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Average UK Graduate Salaries

June 19, 2023 |

So you’re about to step into the big, wide world of work after graduating from university, and you can’t help but wonder, “What is the average graduate salary in the UK?” We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive exploration of graduate salaries, complete with the factors that affect starting pay and a detailed breakdown of the highest and lowest paying graduate jobs in the UK.

What is a graduate job?

A graduate job refers to a role specifically designed for individuals who have recently completed their university degrees. These jobs often provide the necessary training and development needed to kick-start successful careers in the chosen field.

Graduate schemes run by larger companies are a popular example, offering a structured training programme while you work. They can be an excellent launchpad, setting the pace for upward mobility in the corporate world.

The Average Graduate Salary in the UK

Now, let’s address the million-pound question: What is the average graduate salary in the UK?

As of the latest figures available, the average starting salary for graduates in the UK hovers around £24,000 to £27,000. However, remember that this is an average, which means actual figures can vary greatly depending on a range of factors, some of which we will delve into next.

Factors Influencing a Graduate’s Starting Salary

When it comes to determining the starting salary for graduates, several factors come into play.

1. Job Type: Not all graduate jobs are created equal. Certain sectors are known to offer higher starting salaries due to the nature of the work or the skills required. For instance, roles in investment banking or law tend to have higher starting salaries compared to those in the public sector or creative industries.

2. Location: Where you work also has a significant impact on your salary. Generally, jobs in London and the South East of England tend to offer higher salaries to compensate for the higher cost of living in these areas.

3. Degree Classification: Your degree level and classification can also affect your starting salary. Those with first-class honours or a postgraduate degree often have an edge over their peers.

4. University Attended: Some employers may offer higher starting salaries to graduates from certain prestigious universities. However, this trend is less common now, as employers increasingly prioritize skills and experience over the reputation of a graduate’s university.

Highest and Lowest Paid Graduate Jobs

highest paying graduate jobs

So what are the highest-paid graduate jobs, and what are the lowest?

In the high-paying corner, you’ll find jobs in investment banking, law, and technology. For instance, investment banking analysts can expect starting salaries of £50,000 or more, while technology roles, such as cybersecurity analysts, can offer starting salaries of £35,000.

On the flip side, jobs in charity and voluntary work, public sector roles, and some creative industries are often at the lower end of the scale. For instance, a starting salary for a graduate role in a charitable organization may be around £18,000.

Examples of Graduate Salaries in Different Career Paths

To give you a more tangible idea, let’s look at some examples in different career paths:

  1. Software Engineers: As technology continues to shape our world, graduates entering software engineering can look forward to a healthy starting salary of around £30,000.
  2. Marketing Executives: For those with a knack for creativity and strategic thinking, starting salaries in marketing roles hover around the £23,000 mark.
  3. Nurses: For graduates entering healthcare, registered nurses can expect to start on a salary of around £24,000, which can increase significantly with experience and specialisation.
  4. Teachers: Graduates entering the teaching profession start on a minimum salary of £25,000 (or £30,000 in London).
  5. Lawyers: Legal eagles flying into law firms can expect starting salaries to vary widely depending on the size and location of the firm, with an average of around £30,000, but potentially much higher in top London firms.
  6. Civil Engineers: Those building their careers in civil engineering can expect a robust starting salary of around £27,000.

Remember, these figures are not set in stone and can fluctuate based on factors like company size, location, and the current economic climate.

Important Factors to Consider with your graduate job

Graduate salaries in the UK can vary widely, but the average tends to sit between £24,000 to £27,000. This figure, however, is not the be-all and end-all of your graduate job.

Yes, the paycheck matters, but it’s also important to consider other factors like job satisfaction, career progression, and work-life balance. Some roles, while starting with lower salaries, might offer rapid progression or high job satisfaction which might be more aligned with your long-term career goals.

In the end, remember that a starting salary is just that: a start. As you gain experience, broaden your skills, and prove your worth, your salary has the potential to grow, perhaps even beyond what you might initially expect.

So, as you stand on the precipice of your shiny new career, don’t be too swayed by the starting figures. Focus on your interests and passions, play to your strengths, and choose a path that will bring not just financial rewards, but also personal fulfilment and growth.

If you are a student who has just graduated and are living in the London area, we offer student storage to help keep all of your goods and furniture safe. If you would like to learn more get in touch.