UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirements Explained

UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirements Explained

One of the most important — and often confusing — aspects of the UK Skilled Worker visa is meeting the salary requirement. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know.

The General Salary Threshold

As of April 2024, the general salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa is £38,700 per year. This was increased from £26,200 as part of the government's efforts to reduce net migration.

However, the salary you actually need to earn depends on two figures — and you must meet the higher of:

1. The general threshold (£38,700)
2. The going rate for your specific occupation

What Are Going Rates?

Going rates are occupation-specific salary benchmarks set by the Home Office, based on data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). Each occupation in the SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) system has its own going rate.

For example:

• Software developers (SOC 2134): going rate around £45,000
• Registered nurses (SOC 2231): going rate around £29,000
• Secondary school teachers (SOC 2314): going rate around £32,000

Some going rates are below the general threshold — in these cases, the general threshold of £38,700 applies unless an exception applies.

Exceptions and Lower Thresholds

Several categories of workers can qualify with a lower salary:

New Entrants

If you're under 26, a recent graduate, or in professional training, you may qualify as a new entrant. The threshold is reduced to the higher of:

• £30,960 (80% of the general threshold)
• 80% of the going rate for your occupation

Health and Education Roles

Certain health and education occupations have their own going rates that sit below the general threshold. Workers in these roles need to meet the going rate but not necessarily £38,700.

Immigration Salary List

Occupations on the Immigration Salary List (which replaced the Shortage Occupation List) benefit from a reduced threshold of the higher of:

• £38,700 (or the going rate, if lower)
• 80% of the going rate

PhD Holders

If you have a PhD relevant to your job, the threshold is reduced to the higher of:

• £34,830 (90% of the general threshold)
• 90% of the going rate

For a STEM PhD, the reduction is to the higher of:

• £30,960 (80% of the general threshold)
• 80% of the going rate

How Salary Is Calculated

Your salary must come from guaranteed basic gross pay only. The following are not included:

• Overtime pay
• Bonuses or commission
• Benefits in kind (company car, health insurance, etc.)
• Stock options or equity
• On-call or shift allowances

Part-Time Workers

If you work part-time, the going rate is pro-rated based on your weekly hours compared to the standard 37.5-hour week. However, you must still meet the minimum salary floor.

What Happens If Your Salary Changes?

If your salary drops below the required threshold during your visa period, your employer must report this to the Home Office. This could put your visa at risk, so it's important to negotiate a stable salary upfront.

Final Thoughts

Salary requirements are one of the trickiest parts of the Skilled Worker visa application. Always check the latest going rates on GOV.UK and seek professional advice if you're unsure whether your offer meets the threshold.