Individuals applying for skilled worker or senior or specialist worker visas in the UK need to meet minimum salary thresholds.
In most cases, there is a set standard rate and a ‘going rate’ for a particular job. For some roles in healthcare or education, there is a different salary requirement based on national pay scales set by the relevant professional body.
Reductions in the standard rate are available for those who meet certain criteria.
Skilled worker salary thresholds
The required salaries are based on working a 37.5-hour week. Where an employee works different hours, the salary should be pro-rated to calculate the amount paid for 37.5 hours.
As of July 2025, a skilled worker must earn at least £41,700 per year, or the job’s ‘going rate’, whichever is higher.
There is also a lower going rate, which is available to workers who obtained their certificate of sponsorship for their first skilled worker visa before 4 April 2024 and who have continually held a skilled worker visa since that date.
A reduction in the salary requirement to between 70% and 90% of the standard going rate is available if a worker’s salary is a minimum of £33,400 and they meet one of the following criteria:
- They are aged under 26
- Are switching from a Student or Graduate visa
- They have a science, technology, engineering or maths PhD level qualification, and this qualification relates to their job (for PhDs in other subjects, the salary requirement is a minimum of £37,500) – in this case, 80% or 90% of the standard going rate required, dependent upon the subject
- They have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education – in this case, 70% of the standard going rate is required
Senior/Specialist Worker salary thresholds
As of July 2025, the minimum salary threshold for a senior or specialist worker is £52,500 per year or the ‘going rate’ for the job, whichever is higher. Where a worker earns less than £73,900, they need to have worked for their employer for a minimum of twelve months.
In calculating pay for this visa, bonuses and other additional sums cannot be used, and the figure should be the gross amount paid to the worker. No more than 48 hours’ work per week can be used when calculating pay. Where salary is based on a worker doing more than 48 hours per week, a pro rata figure must be used to determine whether the minimum salary threshold is met.
How 3CS can help
Our expert immigration solicitors can advise and assist you in obtaining a skilled worker visa, a senior or specialist worker visa, or obtaining and running a sponsor licence.
For assistance, please get in touch today.
