SOC 2020 · 5214
Pipe fitters
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Shortage list only
Below the usual skill level, but listed.
Salary floor
£46,000
The going rate, £46,000, 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)
£46,000
General threshold
£41,700
Visa thresholds from
Minimum for this role
£46,000
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.
ONS has not published enough of the pay distribution for Pipe fitters in UK to draw it. The figures we do hold are shown above.
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | — | — | £42,580 | — | — |
| Scotland 2025 | — | — | £39,025 | — | — |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
Pipe fitters install pipe systems and maintain and repair pipes in major utilities, industrial and construction settings and sites.
Typical tasks
examines drawings and specifications to determine layout of piping
measures and cuts required lengths of copper, lead, steel, iron, aluminium or plastic piping using hand or machine tools
installs pipes for heating, ventilating, fire prevention, water and similar systems in industrial and construction settings, including oil rigs and terminals, sewerage systems and other mains networks
fits piping into position and joins sections by welding, soldering, cementing, fusing, screwing or by other methods
tests pipe work for leaks and makes necessary adjustments
Entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic entry requirements, although some employers may expect entrants to possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is usually via apprenticeship including practical experience and technical training. NVQs/SVQs at levels 2 and 3 are available.