3131 IT technicians

In short

• ONS unit group 3131, in minor group 313 (Information technology 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): £35,200 (£18.05 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £27,700 (£14.21 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

IT technicians are responsible for the day-to-day running of IT systems and networks including the preparation of back-up systems, and for performing regular checks to ensure the smooth functioning of such systems.

Typical entry routes

Entry is possible with a variety of academic qualifications and/or relevant experience. Entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades and A levels/H grades together with an appropriate vocational qualification. Some employers may demand a relevant degree. Training is provided off and on-the-job supplemented by specialised courses. Postgraduate and professional qualifications and apprenticeships in some areas are available.

Tasks

• administers, monitors and supports internal/external networks, servers, email and security systems
• configures and sets up new server systems
• schedules and performs system maintenance tasks, such as loading user applications, programs and data
• analyses systems and makes recommendations to improve performance
• identifies problems, agrees remedial action and undertakes emergency maintenance if required
• performs server backup and recovery operations and restarts systems following outages
• acts as a liaison between users, outside suppliers, and other technical teams

Related job titles

• Computer games tester
• Digital administrator
• IT technician
• Network administrator
• Systems administrator

ONS note: Unit Group title was IT operations technicians (version V13).

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

3131 IT operations technicians

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Games testers
• Network and systems administrators
• Quality assurance testers
• Software technicians
• IT operations technicians not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£35,200 (£18.05 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

3131 IT operations technicians

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

3131, 5245

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Games testers
• Network and systems administrators
• Quality assurance testers
• Software technicians
• IT operations technicians not elsewhere classified

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

£27,700 (£14.21 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 313

• 3132 IT user support technicians
• 3133 Database administrators and web content technicians

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.

All 412 occupation codes

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