SOC 1255 (Managers and directors in the creative industries) is a UK Standard Occupational Classification 2020 code covering art gallery managers and directors, film and television production managers, publishing managers and directors, radio production managers.

What is the minimum salary for SOC 1255 on a UK Skilled Worker visa in 2026?

The effective minimum is £44,900 per year — the higher of the SOC 1255 going rate (£44,900) and the general 2026 threshold of £41,700.

Is SOC 1255 eligible for the UK Skilled Worker visa?

Yes — SOC 1255 is classed as Higher Skilled (RQF Level 6) and is eligible for the standard Skilled Worker route.

SOC 1255

Managers and directors in the creative industries

Art gallery managers and directors, Film and television production managers, Publishing managers and directors, Radio production managers

TL;DRSOC 1255 (Managers and directors in the creative industries) is Higher Skilled (RQF 6) with a going rate of £44,900. In 2026, sponsored workers must be paid at least £44,900 — the higher of the going rate and the £41,700 general threshold.

SOC code: 1255
Skill level: Higher Skilled (RQF 6)
Going rate: £44,900
Effective minimum (2026): £44,900
Hourly equivalent: £23.03/hr
Industry: Public sector
Was (SOC 2010): 1121, 1134, 1139, 1225, 1259, 2435, 3416

Sponsors hiring under SOC 1255

Inferred from the public sector sector. These are licensed UK sponsors most likely to issue Certificates of Sponsorship under this code.

Company	Town	Licence
Abba Father Evangelical Ministry	MILTON KEYNES	A rating
Aberdeen City Council	Aberdeen	A rating
Aberdeenshire Council	Aberdeen	A rating
All For Christ International Ministry	Reading	A rating
Anglican Consultative Council	London	A rating
Angus Council	Forfar	A rating
Argyll and Bute Council	Lochgilphead	A rating
Arts Council England	Manchester	A rating
Ashford Borough Council	Ashford	A rating
Basildon Borough Council	Basildon	A rating

Related SOC codes

Sources

GOV.UK — Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations (going rates). SOC 1255 going rate of £44,900 verified 24 June 2026.
GOV.UK — Skilled Worker visa eligible occupations and codes. Skill-level classification (Higher Skilled), SOC 2020.

SOC 1255

Managers and directors in the creative industries

Art gallery managers and directors, Film and television production managers, Publishing managers and directors, Radio production managers

SOC code: 1255
Skill level: Higher Skilled (RQF 6)
Going rate: £44,900
Effective minimum (2026): £44,900
Hourly equivalent: £23.03/hr
Industry: Public sector
Was (SOC 2010): 1121, 1134, 1139, 1225, 1259, 2435, 3416

Sponsors hiring under SOC 1255

Inferred from the public sector sector. These are licensed UK sponsors most likely to issue Certificates of Sponsorship under this code.

Company	Town	Licence
Abba Father Evangelical Ministry	MILTON KEYNES	A rating
Aberdeen City Council	Aberdeen	A rating
Aberdeenshire Council	Aberdeen	A rating
All For Christ International Ministry	Reading	A rating
Anglican Consultative Council	London	A rating
Angus Council	Forfar	A rating
Argyll and Bute Council	Lochgilphead	A rating
Arts Council England	Manchester	A rating
Ashford Borough Council	Ashford	A rating
Basildon Borough Council	Basildon	A rating

Related SOC codes

Sources

GOV.UK — Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations (going rates). SOC 1255 going rate of £44,900 verified 24 June 2026.
GOV.UK — Skilled Worker visa eligible occupations and codes. Skill-level classification (Higher Skilled), SOC 2020.