IT operations technicians SOC 3131
IT operations technicians (SOC 3131) qualifies for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Your employer must pay at least the going rate of £35,200 per year. This role is on the Temporary Shortage Occupation List, so you may qualify with a lower salary and get extra points. Scroll down for salary benchmarks, the visa rules, and live jobs from licensed sponsors.
What does an it operations technician do?
IT technicians are responsible for the day-to-day running of IT systems and networks including the preparation of back-up systems, and for performing regular checks to ensure the smooth functioning of such systems.
Typical tasks
- administers, monitors and supports internal/external networks, servers, email and security systems
- configures and sets up new server systems
- schedules and performs system maintenance tasks, such as loading user applications, programs and data
- analyses systems and makes recommendations to improve performance
- identifies problems, agrees remedial action and undertakes emergency maintenance if required
- performs server backup and recovery operations and restarts systems following outages
- acts as a liaison between users, outside suppliers, and other technical teams
Typical entry routes and qualifications
Entry is possible with a variety of academic qualifications and/or relevant experience. Entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades and A levels/H grades together with an appropriate vocational qualification. Some employers may demand a relevant degree. Training is provided off and on-the-job supplemented by specialised courses. Postgraduate and professional qualifications and apprenticeships in some areas are available.
Visa sponsorship requirements
UK market salary · ASHE 2025
What IT operations technicians earn in the UK
UK market basic pay at a glance
How visa salary requirements compare to what employers pay.
Most IT operations technicians in the UK earn between £29,640 and £44,824 in basic pay. For Skilled Worker visa holders, the minimum salary (going rate) for this role is £35,200 (SOC 3131), sitting at the 47th percentile of what UK employers pay and £732 below the median. Since this falls below the general salary threshold, sponsors must pay at least £41,700.
All figures are before tax. Calculate your take-home pay.
How to get sponsored as an it operations technician
- 1
Find a licensed sponsor on Hunt UK Visa Sponsors
Browse our register of UK companies with an active sponsor licence. Filter by industry, size, sponsor rating, and whether they're currently hiring it operations technicians, so you only apply where a visa is actually on the table.
Browse licensed sponsors - 2
Confirm the salary meets the £35,200 going rate
Your employer must pay whichever is higher: the going rate for SOC 3131 (£35,200) or the general Skilled Worker threshold of £41,700 per year.
New entrants and ISL roles may qualify for a lower rate. See the New entrant & discount rates section below.
- 3
Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship
Your sponsor issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a reference number the Home Office uses to check the job offer, salary, and duties line up with an eligible SOC code.
- 4
Apply for a Skilled Worker visa at gov.uk
Submit the Skilled Worker visa application online within 3 months of your CoS assignment date. You'll also book a biometric appointment and pay the immigration health surcharge.
Apply on gov.uk - 5
Move to the UK and start work
Travel to the UK before your CoS start date and begin working for the sponsor named on the certificate.
New entrant & discount rates
If you're under 26, switching from a Student visa, or a recent UK graduate, your employer can pay the new entrant rate of £27,700 (70% of the going rate) for up to four years.
Roles under SOC 3131
Recent jobs under SOC 3131
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Related occupations
Other Skilled Worker-eligible roles in the same SOC minor group (313xx):
Frequently asked questions
Can it operations technicians get a UK Skilled Worker visa?
Yes. IT operations technicians roles fall under SOC 3131 (Medium Skilled), so they qualify for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Your employer will need a sponsor licence and must pay at least the going rate for this occupation. This role is also on the Temporary Shortage Occupation List, which can mean a lower salary bar.
What salary do it operations technicians need for visa sponsorship?
The going rate for IT operations technicians (SOC 3131) is £41,700 (£21.38 per hour). Standard minimum applies. Your employer must pay whichever is higher: this going rate or the general Skilled Worker threshold of £41,700 per year.
What job titles are covered by SOC 3131?
SOC 3131 covers a range of it operations technicians roles, including: Games testers, Network and systems administrators, Quality assurance testers, Software technicians, IT operations technicians not elsewhere classified.. Keep in mind that the Home Office matches jobs by duties rather than title alone. Two roles with the same title can fall under different SOC codes depending on the actual work involved.
What does the Shortage Occupation List mean for it operations technicians?
IT operations technicians (SOC 3131) is on the Temporary Shortage Occupation List, which recognises a UK labour shortage in this field. In practice that means a lower salary threshold, plus extra "tradeable" points on your visa application. The Home Office lets shortage status stand in for a higher salary.
Is there a lower salary for new graduates entering it operations technicians roles?
Yes. If you're under 26, a recent graduate, or switching from a Student visa, you count as a "new entrant" and your employer only needs to pay 70% of the going rate (with an absolute floor of £33,400/year — the new-entrant minimum cannot go below that). For IT operations technicians, that works out to £27,700. The discount lasts up to four years.
Where can I find it operations technicians jobs with UK visa sponsorship?
We list IT operations technicians roles from companies with a Home Office sponsor licence. Scroll down to see what's currently open, or search our full jobs database for more visa-sponsored positions across the UK.
This information is provided as guidance only and should not be treated as legal advice. Eligibility criteria and salary thresholds are based on the latest published government data. Always verify with the official UK government guidance or seek professional immigration advice.