SOC 2020 code 2114Eligible
Physical scientists: Skilled Worker visa salary
For a Skilled Worker visa in SOC 2114 (physical scientists), you need a salary of at least £54,600 a year: the going rate for this occupation, which is above the £41,700 general minimum. New entrants, such as recent graduates, people under 26 or those switching from a Student or Graduate visa, need at least £38,200.
- Minimum salary
- £54,600
- £28.00 an hour
- Going rate
- £54,600
- For a 37.5-hour week
- New entrants
- £38,200
- 70% of the going rate, at least £33,400
What this covers
Job titles in SOC 2114 include: Geologists, Geophysicists, Hydrogeologists and hydrologists, Meteorologists.
Questions about SOC 2114
- What salary do physical scientists need for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
- For a Skilled Worker visa in SOC 2114 (physical scientists), you need a salary of at least £54,600 a year: the going rate for this occupation, which is above the £41,700 general minimum. New entrants, such as recent graduates, people under 26 or those switching from a Student or Graduate visa, need at least £38,200.
- What is the going rate for SOC 2114?
- The going rate for Physical scientists (SOC 2114) is £54,600 a year (£28.00 an hour) for a 37.5-hour week. It must be pro-rated for other working patterns.
- Can a new graduate be sponsored in SOC 2114?
- Yes, if the job meets the new-entrant rate: at least £38,200 a year, which is 70% of the going rate and no less than £33,400. New-entrant rates can be used for up to four years in total.
- Who decides which occupation code a job uses?
- Your sponsor chooses the SOC 2020 code when it assigns your certificate of sponsorship. It must match the job's actual duties, not just its title.
Related occupations
Source: Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations and the Temporary Shortage List on GOV.UK, as of 13 October 2026. A guide, not immigration advice: PhD discounts, the Immigration Salary List and pre-April-2024 transitional rates aren't covered.