SOC 2020 code 8134Only if already on a Skilled Worker visa
Water and sewerage plant operatives: Skilled Worker visa salary
Since 22 July 2025, jobs in SOC 8134 (water and sewerage plant operatives) can no longer be sponsored for new Skilled Worker applicants. People who already held a Skilled Worker visa before then can still be sponsored in this occupation if they're paid at least £41,700 a year.
What this covers
Job titles in SOC 8134 include: Water and sewerage distribution operatives, Water treatment operatives.
Questions about SOC 8134
- What salary do water and sewerage plant operatives need for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
- Since 22 July 2025, jobs in SOC 8134 (water and sewerage plant operatives) can no longer be sponsored for new Skilled Worker applicants. People who already held a Skilled Worker visa before then can still be sponsored in this occupation if they're paid at least £41,700 a year.
- 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.