Welder roles from employers holding a sponsor licence — eligible under SOC 5213 for the Skilled Worker visa. It sits on the temporary shortage list. It also sits on the immigration salary list.
UK market salary · ASHE 2025
How visa salary requirements compare to what employers pay.
Most welding trades in the UK earn between £29,068 and £36,608 in basic pay. For Skilled Worker visa holders, the minimum salary (going rate) for this role is £34,900 (SOC 5213), sitting at the 65th percentile of what UK employers pay and £2,400 above the median. Since this falls below the general salary threshold, sponsors must pay at least £41,700.
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Yes. Welder roles fall under SOC 5213 (Welding trades), which is eligible for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Employers with a valid sponsor licence can sponsor Welder positions.
The going rate for SOC 5213 is £34,900 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.
Yes. SOC 5213 (Welding trades) is on the Temporary Shortage Occupation List, which can mean a lower salary threshold and additional points under the immigration points system.
Yes. SOC 5213 (Welding trades) appears on the Immigration Salary List, so a reduced salary threshold may apply for visa sponsorship.
Not set on Welder roles? Browse all UK jobs with visa sponsorship or explore other roles from licensed sponsors.
Home Office grants for this occupation code, counting visas granted outside the UK. No job breakdown is published for the visas granted inside the UK, so each country’s own page shows a larger total.