Skilled worker salary thresholds in 2026: Australia, Denmark, Hong Kong and New Zealand
Salary thresholds are one of the most common reasons a skilled work application fails. They are also among the facts that change most often. Here is a snapshot for four destinations, as of October 2026. Always verify before you apply.
Australia: Skills in Demand visa
From 1 July 2026 the reported income thresholds are:
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): AUD 79,423.
- Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): AUD 146,576.
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): AUD 79,423.
The thresholds are indexed in July each year.
Denmark: Pay Limit scheme
Denmark's reported Pay Limit threshold for 2026 is DKK 552,000 per year. The supplementary pay level is DKK 446,000. A proposal involving a DKK 300,000 level has been reported but was unconfirmed in sources we reviewed, so do not rely on it.
Hong Kong: QMAS
The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme has a reported quota of 12,000 for 2026-27, with a points test reviewed in March 2026. Talent pass and top talent routes are separate.
New Zealand
New Zealand's median wage rose to NZD 35 per hour from 9 March 2026. Some requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa are linked to the median wage, so check which ones apply to your job. The main skilled residence pathway was restructured in August 2026.
How to use these numbers
- Treat them as gross annual or hourly figures unless the source says otherwise.
- Check whether the figure is per year or per month.
- Confirm whether your occupation falls into a shortage or specialist category.
- Note the date the number takes effect, as many change on 1 January or 1 July.
Why you should not rely on old blog posts
A threshold from last year can be wrong this year. Check the date and the source on any number you use.
Visa Ray is a rule-based reference tool, not a law firm. Rules and fees change, so always confirm current figures with the official government source before you apply. You can run a free assessment on Visa Ray to see which pathways fit your profile.