SOC 2161TL;DRSOC 2161 (Research and development (r&d) managers) is Higher Skilled (RQF 6) with a going rate of £54,400. In 2026, sponsored workers must be paid at least £54,400 — the higher of the going rate and the £41,700 general threshold.
Research and development (r&d) managers
Laboratory managers, Research and development (R&D) design managers, Research and development (R&D) managers not elsewhere classified
- SOC code
- 2161
- Skill level
- Higher Skilled (RQF 6)
- Going rate
- £54,400
- Effective minimum (2026)
- £54,400
- Hourly equivalent
- £27.90/hr
- New-entrant rate (70%)
- £38,100
- PhD rate (90%)
- £48,900
- STEM PhD rate (80%)
- £43,500
- Industry
- Science & research
- Was (SOC 2010)
- 1139, 2150
Sponsors hiring under SOC 2161
Inferred from the science & research sector. These are licensed UK sponsors most likely to issue Certificates of Sponsorship under this code.
Related SOC codes
- SOC 2111Chemical scientists
- SOC 2112Biological scientists
- SOC 2114Physical scientists
- SOC 2115Social and humanities scientists
- SOC 2162Other researchers, unspecified discipline
- SOC 2434Business and related research professionals
Sources
- GOV.UK — Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations (going rates). SOC 2161 going rate of £54,400 verified 1 September 2026.
- GOV.UK — Skilled Worker visa eligible occupations and codes. Skill-level classification (Higher Skilled), SOC 2020.