3115 Quality assurance technicians

In short

• ONS unit group 3115, in minor group 311 (Science, engineering and production technicians) and major group 3 (Associate professional occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £33,400 (£17.13 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £26,500 (£13.59 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Quality assurance technicians perform a variety of technical inspections and testing and monitoring tasks to detect processing, manufacturing and other defects.

Typical entry routes

Entrants normally possess a degree, GCSEs/S grades, a BTEC/ SQA award or A levels/H grades. Training is typically received on-the-job, supplemented by training courses where instruction in specific techniques is required. Various industry-specific qualifications encompass aspects of quality control.

Tasks

• sets up scientific, electronic, or other technical equipment to perform functional and inspection tests
• analyses and interprets the results of tests undertaken and writes up reports upon completion
• supervises the work of routine inspection staff and notes any defects reported
• assists quality control engineers in undertaking production audits
• liaises with production engineers and staff to maintain the quality of output and to develop quality management systems.
• establishes product specifications
• maintains equipment and systems used

Related job titles

• Quality analyst
• Quality assurance coordinator
• Quality control technician
• Quality officer
• Quality technician
• Test technician

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

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

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

3115 Quality assurance technicians

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Quality assurance technicians

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

3115 Quality assurance technicians

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

3115

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Quality assurance technicians

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£26,500 (£13.59 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Other unit groups in minor group 311

• 3111 Laboratory technicians
• 3112 Electrical and electronics technicians
• 3113 Engineering technicians
• 3114 Building and civil engineering technicians
• 3116 Planning, process and production technicians
• 3119 Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.

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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