SOC 2020 code 8153 · Process, plant and machine operatives

Rail construction and maintenance operatives

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 8153

Not eligible

Rail construction and maintenance operatives (SOC 8153) is not an eligible occupation for the Skilled Worker visa, so it cannot be sponsored on that route.

Going rate: None
Major group: 8

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

Appendix Skilled Occupations gives no going rate for this occupation.

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

Job titles under SOC 8153

The ONS coding index files 51 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.

Block layer (mine)
Bridge examiner (railway maintenance and repair)

Bridge examiner (railways)

Lengthman (railway maintenance and repair)

Lengthman (railways)

Line inspector (railways)

Maintenance hand (railway maintenance and repair)

Maintenance man (railway maintenance and repair)

Maintenance man (transport: railways)

Maintenance technician (railway maintenance and repair)

Patrol (railway maintenance and repair)

Patrolman (railway maintenance and repair)

Patrolman (railways)

Permanent way constructor

Permanent way installer

Rail track maintenance worker

Railway engineer (railway maintenance and repair)

Relayer (railway maintenance and repair)

Road layer (railway maintenance and repair)

Road layer (railways)

Road repairer (mine: not coal)

Sub-inspector (railway maintenance and repair)

Sub-inspector (railways: engineering)

Technician (railway maintenance and repair)

Track maintenance engineer

Track maintenance man (railway maintenance and repair)

Track maintenance man (railways)

Trackman (mine: not coal)

Trackman (railway maintenance and repair)

Ultra rail flaw detector operator

Ultrasonic engineer (railway maintenance and repair)

Ultrasonic engineer (railways)

Ultrasonic inspector (railway maintenance and repair)

Ultrasonic inspector (railways)

Ultrasonic operator (railway maintenance and repair)

Ultrasonic operator (railways)

Ultrasonic rail flaw detector

Sponsors advertising rail construction and maintenance operatives 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 8153

Can rail construction and maintenance operatives be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa?

Rail construction and maintenance operatives (SOC 8153) is not an eligible occupation for the Skilled Worker visa, so it cannot be sponsored on that route.

What is the going rate for SOC 8153?

Appendix Skilled Occupations gives no going rate for this occupation.

Which job titles come under SOC code 8153?

The ONS coding index files 51 job titles under 8153, including block layer, bridge examiner, bridge examiner, lengthman, lengthman, line inspector, maintenance hand, maintenance man. The employer chooses the code on the certificate of sponsorship from the job's duties, not its title.