Salary thresholds and the going rate concept

Skilled Worker roles usually have to meet two salary tests at the same time: a general salary threshold that applies across the route, and an occupation specific going rate for the particular job. In general you need to be paid at least the higher of the two, though some occupations and some applicant circumstances have different rules.

Some occupations on published lists, including certain health and care roles, can have different or reduced thresholds. The exact figures change over time, so always check the current published rates before relying on any number.

The going rate is a benchmark salary for a specific occupation code. It reflects typical pay for that kind of work. Because it is occupation specific, two roles with similar titles can have different going rates if they map to different codes.