What Is the Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirement?

To qualify for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must normally be paid enough for the job you are being sponsored to do. However, the salary requirement is not based on a single figure.

In most cases, your salary must meet both of the following requirements:

• The general minimum salary threshold.
• The required going rate for your occupation code.

Your salary must satisfy whichever of these is higher.

This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the Skilled Worker visa. Many applicants believe that earning above the general salary threshold automatically makes them eligible. In reality, your occupation may have a higher required salary, meaning you must meet that higher amount instead.

What Is the General Salary Threshold?

For most new Skilled Worker visa applications in 2026, the standard minimum salary threshold is:

£41,700 per year

This threshold applies to many applicants entering the Skilled Worker route for the first time.

However, meeting the £41,700 threshold alone does not necessarily mean you qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. Your occupation's going rate must also be considered.

The Home Office assesses both requirements before deciding whether your salary is sufficient.

Understanding the "Whichever Is Higher" Rule

The Skilled Worker visa salary requirement is based on the higher of:

• The general salary threshold.
• The going rate for your occupation.

This means that your salary must satisfy whichever figure is greater.

Example 1

Suppose you receive a job offer with:

• Salary: £42,000
• Occupation going rate: £45,000

Although your salary is above the general threshold, it is still below the required going rate.

Result: You would not normally meet the salary requirement.

Example 2

Suppose your job offer is:

• Salary: £48,000
• Occupation going rate: £40,000

Your salary exceeds both the general threshold and the occupation's going rate.

Result: You would normally meet the salary requirement.

Understanding this rule before accepting a sponsored job can save considerable time and prevent avoidable visa refusals.

What Is the Going Rate?

Every eligible occupation has its own salary benchmark known as the going rate.

The going rate is determined by the UK Government and is linked to your occupation code rather than your employer.

For example, different going rates apply to occupations such as:

• Software developers
• Civil engineers
• Nurses
• Teachers
• Accountants
• Care workers
• Architects
• Marketing professionals

Because every occupation is different, two Skilled Worker applicants can have completely different salary requirements even if they work for the same employer.

How Is the Going Rate Calculated?

Going rates are generally based on a standard working week of 37.5 hours.

If your employment contract involves fewer or more contracted hours, your salary requirement may be adjusted in accordance with the Home Office rules.

Your employer should ensure that the salary entered on your Certificate of Sponsorship reflects the correct occupation code and meets the required salary level.

Applicants should also check these details carefully before submitting their visa application.

Why Does the UK Have Going Rates?

The purpose of occupation-specific going rates is to ensure that sponsored workers are paid appropriately for the role they perform.

Without occupation-specific salary requirements, employers could potentially sponsor workers on salaries significantly below market expectations for certain professions.

Going rates therefore help maintain consistency across different occupations while supporting fair pay for sponsored workers.

Can You Be Paid Less Than the Standard Salary Threshold?

Yes, but only in specific circumstances.

Some applicants may qualify under reduced salary thresholds if they meet particular Home Office criteria.

Examples include:

• New entrants to the labour market.
• Workers sponsored in eligible Immigration Salary List occupations.
• Applicants with qualifying PhD qualifications.
• Certain healthcare and education professionals.
• Some applicants covered by transitional arrangements.

Even where a lower salary threshold applies, applicants must still satisfy the relevant Home Office salary rules for their particular circumstances.

The applicable salary requirement depends on the tradeable points option used in the Skilled Worker route and the occupation being sponsored.

When Can You Be Paid Less?

Although the standard salary threshold applies to most new Skilled Worker visa applicants, the Immigration Rules allow some workers to qualify with a lower salary if they meet specific eligibility criteria.

These lower salary options are sometimes referred to as tradeable points because applicants can meet the salary requirement in different ways, depending on their circumstances.

Qualifying for a lower salary does not mean there is no minimum salary requirement. You must still meet the applicable threshold and the relevant percentage of your occupation's going rate.

Important: Your employer cannot simply choose to pay a lower salary. You must qualify under one of the options permitted by the Immigration Rules.

New Entrant Salary Requirements

A new entrant is someone who is at an early stage of their career and meets the Home Office's eligibility criteria.

Applicants who qualify as new entrants may benefit from a lower salary requirement than the standard Skilled Worker threshold.

Examples of people who may qualify include those who are:

• Switching from an eligible Student or Graduate visa in qualifying circumstances.
• Under the maximum age specified in the Immigration Rules when sponsored.
• Working towards recognised professional qualifications.
• Undertaking postdoctoral positions in qualifying roles.

For many new entrants, the applicable salary threshold is lower than the standard threshold. However, applicants must still meet the required percentage of their occupation's going rate.

New entrant status is temporary and cannot normally be relied upon indefinitely.

Immigration Salary List Occupations

Some occupations appear on the Immigration Salary List (ISL).

These are occupations identified by the UK Government where reduced salary thresholds may apply for eligible Skilled Worker applicants.

If your occupation is included on the Immigration Salary List, you may benefit from:

• A lower minimum salary requirement.
• Reduced visa application fees.
• Eligibility under a different tradeable points option.

Being on the Immigration Salary List does not automatically guarantee visa approval. You must still meet all other Skilled Worker visa requirements.

The list is reviewed periodically and can change, so always check the latest version before submitting your application.

PhD Salary Discounts

Applicants with relevant doctoral qualifications may also qualify for reduced salary thresholds.

Whether a discount applies depends on factors such as:

• Whether your PhD is directly relevant to the sponsored role.
• Whether the qualification is in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) subject.
• Which tradeable points option applies to your application.

Even where a PhD discount is available, applicants must still meet the applicable proportion of the occupation's going rate.

Healthcare and Education Salary Rules

Not every occupation follows the standard salary threshold.

Many healthcare and education roles are linked to nationally agreed pay scales instead.

Examples include:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Midwives
• Paramedics
• Teachers

For these occupations, employers generally assess salary against the relevant national pay scale rather than relying solely on the standard Skilled Worker salary threshold.

If you are applying for one of these professions, it is important to check the salary requirements that apply specifically to your occupation.

Transitional Arrangements

Some Skilled Worker visa holders who entered the route before changes to the Immigration Rules may be covered by transitional arrangements.

These provisions can affect:

• Visa extensions.
• Applications to change employer.
• Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) applications.

The salary rules that apply to transitional cases can differ from those for new applicants.

If you already hold Skilled Worker permission, check which rules apply to your individual circumstances before making your next application.

Salary Examples

Understanding the rules is much easier with practical examples.

Example 1 – Salary Meets Both Requirements

Occupation going rate: £40,000

Job offer: £43,000

The salary exceeds both the general salary threshold and the occupation's going rate.

Outcome: The salary requirement is met.

---

Example 2 – Going Rate Not Met

Occupation going rate: £46,000

Job offer: £42,000

Although the salary exceeds the general threshold, it is lower than the occupation's going rate.

Outcome: The salary requirement is not normally met.

---

Example 3 – Eligible New Entrant

Applicant qualifies as a new entrant.

Job offer meets the applicable new entrant salary threshold and required proportion of the occupation's going rate.

Outcome: The applicant may qualify under the new entrant provisions.

These examples are simplified and should not replace the detailed Home Office guidance for individual cases.

Common Salary Mistakes

Understanding the salary rules can help you avoid delays and visa refusals.

Assuming the General Salary Threshold Is Enough

Many applicants focus only on the headline salary threshold.

However, the occupation's going rate may be higher, meaning a larger salary is required.

Using the Wrong Occupation Code

Each occupation code has its own salary requirement.

An incorrect occupation code can result in your salary being assessed against the wrong going rate.

Ignoring Contracted Working Hours

Going rates are based on standard working hours.

Different contracted hours can affect how salary requirements are calculated.

Relying on Outdated Information

Salary thresholds, occupation codes and the Immigration Salary List can change.

Always check the latest official guidance before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Skilled Worker salary threshold in 2026?

For most new Skilled Worker visa applicants, the general salary threshold is £41,700 per year, although some applicants qualify under different salary rules.

Does earning more than £41,700 guarantee my visa will be approved?

No.

Your salary must normally meet both the general threshold and the required going rate for your occupation, in addition to all other Skilled Worker visa requirements.

What is a going rate?

The going rate is the minimum salary set for each eligible occupation code under the Skilled Worker route.

Can bonuses count towards my salary?

The Home Office has detailed rules about what payments count towards the salary requirement. Not every bonus or allowance can be included.

Where can I find my occupation's going rate?

The UK Government publishes the official going rates for every eligible Skilled Worker occupation code.

Related Articles

• What Is a Certificate of Sponsorship?
• Graduate Visa to Skilled Worker Visa Guide
• Skilled Worker Visa Refusal Reasons
• Skilled Worker Visa Document Checklist
• How to Find UK Visa Sponsorship Jobs

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. While we aim to keep our content accurate and up to date, UK immigration rules and Home Office guidance can change. Always check the latest official guidance before making immigration decisions. Noborda is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with the UK Government or the Home Office.