UK Graduate Salaries: Average Salary by Degree and Career

Understanding potential graduate salaries is an important part of choosing a university course and planning a career in the UK. Salary levels can vary significantly depending on the subject studied, occupation, location, experience, employer and level of responsibility.

For international students considering studying in the UK, looking at graduate salary data can provide useful context when comparing different academic and career options.

The latest Graduate Outcomes data for the 2023/24 graduating cohort shows that the overall median salary for UK graduates in full-time paid employment in the UK, measured around 15 months after graduation, was £30,000.

This figure is a median rather than a guaranteed starting salary. Individual graduates can earn more or less depending on their circumstances.

What Is the Average Graduate Salary in the UK?

According to the latest Graduate Outcomes 2023/24 data, the median salary for graduates in full-time paid employment in the UK was £30,000 approximately 15 months after graduation.

The previous year's median was £28,500, meaning the latest median increased by £1,500.

Salary data can vary considerably by degree subject and type of employment. Therefore, students should not use the overall graduate median as an expected salary for a particular course or profession.

UK Graduate Salary by Degree Subject

Different academic subjects can lead to very different career paths and salary outcomes.

The latest data provides useful information about salary levels across different subject areas.

Medicine and Dentistry

Medicine and Dentistry recorded the highest median salary among the broad subject areas in the latest Graduate Outcomes data, at approximately £43,749.

However, medical careers involve professional qualifications, registration and structured career progression. Students should therefore consider the complete education and professional pathway rather than salary alone.

Computing and Computer Science

Computing is a popular choice among international students because graduates can enter areas such as:

• Software development

• Data analysis

• Artificial intelligence

• Cybersecurity

• Cloud computing

• IT consulting

• Systems development

• Technology management

Actual salaries vary depending on the graduate's role, technical skills, employer, location and experience.

Engineering

Engineering graduates can pursue careers across industries such as:

• Civil engineering

• Mechanical engineering

• Electrical engineering

• Electronics

• Manufacturing

• Energy

• Construction

• Automotive

• Technology

Salary levels can differ substantially between engineering disciplines and employers.

Business and Management

Business graduates can enter a wide range of careers, including:

• Business analysis

• Management

• Consulting

• Marketing

• Sales

• Human resources

• Operations

• Project management

Graduate salary outcomes depend heavily on the role and sector rather than the degree title alone.

Finance and Accounting

Finance and accounting graduates can pursue careers such as:

• Financial analyst

• Accountant

• Auditor

• Investment analyst

• Banking professional

• Risk analyst

• Financial consultant

Professional qualifications and relevant experience can influence long-term earning potential.

Law

Law graduates can work across areas including:

• Solicitor careers

• Legal services

• Compliance

• Corporate services

• Government

• Policy

• Legal operations

Students should remember that qualifying as a solicitor or barrister involves additional professional requirements beyond completing a law degree.

Education and Teaching

Education and teaching is another major graduate employment area.

The latest Graduate Outcomes data recorded a median salary of approximately £30,980 for Education and Teaching among the relevant subject group.

Actual salaries depend on role, location, qualification, experience and employment sector.

Social Sciences

Social Sciences cover a wide range of disciplines and career paths.

The latest Graduate Outcomes data recorded a median salary of approximately £30,000 for Social Sciences across the relevant graduate population.

Career outcomes can vary significantly depending on the subject and occupation.

Media, Journalism and Communications

Media, journalism and communications graduates can work in areas such as:

• Journalism

• Digital media

• Public relations

• Content creation

• Communications

• Advertising

• Marketing

• Social media

The latest Graduate Outcomes data recorded a median salary of approximately £25,938 for Media, Journalism and Communications.

This demonstrates why students should consider career pathways and employment sectors when comparing courses.

Graduate Salaries by Career Sector

Graduate salaries are influenced not only by the degree but also by the industry and job role.

Some areas that can offer a wide range of graduate career opportunities include:

Technology

Technology careers include software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data science, artificial intelligence and IT consulting.

Finance

Finance careers include banking, accounting, investment, financial analysis, risk management and insurance.

Healthcare

Healthcare careers can include medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health and other specialised professions.

Engineering

Engineering graduates can work in construction, manufacturing, energy, transportation, technology and infrastructure.

Business

Business graduates can work in management, consulting, marketing, sales, operations and project management.

What Factors Affect UK Graduate Salaries?

A graduate's salary is influenced by several factors.

Degree Subject

Some subjects are closely connected to specialised professions, while others lead to a broader range of career options.

Job Role

Two graduates with the same degree can receive very different salaries because they enter different occupations.

Location

Salary levels and living costs vary across the UK. London and some other major cities can have higher salaries in certain industries, but they can also have significantly higher living costs.

Employer

Large companies, specialist firms, public-sector organisations, startups and smaller employers can offer different salary packages.

Skills and Experience

Technical skills, professional qualifications, internships, placements and relevant work experience can influence employment opportunities and future salary progression.

Industry

The sector in which a graduate works can have a major impact on salary.

High-Skilled Graduate Employment

The latest Graduate Outcomes 2023/24 data shows that 75% of UK graduates working in the UK were in high-skilled jobs.

The proportion was higher among graduates from science subjects, at 81%, compared with 69% among graduates from non-science subjects.

This highlights the importance of considering the type of occupation a degree can lead to, rather than looking only at salary figures.

Graduate Employment After University

Salary is only one part of graduate outcomes.

The latest Graduate Outcomes data shows that 57% of graduates from the 2023/24 cohort reported being in full-time employment around 15 months after graduation.

A further 25% were in other forms of employment, including graduates who were both working and studying, while 5% were only in further study.

Around 7% were unemployed at the time of the survey.

These figures show that graduates can follow different paths after completing their degrees.

UK Graduate Salaries by Experience

Graduate salaries can change substantially over the course of a career.

An entry-level graduate may start at a relatively modest salary and increase earnings after gaining:

• Professional experience

• Industry knowledge

• Specialist skills

• Professional qualifications

• Management responsibility

• Technical expertise

Therefore, students should consider both starting salary and long-term career development.

London Graduate Salaries

London is one of the UK's largest employment markets and offers opportunities across:

• Finance

• Technology

• Consulting

• Business

• Media

• Law

• Engineering

• Healthcare

Some graduate positions in London may offer higher salaries than similar roles elsewhere in the UK.

However, London also has higher accommodation and living costs, so a higher salary does not automatically mean greater disposable income.

Salary and Cost of Living

Students should not compare graduate salaries without considering living costs.

For example, a graduate earning a higher salary in London may also face higher:

• Rent

• Transportation costs

• Food expenses

• Utilities

• General living costs

When comparing career opportunities, students should consider the overall financial picture rather than salary alone.

Do UK Universities Guarantee Graduate Salaries?

No.

A university or degree programme cannot guarantee a particular salary after graduation.

Salary depends on factors such as:

• Job role

• Employer

• Industry

• Location

• Academic background

• Skills

• Work experience

• Professional qualifications

• Individual career progression

Graduate salary statistics should therefore be used as general information rather than a promise of future earnings.

Graduate Visa and Career Opportunities

International students who successfully complete an eligible UK degree may be able to apply for the Graduate visa if they meet the applicable immigration requirements.

Under the current rules, applications made from 1 January 2027 for a standard non-doctoral Graduate visa are generally granted for 18 months.

Students completing a PhD or other doctoral qualification can generally receive a 3-year Graduate visa.

The Graduate visa can provide eligible international graduates with time to work or look for work in the UK after completing their studies.

Immigration rules can change, so students should always consider the rules that apply when they become eligible to apply.

Popular Degrees for International Students in the UK

International students often consider subjects such as:

• Computer Science

• Artificial Intelligence

• Data Science

• Cybersecurity

• Engineering

• Business Management

• Finance

• Accounting

• Marketing

• Law

• Public Health

• Healthcare

• Project Management

• Architecture

• Environmental Science

The most suitable course depends on the student's academic background, career plans, budget and long-term goals.

How to Choose a Course Based on Career Goals

Students should consider several factors before selecting a degree.

Check the Curriculum

Look at the modules and practical skills included in the course.

Research Career Paths

Identify the types of jobs graduates commonly pursue after completing the degree.

Consider Professional Requirements

Some careers require additional professional qualifications or registration.

Review Graduate Outcomes

Salary and employment data can provide useful context, but it should not be treated as a guarantee.

Consider Location

The location of the university can affect both employment opportunities and living costs.

Consider the Total Cost

Compare tuition fees, accommodation, living costs and potential career outcomes together.

Why Study in the UK?

The UK has a large higher education sector with universities offering programmes across a wide range of subjects.

International students can benefit from:

• Diverse course options

• English-language education

• Research opportunities

• International student communities

• Industry links

• Professional development opportunities

• Access to major employment markets

However, students should select a course based on their own academic and career objectives.

How NWC Education Can Help

NWC Education can help Bangladeshi students explore UK study options based on their academic background and career goals.

Support can include:

• Academic profile assessment

• Course selection

• University selection

• Admission requirement checking

• Application document guidance

• University application support

• Scholarship information

• Tuition and financial planning guidance

• Student visa documentation guidance

• Pre-departure counselling

The final admission decision is made by the university, while immigration decisions are made by the relevant UK authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average graduate salary in the UK?

The latest Graduate Outcomes 2023/24 data reports an overall median salary of £30,000 for graduates in full-time paid employment in the UK around 15 months after graduation.

Which degree has the highest graduate salary in the UK?

In the latest Graduate Outcomes 2023/24 data, Medicine and Dentistry recorded the highest median salary among the broad subject areas, at approximately £43,749.

What is the salary for Computer Science graduates in the UK?

Computer Science and other computing graduates can enter a wide range of technology careers, but there is no single salary that applies to all graduates. Salary depends on the job role, location, employer, skills and experience.

Do master's graduates earn more than bachelor's graduates?

Not necessarily in every case. Salary depends on the subject, occupation, industry, experience and other factors. A master's degree can provide additional specialist knowledge, but it does not guarantee a higher salary.

Which UK degree has the highest earning potential?

There is no single degree that guarantees the highest future income. Graduate salaries vary according to subject, occupation, industry, location, experience and career progression.

Are graduate salaries higher in London?

Some London jobs offer higher salaries, particularly in sectors such as finance, technology, consulting and professional services. However, London also has higher living costs, so students should compare salary and expenses together.

Can international students work in the UK after graduation?

Eligible international graduates may be able to apply for the Graduate visa and work or look for work in the UK, subject to the immigration rules in force when they apply.

Does NWC Education help students choose UK courses?

Yes. NWC Education can provide guidance on course selection, university applications, scholarships, student visa documentation and pre-departure preparation.

Plan Your UK Study and Career Journey

Graduate salary data can help students understand potential career outcomes, but salary should not be the only factor when choosing a university course.

Students should consider their academic interests, career objectives, employment opportunities, tuition fees, living costs and professional requirements before making a decision.

NWC Education can help Bangladeshi students explore suitable UK universities and courses based on their academic profile and future plans.

Ready to explore your UK study options?

Apply Now: https://www.nwc.ac/apply-now