Skilled Worker salary rules

The minimum salary, the going rate and how they work together.

Checked against gov.uk on 28 Oct 2026

Who this is for: Job seekers checking an offer, and anyone comparing a salary with the Skilled Worker rules.

For a Skilled Worker visa, gov.uk says the salary has to meet the higher of two figures: a general minimum of £41,700 a year, or the going rate for the occupation code. Whichever is higher is the one that applies.

The going rate is set for each SOC occupation code and listed in the going rates table. For example, if the going rate for your code is £45,000, a salary of £42,000 would fall short, even though it is above £41,700. Healthcare and education jobs follow different rules, because their pay is based on national pay scales.

Skill level matters too. Gov.uk groups occupation codes as higher skilled or medium skilled. Higher skilled jobs are eligible. Medium skilled jobs are eligible only if they are on the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List, with a few narrow exceptions such as certain extensions. The Temporary Shortage List only counts where the Certificate of Sponsorship was issued before 31 December 2026.

Gov.uk also has a separate page on when you can be paid less than the general minimum, for example in some cases when you extend or change employer. Read that page for your own situation, because the rules are specific.

Your employer, as sponsor, issues the Certificate of Sponsorship, and you must apply within 3 months of receiving it. Pay also has to meet UK minimum wage and working time rules.

Key points

  • The salary must meet the higher of £41,700 a year or the going rate for the occupation code, per gov.uk.
  • Going rates are set per SOC code. Find yours in the going rates table.
  • Healthcare and education roles follow national pay scales instead.
  • Medium skilled jobs are eligible only if they are on the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List, with some narrow exceptions.
  • Gov.uk lists situations where you can be paid less. Check that page for your case.
  • You must apply within 3 months of receiving the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Typical order of events

  1. Job offerAsk for the job title, duties and the SOC code the employer will use.
  2. Check the codeLook up the going rate for that code and compare it with £41,700.
  3. CompareThe higher of the two figures is the minimum your salary has to meet.
  4. CertificateYour employer issues the Certificate of Sponsorship. You then have 3 months to apply.

General information only. This page does not say whether you qualify for anything, and rules change, so check the linked gov.uk pages. For advice on your own case, use an IAA-registered adviser or a solicitor.