Understanding the Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold

If you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, you must meet two salary thresholds: a general threshold and an occupation-specific threshold. These thresholds are designed to ensure that migrant workers make a sufficient economic contribution and are paid fairly compared to resident workers. This article explains the latest figures, how hourly rates relate to annual salaries, and what the thresholds mean for full-time and part-time workers.

The General Threshold: £44,000 per Year

According to a GOV.UK technical note published in May 2026, the general threshold for the Skilled Worker route is set at the 30th percentile of the full-time annual earnings distribution for all eligible RQF6+ non-pay-scale occupations. Using the latest Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025 data, this produces a threshold of £44,000 (rounded to the nearest £100). This figure replaces the previous general threshold of £41,700 that was in place from April 2024.

The general threshold is a minimum annual salary that applies regardless of the number of hours worked. It is never pro-rated, meaning a part-time worker must still earn at least £44,000 per year to qualify, unless they are in a healthcare or education role with a separate pay-scale arrangement.

Occupation-Specific Threshold: Based on Median Hourly Pay

In addition to the general threshold, each eligible occupation has its own salary floor set at the median hourly earnings for that occupation (excluding overtime). This prevents visa holders from being underpaid for the type of work they do. The occupation-specific threshold is pro-rated based on contracted hours, so a part-time worker must be paid at least the median hourly rate for their job.

For context, the ONS ASHE 2025 bulletin reports that median hourly earnings (excluding overtime) for full-time employees were £19.67 per hour in April 2025. Median weekly earnings were £766.60, and median gross annual earnings for those in the same job for at least a year were £39,039. These figures give a sense of the general pay level in the UK, but the occupation-specific threshold will vary by job.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

To compare your hourly pay with the annual thresholds, use the standard conversion: annual salary ≈ hourly rate × contracted hours per week × 52 weeks. Most full-time roles assume 37.5 hours per week, so:

• £44,000 per year ÷ (37.5 hrs × 52 weeks) ≈ £22.56 per hour
• £39,039 per year ÷ (37.5 hrs × 52 weeks) ≈ £20.02 per hour

However, remember that the general threshold is a fixed annual amount, not a rate. If you work fewer hours, you still need to earn £44,000 annually. This makes part-time work under the Skilled Worker route difficult unless your hourly rate is very high.

National Living Wage and Pay Floors

The National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over was £12.21 per hour in April 2025, rising to £12.71 per hour for 2026/27. At 37.5 hours per week, that equates to roughly £24,784 per year. While the NLW is the legal minimum, the skilled worker visa salary threshold is much higher, reflecting the requirement for skilled roles.

Healthcare and Education: Lower Thresholds

Certain occupations in healthcare and education are paid according to national pay scales, and they have separate, lower salary thresholds. For example, the Review of Salary Requirements (GOV.UK, January 2026) notes that qualified teachers outside London start at £32,916 per year. NHS pay scales for 2026/27 have also been updated by NHS Employers, including higher cost area supplements for London. Workers in these roles may qualify for the Skilled Worker visa with a lower annual salary, but they still must meet the occupation-specific median rate for their role.

London Weighting and Regional Differences

London weighting can affect pay, but the impact on median thresholds is modest. The Review of Salary Requirements shows that excluding London from the calculation reduces the median annual earnings for all eligible occupations by only 5.6% (from £52,400 to £49,600). The general threshold is calculated at a percentile rather than the mean, so London’s high salaries have less influence. Nevertheless, if you work in London, your actual pay may be higher due to market rates or employer supplements.

Practical Tips for Applicants

• Use our Hourly to Salary converter to estimate your annual pay based on your hourly rate and contracted hours.
• Check the occupation-specific threshold for your job code on the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa pages.
• Remember that the general threshold is not pro-rated: if you work part-time, you must still earn £44,000 per year unless you are in a pay-scale occupation.
• For more detailed UK earnings data, see our salary data page.

Summary

The skilled worker visa salary threshold for 2026 is £44,000 per year (general threshold) plus an occupation-specific hourly rate set at the median for your job. The general threshold is not pro-rated, making it challenging for part-time workers. Healthcare and education roles have lower thresholds based on national pay scales. Always check the latest official guidance from GOV.UK and consult your employer about your specific salary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the skilled worker visa salary threshold for 2026?

The general skilled worker visa salary threshold is £44,000 per year, based on the 30th percentile of full-time annual earnings for eligible occupations (ASHE 2025). There is also an occupation-specific threshold set at the median hourly pay for your job. Both must be met, but the general threshold is not pro-rated for part-time hours.

How do I convert my hourly rate to an annual salary for visa purposes?

To estimate your annual salary from an hourly rate, multiply your hourly pay by your contracted hours per week and then by 52 weeks. For example, £20 per hour at 37.5 hours per week gives £20 × 37.5 × 52 = £39,000 per year. However, the skilled worker visa general threshold is a fixed annual amount (£44,000) that does not change with hours worked, so part-time workers must still earn that annual minimum.

Does the skilled worker visa salary threshold differ for part-time workers?

Yes, but only for the occupation-specific threshold, which is pro-rated based on hours. The general threshold of £44,000 is not pro-rated, meaning part-time workers must earn at least £44,000 per year to qualify, unless they are in a healthcare or education role with a lower pay-scale threshold. This can make part-time work under the skilled worker route challenging.