SOC 2020 code 2122 · Professional occupations
Whether this occupation can be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa, its going rate, the job titles filed under the code, and the licensed sponsors advertising these jobs.
Eligible
Mechanical engineers (SOC 2122) is an eligible occupation in Appendix Skilled Occupations, so jobs in it can be sponsored for a new Skilled Worker visa.
Annual salaries for a 37.5-hour week, from Appendix Skilled Occupations (updated 3 Aug 2026).
The going rate is £46,800 a year for a 37.5-hour week. A new Skilled Worker applicant must usually be paid at least £46,800: the general minimum of £41,700 or the going rate, whichever is higher. Some people can be paid less, for example new entrants, where the minimum for this occupation is £33,400.
Sources: Appendix Skilled Occupations, Skilled Worker salary rules, when you can be paid less.
The ONS coding index files 76 job titles under this code. A note in brackets is the setting the title applies to: the same title can sit under another code elsewhere. The code on a certificate of sponsorship follows the job’s duties, so check them with or the employer.
Since October 2025 we read 12 adverts that we placed in this code from the job title, 10 of them still open, from 5 employers on the register of licensed sponsors. The median advertised salary was £55,000 (11 adverts with a salary), and 6 were at or above the £46,800 going rate.
Open adverts checked against the employer, occupation and salary rules for a new visa:
CHM Global Limited · Portlethen · Not for a new visa
WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS LTD · UK · £55,000 to £60,000 a year · Check first
Kier Group plc · Woolston, Warrington · £36,154 a year · Check first
Kier Group plc · Hunts Cross, Liverpool · £33,728 a year · Check first
Kier Group plc · Stanley, Liverpool · £35,007 a year · Check first
Kier Group plc · UK · £74,820 a year · Check first
Kier Group plc · Oxford Circus, Central London · £81,597 a year · Check first
From Appendix Skilled Occupations and the Temporary Shortage List (GOV.UK), the ONS SOC 2020 coding index, and job adverts we read and match to the Home Office register. We place an advert in a code from its title, so some adverts may be in the wrong code. Whether a person can be sponsored also depends on their own circumstances. This page is information, not immigration advice. Profile built 7 Oct 2026.
Mechanical engineers (SOC 2122) is an eligible occupation in Appendix Skilled Occupations, so jobs in it can be sponsored for a new Skilled Worker visa.
The going rate is £46,800 a year for a 37.5-hour week. A new Skilled Worker applicant must usually be paid at least £46,800: the general minimum of £41,700 or the going rate, whichever is higher. Some people can be paid less, for example new entrants, where the minimum for this occupation is £33,400.
The ONS coding index files 76 job titles under 2122, including area chief engineer, area mechanical engineer, automobile engineer, automotive design engineer, automotive engineer, automotive homologation engineer, certifying officer, chassis engineer. The employer chooses the code on the certificate of sponsorship from the job's duties, not its title.
Since October 2025 we read 12 adverts that we placed in SOC 2122, from 5 employers on the register. The most came from Kier Group plc (7), Elis UK Limited (2), CHM Global Limited (1).
The median advertised salary was £55,000 across 11 adverts that gave one. 6 of them were at or above the £46,800 going rate.
Kier Group plc · UK · £77,306 a year · Check first