Immigration Salary List UK: How It Relates to Average Salaries and Regional Differences

Understanding the Immigration Salary List UK

Navigating the UK’s visa salary requirements can be complex, especially when trying to relate them to typical earnings. The immigration salary list uk is a key tool for Skilled Worker visa applicants and employers, setting out which occupations qualify for reduced salary thresholds. This article explains how these thresholds are calculated, how they compare to median and average salaries across Britain, and what regional and seniority differences mean for job seekers.

What Is the Immigration Salary List?

The Immigration Salary List (ISL) identifies occupations where the UK faces a shortage of skilled workers. For these roles, the required salary for a Skilled Worker visa is lower than the general threshold. The list is updated periodically based on recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and uses data from the Office for National Statistics’ Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

How Salary Thresholds Are Calculated

According to a technical note published by GOV.UK in May 2026, the general Skilled Worker threshold is set at the 30th percentile of full-time annual earnings for all eligible occupations at RQF6 level and above (excluding pay-scale roles). Using ASHE 2025 data, this produced a threshold of £44,000 (rounded to the nearest £100).

Occupation-specific thresholds are set at the 25th percentile of earnings for each 4-digit Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. For example, Aerospace engineers had a published median of £55,839 in ASHE 2025, but no direct 25th percentile estimate. Using a smoothing method with prior years’ data, the unsmoothed occupation-specific threshold was calculated as £45,600.

Comparing Thresholds to UK Average Salaries

The UK median full-time gross annual salary stood at £39,039 in April 2025 (ONS ASHE), a 4.3% increase on the previous year. The mean (average) full-time salary was approximately £45,800 (reference benchmark). This means the general threshold of £44,000 sits between the median and the mean – above what half of full-time workers earn, but close to the overall average.

For occupations on the ISL, thresholds may be lower than the general level, reflecting the need to attract talent in shortage areas. However, even these reduced thresholds often exceed the national median, particularly for senior or specialist roles.

Regional and Seniority Differences Across Britain

Salary levels vary significantly by region. London and the South East typically offer higher pay, while Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland often have lower averages. The immigration salary list thresholds are set nationally, so they do not automatically account for regional cost-of-living differences. An employer in a lower-cost area may find it harder to meet the threshold, whereas London-based roles may exceed it more easily.

Seniority also matters. Entry-level positions may fall below the threshold, while experienced professionals in the same occupation can command salaries well above it. The occupation-specific thresholds are based on the 25th percentile, meaning they target the lower end of the experienced workforce – but still above the starting salary for many graduates.

Scotland’s Different Tax Bands

Take-home pay is affected by Income Tax, and Scotland applies its own rates. For the 2026-27 tax year, Scottish taxpayers face a starter rate of 19% on earnings up to £3,967, then 20% up to £16,956, 21% up to £31,092, 42% up to £62,430, 45% up to £125,140, and 48% above that. This means a worker earning £44,000 in Scotland will have a higher tax burden than someone in England earning the same amount, reducing net pay. Visa applicants should consider this when evaluating whether a salary offer meets their financial needs.

Practical Implications for Job Seekers

If you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa, check whether your occupation is on the immigration salary list. If it is, you may qualify for a lower salary threshold. If not, you must meet the general threshold of £44,000 (or the occupation-specific threshold if higher). Always verify the latest figures from official sources, as thresholds are updated annually based on ASHE data.

For more context on how your salary compares to national averages, explore our UK Average Salary page and salary articles for detailed breakdowns by region and sector. You can also view salary data for specific occupations.

Summary

The immigration salary list uk is a crucial reference for visa applicants and employers. The general threshold of £44,000 is above the UK median but close to the mean, reflecting the need for skilled workers. Occupation-specific thresholds vary, and regional or seniority differences can affect whether a particular role meets the requirement. Always use the latest ONS and GOV.UK data to ensure accuracy.

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Disclaimer: Figures are based on public statistics and official publications. Actual salaries vary by role, region, seniority, hours, and employer. Always check official offer letters and consult GOV.UK or ONS releases for the most current information.