Design Engineer roles from employers holding a sponsor licence — eligible under SOC 2122 for the Skilled Worker visa.
UK market salary · ASHE 2025
How visa salary requirements compare to what employers pay.
Most mechanical engineers in the UK earn between £38,896 and £59,800 in basic pay. For Skilled Worker visa holders, the minimum salary (going rate) for this role is £46,800 (SOC 2122), sitting at the 46th percentile of what UK employers pay and £1,716 below the median.
All figures are before tax. Calculate your take-home pay.
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Yes. Design Engineer roles fall under SOC 2122 (Mechanical engineers), which is eligible for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Employers with a valid sponsor licence can sponsor Design Engineer positions.
The going rate for SOC 2122 is £46,800 per year. New entrants (under 26, switching from a Student or Graduate visa, or recent graduates) may qualify for a reduced minimum of £33,400 per year. You must be paid at least the higher of the going rate or the general salary threshold (£41,700), unless an exemption applies.
Not set on Design Engineer roles? Browse all UK jobs with visa sponsorship or explore other roles from licensed sponsors.