Skilled Worker visa salary for chefs (SOC 5434)
Going rates from the GOV.UK table, last verified 29 May 2026. General thresholds checked 5 Sept 2026.
Salary floor for this code
£41,700 a year
The going rate for this occupation is below the general threshold of £41,700, so the general threshold sets the floor.
| Going rate (standard) | £33,400 a year |
|---|---|
| Going rate, published hourly figure | £17.13 an hour |
| Going rate (new entrant) | £33,400 a year |
| General threshold | £41,700 a year |
| Reduced general threshold (new entrants) | £33,400 a year |
| Lower band for new entrants in this code | £33,400 a year |
| On the Immigration Salary List | No |
Sources: GOV.UK going rates · GOV.UK salary requirements
What current chefs adverts pay
Across 66 current listings for this code that state an annual salary, the median advertised figure is £31,000, and 11 advertise £41,700 or more. Ranges are counted at their lowest figure. 9 NHS pay-scale posts are left out: those are assessed against the NHS scale, not the general figure. See the current listings.
How the salary rule works
A Skilled Worker role must pay at least the higher of the going rate for its occupation code and the general threshold. The going rate comes from the Home Office table for the code; the general threshold is the same for every code. Lower figures apply in set cases, such as new entrants, and the job’s hours, the candidate’s circumstances and the other requirements all matter. These figures describe the code; they are not a decision about any person or offer. GOV.UK has the full rules.
More about chefs
Salaries for related occupations
- Fishmongers and poultry dressersSOC 5433 · floor £41,700
- Bakers and flour confectionersSOC 5432 · floor £41,700
- Catering and bar managersSOC 5436 · floor £41,700
- ButchersSOC 5431 · floor £41,700
- Glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishersSOC 5441 · floor £41,700
- Furniture makers and other craft woodworkersSOC 5442 · floor £41,700