Understanding the Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary

If you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa, one of the key requirements is meeting the minimum salary threshold. This is known as the skilled worker visa minimum salary and is set at the higher of £41,700 per year or the occupation-specific ‘going rate’. The going rate is derived from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). For most roles, the going rate is based on the median full-time earnings for that occupation, calculated on a 37.5-hour working week. If your contracted hours differ, the salary must be pro-rated accordingly.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

To understand whether your hourly pay meets the visa requirements, you need to convert it to an annual figure. The standard formula is:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × contracted hours per week × 52 weeks

For example, if you earn £17.13 per hour and work 37.5 hours a week, your annual salary would be approximately £33,400. However, the Home Office uses the going rate for your occupation, which may be much higher. The minimum hourly rate for options A–E under the Skilled Worker route is £17.13, but the actual going rate for your job could be above that. For options F–J, the minimum is £12.82 per hour, based on the 25th percentile of ASHE data.

It is important to note that the general threshold of £41,700 applies to most new applicants. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended raising this to £44,000 based on the 30th percentile of full-time earnings using ASHE 2025 data. Always check the latest GOV.UK guidance before applying.

The Role of the National Living Wage

The National Living Wage (NLW) is the minimum hourly rate that most workers aged 21 and over are entitled to. In April 2025, the NLW was £12.21 per hour. While this is lower than the Skilled Worker visa minimum, it serves as a baseline for all employment. If your hourly rate is below the NLW, your employer would be breaking the law, and your visa application would be refused. The NLW increases annually, so keep an eye on future rates.

Occupation-Specific Going Rates

Each eligible occupation has its own going rate, listed in the GOV.UK going rates table. These rates are based on median ASHE data and are updated periodically. For example, the median full-time annual earnings across all occupations was £39,039 in April 2025, but individual occupations can vary significantly. Managers and directors typically have higher going rates, while caring and leisure occupations have lower ones. The going rate for your job must be met or exceeded, even if it is above £41,700.

Important Caveats

• Pro-rating: If your contract is for fewer than 37.5 hours per week, the annual salary must be reduced proportionally. For example, a 30-hour week would mean multiplying the going rate by 30/37.5.
• Healthcare and education: These sectors have separate salary rules based on national pay scales (e.g., NHS Agenda for Change). The standard going rates do not apply.
• Overtime and bonuses: The base salary for visa purposes does not include overtime, bonuses, or London weighting. Only guaranteed basic pay counts.
• Annual vs. hourly: ASHE annual figures are for employees who have been in the same job for at least a year. Starting salaries may be lower, but they must still meet the threshold.

Using Our Tools

To help you calculate your equivalent annual salary from an hourly rate, try our hourly calculator. You can also explore salary data for UK benchmarks and read more salary articles on related topics.

Conclusion

Understanding the skilled worker visa minimum salary is essential for a successful application. By converting your hourly rate to an annual figure using the 37.5-hour week standard, and comparing it to both the general threshold and your occupation’s going rate, you can determine whether you meet the requirements. Always refer to official GOV.UK guidance and consult your employer or an immigration adviser if in doubt.