SOC 2020 · 3429
Design occupations n.e.c.
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)
£39,300
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£39,300
- General threshold£41,700
View these figures as a table
| Percentile | Pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | £27,661 |
| 25th | £32,277 |
| 50th | £39,779 |
| Going rate | £39,300 |
| General threshold | £41,700 |
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | £27,661 | £32,277 | £39,779 | — | — |
| East Midlands 2025 | — | — | £33,475 | — | — |
| London 2025 | — | — | £43,766 | — | — |
| North West 2025 | — | — | £38,811 | — | — |
| South East 2025 | — | — | £37,366 | — | — |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
Job holders in this unit group plan, direct and undertake the creation of designs for new industrial and commercial products, stage sets, and other areas not elsewhere classified in minor group 342: Design occupations.
Typical tasks
liaises with client to determine the purpose, cost, technical specification and potential uses/users of product
prepares sketches, designs, patterns, prototypes, mock-ups and storyboards for consideration by theatre/film director, management, sales department or a client
undertakes research to determine market trends, production requirements, availability of resources and formulates design concepts
specifies materials, production method and finish for aesthetic or functional effect, and oversees production of sample and/or finished product
observes and manages intellectual property issues
create many types of special effects make-up, which can include prosthetics
define, design and implement a creative visual merchandising strategy
Entry routes and qualifications
Entrants have usually completed a foundation course, BTEC/SQA award, degree and/or postgraduate qualification. A variety of vocational qualifications are available.