Understanding the Minimum Salary for Skilled Worker Visa in 2026

Understanding the Minimum Salary for Skilled Worker Visa

If you are a UK worker or job seeker looking to sponsor or be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa, the minimum salary for skilled worker visa is one of the most critical figures to understand. It is not a single number but a combination of a general threshold and an occupation-specific 'going rate'. This guide explains how to read the headline rate and what it means for your pay.

The General Threshold: £41,700 per Year

As of the latest immigration rules, the standard minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa is £41,700 per year. This is the general threshold set by the Home Office. However, this is only part of the story. You must also be paid at least the 'going rate' for your specific job. If the going rate is higher than £41,700, you must be paid that higher amount. GOV.UK guidance states: "You’ll usually need to be paid the ‘standard’ salary rate of at least £41,700 per year, or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher."

Occupation-Specific Going Rates

Each eligible occupation code has its own annual going rate, based on median full-time earnings for that role. These rates are published in the government's going rates table. For example, a software developer may have a going rate of £55,000, while a chef might have £30,000. If your occupation's going rate is below £41,700, you still need to meet the general threshold. If it is above, you must meet the going rate. The going rates are calculated for a standard 37.5-hour week. If you work fewer or more hours, the salary must be pro-rated accordingly. The Home Office uses the formula: (going rate × weekly hours) ÷ 37.5.

Special Cases: Health and Care, Education, and New Entrants

Certain roles have different rules. For the Health and Care visa, the minimum salary is £25,000 per year (and at least £12.82 per hour), based on national pay scales such as NHS Agenda for Change. Similarly, eligible teaching and education leadership jobs follow national pay scales. For prison officers, a lower going rate of £31,300 applies. New entrants (e.g., those under 26, switching from a Student visa, or in certain post-study roles) may be paid 70–90% of the going rate, but still must meet the general threshold in most cases. If you do not qualify for any of these exceptions, you might still be eligible if your salary is at least £33,400 per year under specific conditions, as outlined in the sponsor guidance.

How the Threshold Compares to the National Living Wage

It is important to distinguish the visa salary requirement from the statutory National Living Wage (currently £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21+). A full-time worker on the National Living Wage earns roughly £24,000 per year, which is far below the Skilled Worker visa general threshold. However, employers must still comply with National Minimum Wage regulations. The visa salary is an additional immigration requirement, not a replacement for wage laws. For more on statutory rates, see our UK Minimum Wage.

Recent and Proposed Changes

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended increasing the general threshold to £44,000 per year based on the 30th percentile of full-time earnings using ASHE 2025 data. This change is not yet in force, but it signals a likely future increase. The MAC also advises that occupation-specific thresholds remain at the median (50th percentile). Keep an eye on official announcements for updates.

How to Check the Going Rate for Your Job

To find the correct minimum salary for your skilled worker visa application, follow these steps:

1. Identify your 4-digit occupation code (SOC 2020).
2. Check the GOV.UK going rates table for that code.
3. If you work in healthcare or education, refer to the national pay scales instead.
4. Confirm your weekly working hours and pro-rate the going rate if necessary.
5. Ensure your salary meets both the general threshold and the going rate (or applicable exception).

For more detailed guidance on pay calculations, visit our pay guides page.

Practical Tips for Workers and Job Seekers

• Ask your employer to confirm the occupation code and going rate before applying.
• Check your contract for guaranteed hours and salary; overtime does not count towards the visa salary requirement.
• Remember that the visa salary is gross pay before tax and National Insurance. Your take-home pay will be lower.
• If you are switching visas or extending, different salary rules may apply. Always consult the latest Home Office guidance.

Understanding the minimum salary for skilled worker visa is essential for a successful application. By knowing the general threshold, the going rate, and any exceptions, you can ensure your job offer meets the requirements. For further reading, see our pay data for average earnings by occupation.

Summary

The headline rate of £41,700 is just the starting point. The real minimum salary for skilled worker visa is the higher of that figure or your occupation's going rate. Special rules for health, education, and new entrants can lower the bar, but most applicants need at least £41,700. Always verify the going rate for your specific role and pro-rate for part-time hours. Stay informed about proposed changes, such as the MAC's recommendation for £44,000, to plan your career move.