- S: Shortage
- NS: No Shortage
- R: Regional Shortage
| National | NSW | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | TAS | NT | ACT | Future Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | At Economy-Wide Average |
Potential Visa Pathways for Structural Engineer ANZSCO Code 233214
| ANZSCO | OCCUPATION | SKILLS ASSESSMENT | 189 | 190 | 485 | 491 (STATE) | 491 (FAMILY) | 186 (DIRECT) | 407 (TRAINING) | 494 (REGIONAL SPONSORED) | 482 (TSS MEDIUM TERM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 233214 | Structural Engineer | Engineers Australia |  | | | | | | | | |
2022/12/08 Round Results
| Lowest Points Score Invited subclass 189 (Points-tested stream) | Lowest Points Score Invited Subclass 491 (Family Sponsored Regional) |
|---|---|
| Offshore: 85 | Offshore: N/A* |
| Onshore: 85 | Onshore: N/A* |
2022/10/06 Round Results
| Lowest Points Score Invited subclass 189 (Points-tested stream) | Lowest Points Score Invited Subclass 491 (Family Sponsored Regional) |
|---|---|
| Offshore: 65 | Offshore: 65 |
| Onshore: N/A | Onshore: N/A |
UNIT GROUP 2332: Structural Engineer
Occupations in Unit Group 2332
- Civil Engineer 233211
- Geotechnical Engineer 233212
- Structural Engineer 233214
- Transport Engineer 233215
ANZSCO Code Unit Group 2332, recognised by Engineers Australia as the “Civil Engineering Professionals occupation group,” includes roles dedicated to the design, construction, and maintenance of the built environment.
This group covers a range of specialisations highly valued in Australia, such as Civil Engineering (233211), Geotechnical Engineering (233212), Structural Engineering (233214), and Transport Engineering (233215). If you have experience in any of these areas, you may be eligible for skilled migration or professional recognition in Australia.
English Requirement
| ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST | OVERALL SCORE | MINIMUM REQUIRED SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 7 | Overall 6.0, with no band score below 6.0 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | B | B |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | 93 | 12 in listening, 13 in reading, 21 in writing, 23 in speaking |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | 65 | 50 in (writing, reading, listening), 65 in speaking |
Exceptions
- The English language requirement for certain visas can be waived for applicants from English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.
- English language requirements may be reduced for individuals sponsored by an Australian employer or those who completed tertiary education in Australia.
- Visas may waive English tests for applicants with 5+ years of relevant Australian work experience.
- Additionally, the English language requirement may be waived if a medical condition prevents the applicant from taking the test.
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faq
Get All Your Questions Answered Here
Have Questions? Here Are Quick Answer Too Some Of The Most Common Queries About CDR Report.
What do structural engineers in Australia do?
Structural engineers in Australia design, analyse, and oversee the construction of buildings, bridges, towers, and other structures. They ensure projects are safe, functional, and cost-effective from concept to completion.
What qualifications are needed to become a structural engineer in Australia?
You typically need a Bachelor’s degree or higher in civil or structural engineering. Some positions may require further study or experience. Overseas qualifications may need to be assessed by Engineers Australia.
Is registration or licensing required to work as a structural engineer in Australia?
Yes, registration or licensing is required in some states and territories, especially for engineers who sign off on designs or supervise construction. Requirements vary by location; check with the local engineering board or Engineers Australia.
Do structural engineers consider environmental factors in their designs?
Yes, they consider factors like earthquakes, wind loads, bushfires, and climate conditions to ensure the structure’s safety and durability.
What skills do structural engineers in Australia need?
Some of the key skills for Structural engineers include:
- Strong knowledge of physics, mechanics, and materials science
- Proficiency with technical drawing and engineering software
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Effective communication and teamwork abilities
What is the average salary for a structural engineer in Australia?
The average weekly earnings are approximately $1,962 (full-time), according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2016).
What is the job outlook for structural engineers in Australia?
The outlook is very strong, with high demand expected over the next five years due to ongoing infrastructure projects nationwide.
What English language skills are required for migration or assessment?
Most skill assessments require at least IELTS 7 overall (with no less than 6 in any band and 7 in speaking), or equivalent scores in OET, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic. Requirements may be waived for applicants from certain countries or backgrounds.
Can overseas structural engineers migrate to Australia?
Yes. Overseas-trained engineers must have their qualifications and experience assessed by Engineers Australia, usually via a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR).
What visa pathways are available for structural engineers?
Structural engineers (ANZSCO 233214) are eligible for several skilled migration visas, including:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
- Employer-sponsored visas (e.g., 186, 482)
Eligibility depends on points score, skills assessment, English proficiency, and other criteria.
