If you’re planning to work in the UK under the Skilled Worker visa route, one of the most important things to understand is the salary requirement. It’s a key part of the eligibility criteria and often one of the most confusing aspects for applicants and employers alike.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the salary thresholds, exceptions, and what recent updates mean for you.
💼 What Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UK in a qualifying job with an approved employer (also called a licensed sponsor). It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) work visa and is designed to attract skilled workers in a range of industries.
💷 The General Salary Threshold
As of 2024, the general salary threshold for most Skilled Worker visa applications is £38,700 per year or £15.88 per hour, depending on the role. This is a significant increase from the previous threshold of £26,200.
But—and this is important—the threshold is not one-size-fits-all. It varies based on factors like:
The occupation you’re applying under
Whether the job is on the Shortage Occupation List (soon being replaced by the “Immigration Salary List”)
Whether you’re a new entrant to the workforce
If you’re applying under specific health and care roles
🧑⚕️ Lower Salary Thresholds for Health and Care Workers
If you’re applying for a job in the health and care sector, such as nursing, social work, or certain medical technician roles, the salary threshold is often lower than the standard rate. For many of these roles, the annual salary requirement is around £23,200 or the going rate for that occupation—whichever is higher.
🎓 New Entrants Discount
If you’re classified as a “new entrant” to the labour market (typically under 26, or switching from a student visa), you might be eligible for a 30% discount on the salary threshold. That means your job offer could be as low as £30,960 depending on the role, making it easier for recent graduates to qualify.
🛠️ Shortage Occupation Roles / Immigration Salary List
Jobs that are considered in shortage (like certain engineering, IT, or health roles) may come with reduced salary thresholds. These are detailed in the government’s Immigration Salary List, which replaced the previous Shortage Occupation List.
These roles can have salary thresholds starting around £30,960 – but it’s crucial to check the specific code for your job to be sure.
📊 Going Rate for Occupations
Each eligible job under the Skilled Worker route has a “going rate”, which is the minimum salary typically paid for that job in the UK. You must meet both the general threshold and the going rate for your specific job code (unless an exception applies).
For example:
A Civil Engineer might have a going rate of £45,000/year
A Chef might need to earn at least £30,000/year
A Nurse could meet the requirement with around £26,200/year
📌 Key Tips Before Applying
Check your job code carefully – Salary requirements are tied to specific occupation codes.
Verify your sponsor – Your job offer must come from a licensed UK sponsor.
Understand the exceptions – You may qualify for a lower threshold based on age, job type, or experience.
Factor in the future – Salary requirements could increase, so plan accordingly if applying long-term.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Understanding the salary requirements for the UK Skilled Worker visa is crucial—not just for eligibility, but also to ensure you’re fairly compensated. With the new 2024 updates in place, the bar is higher than before, but exceptions and reduced thresholds still offer pathways for many workers, especially in high-demand sectors.
Whether you’re an applicant or an employer, staying informed about the evolving visa landscape can save you time, money, and stress down the line.
Need help navigating your Skilled Worker visa application?
Whether you’re a job seeker or a business looking to sponsor, we’re here to help. Reach out for tailored guidance based on your situation.
In partnership with Holmes & Partners Ltd, a leading solicitor firm with OISC Registration: F202000183.