Understanding the Minimum Salary for Skilled Worker Visa

If you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, understanding the salary requirements is crucial. The minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa is not a single figure; it consists of a general threshold and an occupation-specific 'going rate'. This guide explains how these thresholds work, how to convert your hourly rate to an annual salary, and how your pay compares with UK benchmarks.

The General Threshold

The general threshold is a fixed annual minimum that applies regardless of your working hours. Currently, it is set at £41,700 per year. However, a technical note from the Home Office confirms that from May 2026, this will increase to £44,000, based on the 30th percentile of full-time earnings for eligible occupations. This threshold is never pro-rated – even if you work part-time, you must be paid at least this amount annually.

Occupation-Specific Going Rates

In addition to the general threshold, your job must pay at least the 'going rate' for your occupation code. These going rates are based on median earnings for that role, calculated from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). They are set for a standard 37.5-hour week and must be pro-rated if you work different hours. For example, if the going rate for your occupation is £45,000 per year but you work 30 hours per week, your salary must be at least £45,000 × (30/37.5) = £36,000, but you still need to meet the £41,700 general threshold.

Healthcare and education roles use national pay scales instead of the standard going rates. For instance, NHS pay bands or teacher pay scales apply, and the general threshold may also be adjusted.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

To check if your hourly rate meets the thresholds, use the standard conversion: annual salary = hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. The visa rules assume a 37.5-hour week for going rates, so that is the most relevant benchmark. For example:

• An hourly rate of £21.40 gives £21.40 × 37.5 × 52 = £41,730 – just above the current general threshold.
• To meet the new £44,000 threshold, you would need about £22.56 per hour (£22.56 × 37.5 × 52 = £44,000).

Remember that the general threshold is not pro-rated, so if you work fewer than 37.5 hours, your hourly rate must be higher to reach the annual minimum.

UK Earnings Benchmarks

Understanding where your salary sits relative to UK averages can help you negotiate or plan. According to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings for April 2025:

• Median full-time annual earnings: £39,039
• Median full-time weekly earnings: £766.60
• Median full-time hourly pay (excluding overtime): £19.67

The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over was £12.21 per hour from April 2025, giving an annual salary of about £23,809.50 at 37.5 hours per week. Note that the National Living Wage is reviewed annually and typically increases.

London Weighting and Regional Differences

London weighting can affect actual pay, but the salary thresholds are set using national data. The Home Office review of salary requirements found that excluding London from calculations would lower the median by only about 5.6% (GOV.UK review). This means that while London jobs often pay more, the thresholds are designed to be fair across the UK. If you work in London, your employer may offer a higher salary to account for living costs, but the visa minimum remains the same.

Practical Tips for Job Seekers

• Check your occupation code on the GOV.UK list of eligible occupations and note the going rate.
• Use our Hourly to Salary converter to quickly see annual equivalents.
• Read more salary articles on our blog for detailed breakdowns of UK pay scales.
• Remember that overtime and bonuses do not count towards the threshold – only guaranteed base pay and certain allowances.
• If you are in healthcare or education, refer to the relevant national pay scales rather than the standard going rates.

Summary

The minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa is a dual requirement: a general threshold of £41,700 (rising to £44,000) and an occupation-specific going rate. Both are based on gross annual pay, excluding extras. Use the 37.5-hour week conversion to check your hourly rate, and always consult the latest GOV.UK guidance for your specific job. Understanding these thresholds will help you ensure your visa application meets the financial requirements and that you are paid fairly for your work in the UK.