3412 Authors, writers and translators

In short

• ONS unit group 3412, in minor group 341 (Artistic, literary and media occupations) 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, Table 2b.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £36,100 (£18.51 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £29,800 (£15.28 per hour)
  • Table 2b, Going rate (GBM – minimum rate): £31,300 (£16.05 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Authors, writers and translators write, edit and evaluate literary material for publication excluding material for newspapers, magazines and other periodicals but including scripts and narrative for film, TV, radio and video games and animations; and translate spoken and written statements into different languages.

Typical entry routes

Entry is possible with a variety of academic qualifications and/or relevant experience. Postgraduate and professional qualifications are available and are required for some occupations.

Tasks

• determines subject matter and researches as necessary by interviewing, attending public events, seeking out records, observing etc.
• generates and develops creative ideas for literary material
• selects material for publication, checks style, grammar and accuracy of content, arranges for any necessary revisions and checks proof copies before printing
• negotiates contracts with freelance agents and with buyer on behalf of writer
• writes instruction manuals and user guides, technical reports, catalogues and indexes, prepares sales literature and writes technical articles for trade journals
• converts documents or spoken statements from original or source language into another language
• provides communication support for the hard of hearing or the visually impaired

Related job titles

• Copywriter
• Editor (books)
• Interpreter
• Technical author
• Translator
• Writer

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

3412 Authors, writers and translators

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Authors
• Bloggers
• Copywriters
• Literary editors
• Poets
• Script writers
• Technical writers (excludes computing)
• Translators and interpreters
• Authors, writers and translators not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£36,100 (£18.51 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

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

3412 Authors, writers and translators

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

3412

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Authors
• Bloggers
• Copywriters
• Literary editors
• Poets
• Script writers
• Technical writers (excludes computing)
• Translators and interpreters
• Authors, writers and translators not elsewhere classified

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

£29,800 (£15.28 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

Not applicable

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

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Table 2b: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Global Business Mobility applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 4 April 2024

SOC 2020 occupation code

3412 Authors, writers and translators

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

3412

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Authors
• Bloggers
• Copywriters
• Literary editors
• Poets
• Script writers
• Technical writers (excludes computing)
• Translators and interpreters
• Authors, writers and translators not elsewhere classified

Going rate (GBM – minimum rate)

£31,300 (£16.05 per hour)

70% of going rate (GTR – minimum rate)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Other unit groups in minor group 341

• 3411 Artists
• 3413 Actors, entertainers and presenters
• 3414 Dancers and choreographers
• 3415 Musicians
• 3416 Arts officers, producers and directors
• 3417 Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators

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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