SOC 2020 code 3111Temporary Shortage List

Laboratory technicians: Skilled Worker visa salary

For a Skilled Worker visa in SOC 3111 (laboratory technicians), you need a salary of at least £41,700 a year: the general minimum, which is above this occupation's £33,400 going rate. New entrants, such as recent graduates, people under 26 or those switching from a Student or Graduate visa, need at least £33,400. It is on the Temporary Shortage List, so new applicants can be sponsored if their certificate is issued before 31 December 2026.

Minimum salary
£41,700
£21.38 an hour
Going rate
£33,400
For a 37.5-hour week
New entrants
£33,400
70% of the going rate, at least £33,400

What this covers

Job titles in SOC 3111 include: Biological laboratory technicians, Chemical laboratory technicians, Health physics monitors, Laboratory food technicians, Medical laboratory technicians.

Check a specific salary for this job →

Live laboratory technicians jobs at licensed sponsors

1 open now

Questions about SOC 3111

What salary do laboratory technicians need for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
For a Skilled Worker visa in SOC 3111 (laboratory technicians), you need a salary of at least £41,700 a year: the general minimum, which is above this occupation's £33,400 going rate. New entrants, such as recent graduates, people under 26 or those switching from a Student or Graduate visa, need at least £33,400. It is on the Temporary Shortage List, so new applicants can be sponsored if their certificate is issued before 31 December 2026.
What is the going rate for SOC 3111?
The going rate for Laboratory technicians (SOC 3111) is £33,400 a year (£17.13 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 3111?
Yes, if the job meets the new-entrant rate: at least £33,400 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.