Minimum Salary for Skilled Worker Visa UK: Age Bands and Eligibility Explained

Understanding the Minimum Salary for Skilled Worker Visa UK

If you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa, one of the most important requirements is meeting the minimum salary threshold. The rules can seem complex because they combine a general annual minimum with occupation-specific rates and several discounts. This guide explains how age bands, qualifications, and job type affect the minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa UK applicants.

The General Threshold and Going Rates

All Skilled Worker visa applicants must be paid at least £41,700 per year, unless they qualify for a lower rate. This is the general threshold, which is never pro-rated – even if you work part-time, your annual salary must meet this figure. In addition, your salary must equal or exceed the ‘going rate’ for your specific occupation code. The going rate is the median full-time annual earnings for that job, based on the latest ASHE data. You can find the exact figure for your occupation in the official GOV.UK going rates table.

For example, if the going rate for your job is £45,000, you must be paid at least that amount, even though the general threshold is lower. If your salary is £42,000 but the going rate is £45,000, you would not meet the standard requirements.

Age Bands and New Entrant Discounts

One of the most common ways to qualify with a lower salary is through the new entrant discount. You can be paid 70% of the standard going rate if you meet one of the following conditions:

• You are under 26 on the date you apply.
• You are currently in the UK on a Student visa studying at bachelor’s level or above (or have been in the last two years).
• You are on a Graduate visa (or have been in the last two years).
• You will be working towards a recognised qualification in a UK regulated profession.
• You will be working towards full registration or chartered status in your sponsored job.

If you qualify as a new entrant, your salary must still be at least £33,400 per year. This is the minimum floor for the discount. So even if 70% of the going rate would be lower, you cannot be paid less than £33,400.

PhD and STEM Discounts

If you hold a PhD level qualification that is relevant to your job, you may also receive a salary discount:

• STEM PhD: You can be paid 80% of the standard going rate, with a minimum salary of £33,400 per year.
• Non-STEM PhD: You can be paid 90% of the standard going rate, with a minimum salary of £37,500 per year.

These discounts are separate from the new entrant discount. You cannot combine them – you use whichever gives you the lower salary requirement.

Immigration Salary List and National Pay Scales

Some occupations are on the Immigration Salary List, which allows a lower salary threshold of £33,400 per year. However, you must still be paid at least the standard going rate for your job. The list is updated periodically and varies by UK nation.

Healthcare and education roles paid according to national pay scales (such as NHS Agenda for Change or teacher pay scales) have their own salary rules. These are often significantly lower than the general threshold. For example, a newly qualified nurse on NHS band 5 would have a starting salary around £29,970, which is below £41,700 but acceptable because it follows the national pay scale.

The Absolute Minimum Floor

Regardless of any discount, no Skilled Worker visa applicant can be paid less than £25,000 per year. This floor was raised from £23,200 in April 2025. It applies to all routes, including Health and Care visas.

How Statutory Minimum Wage Interacts

Even if you meet the visa salary requirements, your employer must also pay you at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for your age. For workers aged 21 and over, the current rate is £12.71 per hour. If your annual salary works out below this hourly rate (for example, because you work long hours), your application could be refused. Always check that your total pay complies with both visa thresholds and statutory wage laws.

Practical Steps for Applicants

1. Identify your occupation code from the list of eligible skilled occupations.
2. Check the standard going rate for that code on the GOV.UK going rates table.
3. Determine if you qualify for any discount (new entrant, PhD, immigration salary list, or national pay scale).
4. Ensure your offered salary meets the higher of: the discounted going rate, the relevant minimum floor (£33,400, £37,500, or £25,000), and the National Minimum Wage hourly equivalent.
5. Confirm that your employer is a Home Office approved sponsor.

For more detailed guidance on pay calculations, visit our pay guides or explore UK Minimum Wage for comparisons with statutory rates.

Summary

The minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa UK depends on your age, qualifications, and occupation. The general threshold of £41,700 is the starting point, but many applicants can qualify with lower salaries through discounts. Always check the specific going rate for your job and the latest government guidance, as thresholds are updated annually. If you work in healthcare or education, national pay scales may offer a more accessible route. Use our topics section to find more information on visa salary rules and related employment rights.