SOC 2020 code 5213 · Skilled trades 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.
Temporary Shortage List
Welding trades (SOC 5213) is on the Temporary Shortage List, so jobs in it can be sponsored for a new Skilled Worker visa, including switching and applying from outside the UK.
Annual salaries for a 37.5-hour week, from Appendix Skilled Occupations (updated 3 Aug 2026).
The going rate is £34,900 a year for a 37.5-hour week. For a job on the Temporary Shortage List the minimum is £33,400 or the going rate, whichever is higher: £34,900.
Sources: Appendix Skilled Occupations, Temporary Shortage List, Skilled Worker salary rules, when you can be paid less.
The ONS coding index files 59 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 4 adverts that we placed in this code from the job title, 2 of them still open, from 1 employer on the register of licensed sponsors.
Open adverts checked against the employer, occupation and salary rules for a new visa:
TSP · Bilston, West Midlands · £31,200 a year · Not for a new visa
WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS LTD · Antrim, County Antrim · £43,000 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.
Welding trades (SOC 5213) is on the Temporary Shortage List, so jobs in it can be sponsored for a new Skilled Worker visa, including switching and applying from outside the UK.
The going rate is £34,900 a year for a 37.5-hour week. For a job on the Temporary Shortage List the minimum is £33,400 or the going rate, whichever is higher: £34,900.
The ONS coding index files 59 job titles under 5213, including acetylene burner, acetylene cutter, arc welder, blacksmith welder, brazer, brazier, brazing machinist, burner. The employer chooses the code on the certificate of sponsorship from the job's duties, not its title.
Since October 2025 we read 4 adverts that we placed in SOC 5213, from 1 employers on the register. The most came from WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS LTD (2).