SOC 2020 · 3412
Authors, writers and translators
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Shortage list only
Below the usual skill level, but listed.
Salary floor
£41,700
The general threshold, £41,700, is the higher of the two.
Shortage lists
Temporary Shortage List
Listed roles carry their own restrictions — check GOV.UK.
Shortage list conditions
Temporary Shortage List: all jobs in this code. Certificate of sponsorship must be issued before 31 Dec 2026.
Shortage-list jobs are below the usual skill level, so employers face restrictions such as no dependants and no salary discount. Check GOV.UK for the current conditions.
Salary the job must pay
A Skilled Worker job must pay at least the higher of the general threshold and the going rate for its occupation code.
Going rate (standard)
£36,100
General threshold
£41,700
Visa thresholds from
Minimum for this role
£41,700
Home Office going rates from
New entrants and some other cases can use 70% of the going rate, £33,400, subject to the lower general threshold of £33,400.
What this occupation actually pays
ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, full-time gross annual pay.
- UK pay for this occupation
- Going rate£36,100
- General threshold£41,700
View these figures as a table
| Percentile | Pay |
|---|---|
| 25th | £32,036 |
| 50th | £39,459 |
| Going rate | £36,100 |
| General threshold | £41,700 |
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | — | £32,036 | £39,459 | — | — |
| London 2025 | — | — | £40,252 | — | — |
| North West 2025 | — | — | £41,415 | — | — |
| South East 2025 | — | — | £38,219 | — | — |
| South West 2025 | — | — | £41,400 | — | — |
| Wales 2025 |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
Authors, writers and translators write, edit and evaluate literary material for publication excluding material for newspapers, magazines and other periodicals but including scripts and narrative for film, TV, radio and video games and animations; and translate spoken and written statements into different languages.
Typical tasks
determines subject matter and researches as necessary by interviewing, attending public events, seeking out records, observing etc.
generates and develops creative ideas for literary material
selects material for publication, checks style, grammar and accuracy of content, arranges for any necessary revisions and checks proof copies before printing
negotiates contracts with freelance agents and with buyer on behalf of writer
writes instruction manuals and user guides, technical reports, catalogues and indexes, prepares sales literature and writes technical articles for trade journals
converts documents or spoken statements from original or source language into another language
provides communication support for the hard of hearing or the visually impaired
Entry routes and qualifications
Entry is possible with a variety of academic qualifications and/or relevant experience. Postgraduate and professional qualifications are available and are required for some occupations.