UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirements for IT Jobs – 2025 Update
Graduating with a tech-focused degree and landing an IT job in the UK is an exciting step—but ensuring your potential role meets the Skilled Worker visa salary thresholds is crucial. So, what has changed, and what’s essential for 2025? Here’s everything you need to know.
1. The New Minimum Salary: £38,700 or ‘Going Rate’
From April 4, 2024, the baseline salary for most Skilled Worker visa applicants rose sharply to £38,700—a significant increase from the earlier £26,200 requirement. For IT roles, which often command higher pay bands, this threshold typically aligns with the “going rate”—the Home Office’s specified salary for each tech occupation. When the going rate exceeds £38,700, that higher figure becomes mandatory.
For instance, many software engineering occupations on the SOC 2020 list have going rates well above this minimum—some reaching the mid‑£40Ks or higher—making it essential to check your specific occupation code before accepting an offer. UK Skilled Work Visa Consultancy
2. Salary Discounts: PhD, STEM, New Entrant & Shortage Roles
Good news if you’re early in your tech career, hold a PhD, or your role is listed in a shortage category:
STEM PhD: 20 % “discount,” so you could qualify with a minimum of £30,960, as long as that covers 80 % of the going rate.
Non-STEM PhD: Eligible at £34,830, if that’s 90 % of the going rate.
New Entrants (graduates under 26 or on relevant student/graduate visas): Acceptable at £30,960 (70 %) of the going rate.
Shortage/Immigration Salary List roles: Also eligible at £30,960.
These pathways offer flexibility and are especially advantageous for early-career or doctorally-qualified candidates in IT roles. UK Skilled Work Visa Consultancy
3. Recent Legislative Context & Trends
The salary hikes form part of broader immigration reform. In 2025, the UK confirmed the £38,700 general threshold, maintaining this rate for most roles. At the same time, proposals are underway to consolidate and retire certain immigration lists, including the former Shortage Occupation List.
These reforms reflect broader political priorities to limit low-wage immigration, while preserving access for highly skilled tech professionals. UK Skilled Work Visa Consultancy
4. Calculating the Going Rate for IT Roles
Every IT occupation—such as software developer (SOC 2136) or IT business analyst (SOC 2135)—has a defined going rate. These vary depending on the exact job expected duties, seniority, and industry.
If the going rate exceeds £38,700, that’s the minimum you must meet.
New entrant, shortage, or PhD discount thresholds (e.g. £30,960) still apply only if that amount covers the specified percentage of the going rate.
Always verify the latest going-rate table for your exact occupation code at the time of application. UK Skilled Work Visa Consultancy
5. Real-World Impact on IT Professionals
Mid-Level Software Engineers: Typical salaries in the UK range from £45K–£60K—comfortably above the baseline and going rate, enabling smooth Skilled Worker visa eligibility.
Entry-Level Graduates: Offered roles at £30K–£35K may require “new entrant” status (under 26 or graduating recently) to qualify at £30,960 .
Postgraduate Researchers: STEM PhD holders can exploit the £30,960 threshold if their role aligns with their speciality.
Specialist or niche IT roles: Titles like cyber-security or AI may not only command higher going rates, but may also feature on skills shortage lists—creating dual benefit .
However, recruitment firms note that the steep salary rise has led some UK companies to rethink international hires—especially for junior tech roles—further narrowing opportunities. UK Skilled Work Visa Consultancy
6. Thinking Ahead: Career Growth & Visa Extensions
Meeting salary requirements not only secures the Skilled Worker visa but also sets the stage for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After five continuous years, applicants can seek settlement—provided they maintain the going rate or general threshold throughout and meet other ILR criteria.
This is particularly relevant for IT professionals: those navigating early-career discounts should plan raises or promotions to ensure future compliance. UK Skilled Work Visa Consultancy
Conclusion
The 2025 landscape places £38,700 plus going-rate requirements at the core of Skilled Worker visa eligibility for IT roles. However, structured exceptions for STEM PhDs, new entrants, and shortage roles offer flexible pathways for many tech professionals. Understanding your occupation’s going rate, aligning your salary offer accordingly, and leveraging eligibility discounts are key to success.
– Mid-level IT roles: typically exceed thresholds comfortably
– Entry-level new grads: can qualify under discounted rates
– PhD holders & niche roles: have significant advantages
– Strategic planning matters: for long-term settlement
If you’re in the IT sector and planning your move to the UK, ensure your role meets the right salary requirement from the outset—and take advantage of available discounts while positioning yourself for future growth and potential settlement. UK Skilled Work Visa Consultancy