SOC 2020 code 3511 · Associate 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
Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers (SOC 3511) 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 £80,400 a year for a 37.5-hour week. A new Skilled Worker applicant must usually be paid at least £80,400: 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 £56,300.
Sources: Appendix Skilled Occupations, Skilled Worker salary rules, when you can be paid less.
The ONS coding index files 37 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.
We have not read an advert we could place in this code since October 2025. We read visa sponsorship adverts from Reed and Adzuna every 4 hours.
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.
Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers (SOC 3511) 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 £80,400 a year for a 37.5-hour week. A new Skilled Worker applicant must usually be paid at least £80,400: 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 £56,300.
The ONS coding index files 37 job titles under 3511, including aeroplane pilot, air traffic control officer, air traffic controller, air traffic planner, air traffic service assistant, air traffic services assistant, aircraft flight deck officer, airline captain. The employer chooses the code on the certificate of sponsorship from the job's duties, not its title.