Minimum Salary for Skilled Worker Visa: Regional and Seniority Differences Across Britain

Understanding the Minimum Salary for Skilled Worker Visa

The minimum salary for skilled worker visa applications is a critical factor for both employers and migrants. The UK’s Skilled Worker route sets two main salary thresholds: a general threshold that applies to all eligible roles (except healthcare and education) and an occupation-specific ‘going rate’ that ensures visa holders are paid comparably to resident workers. These thresholds are updated periodically using data from the Office for National Statistics’ Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

The General Threshold and Going Rate

As of July 2025, the general threshold for most Skilled Worker visas is £41,700 per year. This is a flat minimum regardless of hours worked. However, the visa also requires that you be paid at least the ‘going rate’ for your specific occupation code, which is the median full-time annual earnings for that job. The going rate is calculated from ASHE data and is pro-rated for part-time hours based on a 37.5-hour week. If the going rate is higher than £41,700, you must meet that higher figure.

A technical note published in May 2026 by the Home Office explains that the general threshold is set at a chosen percentile of the full-time annual earnings distribution for eligible occupations. Using ASHE 2025 data, the 30th percentile for RQF6+ non-pay-scale occupations would produce a threshold of £44,000 (rounded to the nearest £100). However, this has not yet been implemented; the current threshold remains £41,700. The note also clarifies that the threshold is calculated using all full-time employees aged 16+ on adult rates who have been in the same job for more than one year.

Regional Differences Across Britain

While the general threshold is a single national figure, the going rate varies by occupation and is influenced by regional pay differences. The Review of Salary Requirements report (January 2026) provides a detailed breakdown of median full-time annual earnings by region using ASHE 2024 provisional data:

• London: £47,455
• South East: £39,038
• Scotland: £38,315
• East of England: £36,949
• South West: £35,634
• West Midlands: £34,938
• Yorkshire and The Humber: £34,401
• Wales: £34,303
• Northern Ireland: £34,378
• North West: £35,170
• East Midlands: £33,973
• North East: £32,960

These figures show that the general threshold of £41,700 is above the median earnings in most regions except London and the South East. This means that for many occupations outside London, the going rate may be below £41,700, so the general threshold becomes the binding minimum. In London, the higher median earnings mean that the going rate for many jobs will exceed £41,700, making it the effective minimum.

Seniority and Occupation-Specific Going Rates

The going rate is set at the median for each occupation code, which means it reflects the typical earnings for that role across the UK. Senior roles (e.g., managers, directors, senior professionals) have higher median earnings, so their going rates are higher. For example, a senior software developer may have a going rate well above £50,000, while a junior care worker may have a going rate closer to £25,000. The general threshold of £41,700 ensures that even lower-paid occupations still require a minimum economic contribution.

It is important to note that the general threshold is not pro-rated for part-time hours. A part-time worker must still earn at least £41,700 per year (or the going rate, whichever is higher). This can be challenging for roles with low hourly rates, as the annual salary may need to be topped up to meet the threshold.

Exceptions for Healthcare and Education

Healthcare and education roles have separate salary rules. The Review of Salary Requirements report states that these occupations face a lower general threshold of £25,000 (80% of the RQF3+ 25th percentile). The going rate for these roles is based on national pay scales, such as NHS Agenda for Change or teacher pay scales. For example, a qualified teacher outside London starts at £32,916 per year. This lower threshold recognises the public sector nature of these roles and the fact that international recruits often enter at the bottom of pay bands.

How the Minimum Compares to UK Average Earnings

According to ONS ASHE data for April 2025, median full-time gross annual earnings in the UK were £39,039 – slightly below the Skilled Worker general threshold of £41,700. Mean full-time earnings were higher, at around £45,800 (based on on-site reference benchmarks). This means that the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa is above the typical UK full-time worker’s median pay, reflecting the government’s aim to ensure visa holders make a positive fiscal contribution.

For more context on how these figures fit into the broader UK pay landscape, see our UK Average Salary page and explore detailed salary data by region and occupation.

Practical Implications for Job Seekers and Employers

Employers must ensure that the salary offered meets both the general threshold and the going rate. If the going rate is lower than £41,700, the employer must still pay at least £41,700. If the going rate is higher, that higher figure applies. The salary must also comply with the National Minimum Wage, though the Skilled Worker thresholds are typically much higher.

Job seekers should check the specific going rate for their occupation code using the GOV.UK going rates list. They should also consider regional variations: a job in London may have a higher going rate, but the cost of living is also higher. Scotland’s different income tax bands can affect take-home pay, but the gross salary thresholds are the same across the UK.

Future Changes

The technical note from May 2026 suggests that the general threshold may rise to £44,000 if the government adopts the 30th percentile calculation. However, no official announcement has been made. The occupation-specific thresholds are updated annually with new ASHE data, so going rates can change each year.

For ongoing updates and analysis, visit our salary index and topics pages.

Conclusion

The minimum salary for skilled worker visa is a complex interplay of a flat general threshold and occupation-specific medians. Regional differences in earnings mean that the effective minimum varies by job and location, with London and the South East often requiring higher pay. Seniority also plays a role, as higher-skilled roles have higher going rates. Healthcare and education workers benefit from lower thresholds. Understanding these nuances is essential for both employers sponsoring visas and migrants planning their move to the UK.