What is the average graduate salary in the UK?

The average UK graduate salary in 2026 is £27,000-£32,000. London graduates earn £30,000-£36,000. Top graduate schemes offer £35,000-£45,000. Law, finance, and tech graduates earn the highest starting salaries. Use our calculator for personalised estimates.

Which degrees have the highest starting salaries in the UK?

Highest earning UK degrees: Medicine (£35,000-£45,000), Dentistry (£35,000-£45,000), Engineering (£30,000-£38,000), Computer Science (£30,000-£40,000), Finance/Economics (£30,000-£42,000), Law (£28,000-£40,000), Architecture (£28,000-£35,000).

How much do graduates earn in different UK regions?

London: £30,000-£36,000, South East: £28,000-£33,000, North West: £25,000-£30,000, Midlands: £25,000-£29,000, Scotland: £26,000-£31,000, Wales: £24,000-£28,000. Regional variations reflect cost of living differences.

How does graduate salary progress over time?

Typical progression: Graduate (£27k-32k), 2-3 years (£32k-40k), 5 years (£40k-55k), 10 years (£55k-75k). Fast-track roles (law, finance, consulting) can reach £50k-£70k within 5 years. Use our calculator to see your projection.

Graduate Salary Calculator UK - Starting Salary Estimator

Degree	Starting Salary	5-Year Projection
Medicine	£35,000-£40,000	£55,000
Dentistry	£35,000-£40,000	£55,000
Computer Science	£30,000-£35,000	£50,000
Finance/Economics	£30,000-£38,000	£55,000
Law	£28,000-£35,000	£50,000
Engineering	£28,000-£33,000	£45,000

📝 Complete Guide to Graduate Salaries in the UK

This graduate salary calculator UK helps you estimate your starting salary based on your degree, industry, and location. Understanding graduate salaries is essential for career planning and negotiating job offers.

🎓 UK Graduate Salaries by Subject (2026)

Medicine/Dentistry: £35,000-£45,000
Computer Science: £30,000-£40,000
Finance/Economics: £30,000-£42,000
Law: £28,000-£40,000
Engineering: £28,000-£38,000
Architecture: £28,000-£35,000
Business/Management: £27,000-£33,000
Arts/Humanities: £24,000-£28,000

📊 Industry Salary Variations

Finance & Banking: Highest salaries (£32k-£45k)
Technology: £30k-£40k (high demand)
Consulting: £30k-£38k (fast progression)
Legal: £28k-£40k (London premium)
Healthcare: £25k-£35k (NHS pay scales)
Public Sector: £25k-£30k

📍 Regional Salary Differences

London: +15-30% premium (£30k-£36k)
South East: £28k-£33k
North West: £25k-£30k
Scotland: £26k-£31k
Wales: £24k-£28k
North East: £24k-£28k

📈 Salary Progression

Graduate (0-2 years): £27k-£32k
Junior (2-4 years): £32k-£40k
Professional (4-6 years): £40k-£50k
Senior (6-10 years): £50k-£70k
Fast-track: 10-20% above average
Top graduate schemes: £35k-£45k starting

💡 Tips for Maximizing Graduate Salary

Choose High-Demand Degrees: STEM, finance, law
Target Top Graduate Schemes: Investment banks, consultancies
Consider Location: London pays more (but higher costs)
Get Work Experience: Internships boost starting salary
Negotiate: Many employers are open to negotiation
Continue Learning: Professional qualifications increase earnings

⚡ UK Graduate Statistics (2026)

Average graduate salary: £28,000-£32,000
90% of graduates employed within 15 months
Top earners: Medicine, Dentistry, Finance
London graduates earn 25% more
STEM graduates earn 20% more than arts

⚠️ Important Considerations

Student Loans: Plan 2 repayments (9% above £27,295)
Cost of Living: London premium offset by higher costs
Industry Variations: Finance pays more than public sector
Location: Regional differences significant

Graduate Salary Calculator UK

📊 Your Career Details

📊 Salary Breakdown

📊 UK Graduate Salaries by Subject (2026)