SOC 2020 unit group 5311

5311 Steel erectors

Unit group 5311 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 5311, in minor group 531 (Construction and building trades) and major group 5 (Skilled trades 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): £35,000 (£17.95 per hour)
    • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £29,500 (£15.13 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Steel erectors fit and erect structural metal framework for buildings and other structures such as metal chimneys.

Typical entry routes

There are no formal academic entry requirements, though GCSEs/S grades are advantageous. Entry is typically through an approved apprenticeship programme or college course in conjunction with on-the-job training, leading to a NVQ/SVQ level 2/3 qualification, or through building up work experience supplemented with short courses.

Tasks

  • examines drawings and specifications to assess job requirements
  • erects ladders, scaffolding or working cage
  • directs hoisting and positioning of girders and other metal parts and checks alignment
  • arranges for or undertakes bolting and welding of metal parts
  • checks alignment of metal parts using spirit level and plumb-rule

Related job titles

  • Steel erector
  • Steel fabricator
  • Steel worker (structural engineering)

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
5311 Steel erectors
Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)
  • Steel erectors
Going rate (SW – options A and D)
£35,000 (£17.95 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
5311 Steel erectors
Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)
5311
Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)
  • Steel erectors
Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)
£29,500 (£15.13 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

Other unit groups in minor group 531

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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