How the Skilled Worker salary calculation works
Most applications use Options A to E. The standard calculation is the higher of £41,700 and the full going rate. A relevant non-STEM PhD can use £37,500 and 90% of the going rate; a relevant STEM PhD can use £33,400 and 80%; an Immigration Salary List job uses £33,400 and the full going rate; and a qualifying new entrant uses £33,400 and 70%.
Specified Health and Care ASHE occupations use Options F to J, with lower annual floors. The same family can apply before 4 April 2030 to a person granted Skilled Worker permission under the rules before 4 April 2024 who has held continuous Skilled Worker permission. Health and education occupations based on national pay scales use Option K.
Why hours change the going rate
Most published ASHE going rates are based on 37.5 hours per week and must be adjusted to the weekly hours on the Certificate of Sponsorship. The annual general threshold is not prorated. The estimate caps counted hours at 48 because additional salary rules apply above that point.
Limitations
This is an educational estimate, not immigration advice, legal advice or an eligibility decision. It cannot confirm your SOC code, whether your PhD is relevant, whether you meet the new-entrant or transition conditions, whether an ISL entry covers your job and location, allowable salary components, national minimum wage compliance, or the correct national pay band. Rules and salary tables change. Do not use the result as the sole basis for an application, job offer, withdrawal, refusal or financial decision. Read the data and editorial methodology.
Official sources
Use these GOV.UK pages to confirm the rule behind your result. Reviewed 8 August 2026.
Next checks
Verify the employer using the sponsor licence checker, confirm the occupation in the SOC directory, and read the salary guide. Register presence does not mean an employer is hiring or will sponsor this job.