SOC 2020 unit group 2256

2256 Podiatrists

Unit group 2256 in the ONS Standard Occupational Classification 2020, with the line the Appendix Skilled Occupations gives it. Not immigration advice.

ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1: file dated 27 August 2026, version V13 · Appendix Skilled Occupations: figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked against the 8 October 2026 page on 26 October 2026 (unchanged)

In short

  • ONS unit group 2256, in minor group 225 (Other health professionals) and major group 2 (Professional occupations).
  • Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): On the list: Table 3.
  • Going rate as the table prints it:
    • Table 3: a national pay scale, set out in the table below.

What the ONS says

Description

Podiatrists (formerly known as chiropodists) diagnose and treat ailments and abnormalities of the human foot and lower limb, deal with minor infections, injuries and deformities, and conditions resulting from other major health disorders such as diabetes.

Typical entry routes

Entry requires a degree in podiatry approved by the Health Professions Council and registration with and membership of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. Degree courses combine theoretical and practical training. Qualified podiatrists must undertake 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development each year.

Tasks

  • examines patient’s feet to determine the nature and extent of disorder
  • provides vascular and neurological assessment for the long-term management of chronic disorders and high-risk patients
  • administers local anaesthetic where appropriate
  • treats conditions of the skin, nails and soft tissues of feet by minor surgery, massage and heat treatment, padding and strapping or drugs
  • prescribes, makes and fits pads and other orthotic appliances to correct and/or protect foot disorders
  • those with advanced training may carry out minor surgery on the feet
  • advises patients on aspects of foot care to avoid recurrence of foot problems
  • delivers foot health education to groups such as the elderly, children, the homeless, those with medical problems such as arthritis
  • refers patients who require further medical or surgical attention

Related job titles

  • Chiropodist
  • Foot health practitioner (qualified)
  • Podiatrist

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the table below, with the table’s own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 3: Eligible health and education SOC 2020 occupation codes where going rates are based on national pay scales

SOC 2020 occupation code
2256 Podiatrists
Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)
2218
Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)
  • Chiropodist
  • Foot health practitioner (qualified)
  • Podiatrist
Going rate (annual)
See relevant pay band in Table 4

Table 4: Going rates for listed healthcare SOC 2020 occupation codes by administration and band

Band or equivalentEnglandScotlandWalesNorthern Ireland
Band 3£24,071£26,869£24,433£22,816
Band 4£26,530£29,116£26,928£25,147
Band 5£29,970£31,892£30,420£28,407
Band 6£37,338£39,912£37,898£35,392
Band 7£46,148£48,788£46,840£43,742
Band 8a£53,755£60,126£54,550£50,952
Band 8b£62,215£70,986£63,150£58,972
Band 8c£74,290£83,837£75,405£70,417
Band 8d£88,168£99,534£89,491£83,571
Band 9£105,385£117,732£106,967£99,891

Other unit groups in minor group 225

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

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