SOC 2020 code 5421 · Skilled trades occupations

Pre-press technicians

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.

Skilled Worker rules for SOC 5421

Existing workers only

Since 22 July 2025, Pre-press technicians (SOC 5421) can only be sponsored for people who were granted Skilled Worker permission under the rules in place before that date and have held it continuously since.

Going rate: £33,400
New entrant rate: £33,400
Major group: 5

Annual salaries for a 37.5-hour week, from Appendix Skilled Occupations (updated 3 Aug 2026).

The going rate in Appendix Skilled Occupations is £33,400 a year for a 37.5-hour week. It applies to people who can still be sponsored in this occupation.

Sources: Appendix Skilled Occupations, Skilled Worker salary rules, when you can be paid less.

Job titles under SOC 5421

The ONS coding index files 122 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 CASCOT or the employer.

Assembler

(photo-lithographic plates mfr)

Block maker (printing)

Copper etcher (printing)

Copper plate engraver

Display make-up operator

Displayman (printing)

Engraver (ordnance survey)

Engraver (textile printing)

Hand engraver (textile mfr)

Ibm composer operator

Impressioner (engraver's)

Keyboard operator (typesetting)

Lay-out man (printing)

Lithograph transferer (printing)

Lithographic assistant

Lithographic draughtsman

Lithographic planner

Lithographic plate maker

Lithographic preparer (printing)

Measurer (paper pattern mfr)

Metal printer (process engraving)

Monotype caster attendant

Monotype caster operator

Monotype casting machinist

Mould assembler (monotype)

Originator (printing)

Page planner (publishing)

Pantograph engraver (roller engraving)

Pantographer (roller engraving)

Photographic engraver

Photogravure engraver

Plan reproducer (printer's)

Planer (stereotypes)

Plate hand (printing)

Plate layer (printing)

Plate repairer (printing)

Plate-backing machinist (photographic plate mfr)

Pre-press operator (printing)

Pre-press technician

Preparer (lithography)

Printer's draughtsman

Printer's layer (textile printing)

Process block engraver

Process block etcher

Stereotyper's assistant

Stripper (process engraving)

Turner (process engraving)

Typesetting supervisor

Typographical designer

Typographical operator

Sponsors advertising pre-press technicians jobs

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.

Questions about SOC 5421

Can pre-press technicians be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa?

What is the going rate for SOC 5421?

The going rate in Appendix Skilled Occupations is £33,400 a year for a 37.5-hour week. It applies to people who can still be sponsored in this occupation.

Which job titles come under SOC code 5421?

The ONS coding index files 122 job titles under 5421, including assembler, bank-note engraver, block maker, box hand, bronzing metaller, carbon printer, caster, chemical engraver. The employer chooses the code on the certificate of sponsorship from the job's duties, not its title.