Is there a salary threshold for MLTSSL roles?

If you’re targeting a role on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), one of the most common questions I hear is: “Is there a minimum salary requirement?”

The short answer is yes — but it’s not just one simple number.

Let’s break it down clearly.

1️⃣ What Is the MLTSSL?

The Skilled Occupation List includes occupations Australia considers in long-term shortage. Roles on the MLTSSL are eligible for visas such as the:

• Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Medium-term stream)
• Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa
• Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa

Because these visas can lead to permanent residency, salary compliance is taken seriously.

2️⃣ The Key Salary Rule: TSMIT

For employer-sponsored visas like Subclass 482 and Subclass 186, the main salary benchmark is the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).

As of recent updates, the TSMIT is AUD $73,150 per year (before tax).

This means:

• Your employer must offer at least this amount
• The salary cannot be lower than the TSMIT
• It must also reflect market rates for your occupation

You can verify the latest figure directly from the Australian Department of Home Affairs:
👉 https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Important: The TSMIT changes occasionally, so always double-check before applying.

3️⃣ Market Salary Rate Matters Too

Here’s where many applicants get confused.

Even if a job pays above $73,150, it must also match what an Australian worker would earn in the same role. This is called the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) requirement.

For example:

• If software engineers in Sydney typically earn $95,000
• An employer cannot legally sponsor you for $75,000

The government wants to prevent underpayment of migrant workers.

4️⃣ What About Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)?

If you're applying for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa under MLTSSL, there is no fixed salary threshold because this visa is points-tested and not employer-sponsored.

However:

• Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL
• You must meet skill assessment standards
• Competitive income can strengthen your profile

5️⃣ Does Location Affect Salary Requirements?

Yes, sometimes.

Regional roles may have different market salary expectations. However, TSMIT still applies nationally for employer-sponsored visas.

If you're considering regional pathways, it’s worth reviewing options like:

👉 https://brigenai.com/move-work-australia
(We break down regional vs metro pathways in simple terms.)

6️⃣ Practical Advice (From Experience)

Here’s what I usually tell professionals:

• Don’t accept a salary just because it “meets visa minimum”
• Research market rates on Seek, Indeed, and Glassdoor
• Make sure your contract clearly states base salary (excluding bonuses)
• Confirm superannuation details

A strong MLTSSL occupation improves your migration pathway — but salary compliance is what keeps your visa secure.

Final Thoughts

Yes, there is a salary threshold for MLTSSL roles — particularly if you are employer-sponsored.

At minimum:

• You must meet TSMIT ($73,150)
• You must meet market salary rate requirements

If you're unsure whether your offer qualifies, it’s always better to check before lodging your visa.

At BRIGENAI, we help international professionals understand both career positioning and visa compliance — because securing the right salary is just as important as securing the job itself.