If you’re eyeing a job offer from a UK employer, understanding the UK Skilled Worker visa salary requirements 2026 (and the updated 2027 thresholds now in effect) is the single most important step before you apply. The Home Office regularly adjusts minimum salary floors and “going rate” tables, and missing a threshold by even a few hundred pounds can mean a rejected application. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to earn, how exceptions work, and what to check before you sign an employment contract.
What Are the Current UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirements?
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, most applicants must meet two salary tests at the same time: a general salary threshold set by the Home Office, and the “going rate” for their specific occupation code. You must typically meet whichever figure is higher.
- General salary threshold: typically £38,700 per year for most new applicants (this replaced the older £26,200 threshold in recent reforms).
- Going rate: the median full-time salary for your specific Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, published in the Home Office’s going rate tables.
- Hourly minimum: a separate hourly floor (commonly around £15.88/hour) also applies and is checked alongside the annual figure.
Because thresholds are reviewed periodically, always confirm the latest figures on GOV.UK or with a licensed immigration consultant before submitting your application, since even small increases can affect eligibility for borderline salary offers.
Who Qualifies for Lower Salary Thresholds?
Not everyone needs to hit the standard £38,700 figure. The Home Office allows reduced thresholds for specific groups, which can be a realistic route in for early-career workers and those in shortage roles.
New Entrants to the Labour Market
If you’re under 26, a recent graduate switching from a Student visa, or moving from certain training-track visas, you may qualify as a “new entrant.” New entrants are usually allowed a reduced salary threshold, often around 30% below the standard rate.
Health and Care Visa Roles
Nurses, care workers, and other roles eligible under the Health and Care Worker visa route often benefit from lower salary requirements and reduced visa fees compared to the general Skilled Worker route.
Shortage and Specific Occupations
Certain occupations on the Immigration Salary List (which replaced the old Shortage Occupation List) may have adjusted going rates. Education, healthcare, and some engineering roles frequently appear here.
How the “Going Rate” Comparison Actually Works
Your sponsoring employer assigns your job a specific SOC code based on your role and duties. That code has its own published going rate, and this figure varies significantly by occupation.
| Occupation Example | Approx. Going Rate (Annual) | Typical Threshold Applied |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | £49,000+ | Going rate (above general floor) |
| Registered Nurse | £29,000–£35,000 | Health and Care route rate |
| Secondary School Teacher | £31,000–£33,000 | Sector-specific going rate |
| Marketing Manager | £40,000+ | General threshold or going rate |
Figures are illustrative ranges only — always verify exact current going rates for your SOC code directly on GOV.UK before applying.
Can Employers Include Benefits or Bonuses in the Salary Calculation?
This is where many applicants get tripped up. The Home Office only counts specific elements of your pay package toward the salary threshold.
- Counted: guaranteed basic pay, and in some cases guaranteed allowances stated in your contract.
- Not counted: discretionary bonuses, overtime pay, benefits in kind (like accommodation or company car), pension contributions, and one-off relocation payments.
If your job offer relies heavily on bonuses or “total compensation” figures to reach the threshold, it’s worth asking your employer’s HR or immigration team to clarify what portion is guaranteed basic salary, since only that part typically counts.
Part-Time and Reduced-Hours Roles
Part-time work is allowed under the Skilled Worker route, but the salary is pro-rated based on hours worked. This means the hourly rate requirement often becomes the deciding factor rather than the annual figure.
If you’re negotiating a part-time contract, calculate your effective hourly rate carefully and compare it against both the hourly minimum and the pro-rated annual threshold for your occupation.
Steps to Confirm You Meet the 2027 Salary Threshold
- Ask your employer for the exact SOC code assigned to your role.
- Check the current going rate for that SOC code on GOV.UK.
- Compare your guaranteed basic salary (not total package) against both the general threshold and the going rate.
- Confirm whether you qualify as a new entrant or under a reduced-threshold category.
- Request written confirmation of your salary and job details before your employer issues the Certificate of Sponsorship.
For a broader walkthrough of eligibility criteria beyond salary, see our detailed UK Skilled Worker Visa: Eligibility and Application guide, which covers sponsorship, English language requirements, and documentation.
What Happens After You Meet the Salary Threshold?
Meeting the salary requirement is only one part of a successful application. You’ll also need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer, proof of English language ability, and sufficient maintenance funds unless your employer certifies these on your behalf.
If you’re planning long-term settlement rather than just a temporary work stint, it’s worth understanding how continuous employment under this visa eventually leads to permanent residency. Our guide on the Step-by-Step Guide to UK Permanent Residency explains the qualifying period and requirements in detail.
It’s also wise to sort out practical logistics early — comparing a best remittance service for sending money home, checking the foreign exchange rate today before converting savings, and reviewing best travel insurance plan options (especially travel insurance with pre-existing conditions if relevant) can save you stress once you land in the UK.
Common Mistakes That Cause Salary-Based Refusals
- Comparing total compensation instead of guaranteed basic salary.
- Using an outdated SOC code going rate from a previous policy year.
- Assuming new entrant discounts apply without checking eligibility criteria.
- Forgetting the hourly rate minimum when negotiating part-time hours.
- Not confirming updated thresholds directly with the employer’s sponsor licence team.
Working with a registered immigration consultant or your employer’s in-house immigration team can help you avoid these errors, particularly if your salary sits close to the threshold line.
FAQ
Does the UK Skilled Worker visa salary requirement change every year?
Yes, the Home Office periodically reviews and adjusts both the general salary threshold and occupation-specific going rates. It’s important to check the applicable figures at the time you submit your application, not just when you receive a job offer.
Can I switch jobs after getting a Skilled Worker visa if the new role pays less?
You can change employer or job, but the new role must still meet the relevant salary threshold and going rate for that occupation at the time of the change, and your new employer must sponsor you with an updated Certificate of Sponsorship.
Do I need a job offer before checking if I meet the salary requirement?
You typically need a specific job offer and SOC code to check the exact going rate that applies to you, since thresholds vary by occupation. However, you can review the general salary floor in advance to gauge whether a role is likely to qualify.