Skilled Worker Visa for Engineers

Eligible Engineering Roles

Engineering roles across all disciplines qualify for the Skilled Worker visa:

• Civil and structural engineers
• Mechanical engineers
• Electrical and electronic engineers
• Chemical engineers
• Software engineers and developers
• Aerospace engineers
• Environmental engineers
• Production and manufacturing engineers

Each discipline has its own SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code with a specific going rate. Check the eligible jobs list for your specific role.

SOC Codes by Engineering Discipline

Your SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code determines your going rate and whether your role appears on the Immigration Salary List. Your employer selects the code when assigning your Certificate of Sponsorship. The code must accurately reflect the work you will do. The main engineering codes are:

• SOC 2121 — Civil engineers.Going rate in 2026 is approximately £42,900 per year.
• SOC 2122 — Mechanical engineers.Going rate in 2026 is approximately £42,900 per year.
• SOC 2123 — Electrical engineers.Going rate in 2026 is approximately £42,900 per year.
• SOC 2124 — Electronics engineers. Covers engineers who design and develop electronic systems and devices.
• SOC 2126 — Design and development engineers. Covers engineers focused on designing new products and processes.
• SOC 2127 — Production and process engineers. Covers engineers who plan and manage manufacturing and production.
• SOC 2129 — Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified. A catch-all for engineering roles that do not fit the other codes.

The going rates above are approximate figures for 2026 and are shown to give you a sense of scale. They change each year, so always confirm the current going rate for your code on GOV.UK before you rely on a number. Our going rate guide explains how the rate interacts with the general threshold.

Software engineers are usually classified under information technology (IT) SOC codes rather than the engineering codes above. If you write software for a living, see our dedicated guide for software engineers for the correct codes and going rates.

Professional Registration

The Engineering Council oversees professional registration for engineers in the UK. There are three main titles:

• EngTech: Engineering Technician.
• IEng: Incorporated Engineer.
• CEng: Chartered Engineer (the highest level).

Registration is through a licensed professional engineering institution (such as the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, or others). Your overseas qualifications may be accepted, sometimes with additional requirements.

PhD and Tradeable Points

The Skilled Worker visa awards points for several factors. Some of these points are tradeable, which means a strength in one area can offset a lower salary. A PhD is one of the most valuable tradeable factors for engineers.

A PhD in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subject relevant to your job earns the maximum tradeable points. This lets you meet a lower salary figure than you would otherwise need. A PhD in a non-STEM subject still earns points, but fewer.

The discount has limits. You must still be paid at or above a defined salary floor, and you must still meet the going rate for your SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code after the discount is applied. The PhD must be relevant to the role you are being sponsored for. Our PhD points guide explains how the trade-off works, and the salary calculation guide shows how the numbers combine.

Salary Expectations

Engineering salaries in the UK vary by discipline, location, and seniority:

• Graduate engineers: 28,000-35,000 pounds
• Mid-level engineers: 35,000-55,000 pounds
• Senior/chartered engineers: 55,000-80,000+ pounds
• Engineering managers/directors: 80,000-120,000+ pounds

These figures mean that most engineering roles comfortably exceed the Skilled Worker salary threshold. The salary calculation uses your guaranteed basic gross pay. You must meet both the general threshold and the going rate for your specific SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code.