What counts as salary for the Skilled Worker visa?

Only guaranteed basic gross salary counts towards the minimum threshold. This does not include overtime, bonuses, commissions, tips, benefits in kind, or employer pension contributions. The salary must be for the sponsored role, not additional work.

How is the salary calculated for part-time workers?

For part-time workers, the salary is pro-rated based on the number of hours worked compared to full-time hours. However, the pro-rated salary must still meet the minimum salary floor. The going rate is also adjusted pro rata.

Do allowances count towards the salary?

Some guaranteed allowances that form part of your regular pay may count if they are contractually guaranteed and would be paid to a settled worker in the same role. Accommodation allowances, location-based allowances, and performance bonuses generally do not count.

What is the difference between the general threshold and the going rate?

The general threshold is the minimum salary for all Skilled Worker visa holders regardless of occupation. The going rate is the minimum salary for your specific occupation code. You must meet whichever is higher (unless tradeable points apply).

Salary Calculation for Skilled Worker Visa: How It Works in 2026

Only guaranteed basic gross salary counts towards the Skilled Worker visa threshold. Bonuses, overtime, and benefits in kind are excluded. The salary must meet both the general threshold and the going rate for your occupation. This guide covers the full calculation method.

The Two Salary Requirements

The Skilled Worker visa has two salary requirements, and you must meet both:

General salary threshold: The minimum salary that applies to all Skilled Worker visa holders, regardless of occupation. See current threshold.
Going rate: The minimum salary for your specific SOC code. The going rate is set as a percentage of the median salary for that occupation.

Your salary must meet the higher of these two figures, unless tradeable points (such as PhD points or Immigration Salary List eligibility) allow a reduction.

What Counts as Salary

Only certain elements of your pay package count towards the minimum salary:

Included

Basic gross annual salary
Guaranteed contractual allowances that would be paid to any worker in the same role
London weighting or regional allowances if contractually guaranteed

Excluded

Overtime pay (even if regularly worked)
Bonuses and commissions
Tips and gratuities
Benefits in kind (company car, private health insurance, etc.)
Employer pension contributions
One-off payments or signing bonuses
Accommodation provided by the employer
Income from a second job

Check the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa job requirements for the full rules. The salary declared on the Certificate of Sponsorship must reflect only the countable elements.

Part-Time Workers

If you are working part-time, the salary calculation works differently. The going rate is adjusted pro rata based on your contracted hours compared to the standard full-time hours for the occupation.

For example, if the full-time going rate is 30,000 pounds for 37.5 hours per week, and you work 30 hours per week, the pro-rated going rate would be 24,000 pounds. However, there is still an absolute minimum salary floor that applies regardless of hours worked.

Salary Sacrifice Arrangements

Salary sacrifice arrangements (where you give up part of your salary in exchange for benefits like pension contributions or cycle-to-work schemes) can be problematic. Your gross salary before sacrifice must meet the minimum threshold. If salary sacrifice reduces your gross pay below the threshold, your visa could be at risk.

Discuss any salary sacrifice arrangements with your employer before agreeing to them. Ensure your base salary remains compliant.

Changing Salary

If your salary changes during your visa period (for example, a pay rise or pay cut), different rules apply:

Pay rise: No action needed unless it changes the nature of the role.
Pay cut: If your salary drops below the threshold, your employer must report this to the Home Office. A significant reduction could lead to curtailment of your visa.
Change of role: If your role changes, you may need a new CoS and a new visa application. See changing jobs on a Skilled Worker visa.

Practical Examples

Example 1: A software developer on the Skilled Worker visa earns a basic salary of 40,000 pounds plus annual bonuses of up to 10,000 pounds. Only the 40,000 pounds basic salary counts towards the threshold. The bonuses are excluded.

Example 2: A nurse works 30 hours per week at an hourly rate. The annual equivalent is calculated by multiplying the hourly rate by 30 hours by 52 weeks. This pro-rated figure must meet the applicable going rate and minimum salary floor.

Next Steps

Check your occupation code in Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK. Ensure your basic salary meets both the general threshold and the going rate for your occupation. If you are close to the minimum, discuss with your employer whether any salary adjustments are needed.

Related guides:

Salary Calculation for the Skilled Worker Visa