Graduate starting salaries have risen slightly above inflation in many sectors to remain competitive amid skills shortages.
Hybrid and remote work have allowed some graduates to live outside London while earning London-weighted salaries, but many employers still adjust pay based on location.
Cost of living (rent, transport, and bills) in London and the South East remains significantly higher, so a £32,000 salary in London may feel equivalent to £27,000–£28,000 elsewhere.
Some STEM, finance, and tech roles are offering premium packages to attract talent, including sign-on bonuses, flexible working, and mental health support.
Public sector and charity roles remain lower in pay but often offer better job security and work-life balance.
UK Graduate Salary Table 2025
Sector
Typical Salary Range (£)
High Salary Potential (£)
Notes
Accounting & Finance
28,000 – 36,000
45,000+
Higher in London, Big 4 pay c. £35–38k
Banking & Investment
38,000 – 50,000
55,000+
Front-office roles higher
Law
30,000 – 42,000
65,000+
City firms pay significantly more
Consulting
32,000 – 42,000
50,000+
London premium + rapid progression
Engineering (General)
28,000 – 34,000
40,000+
Varies by discipline
Software & Tech
30,000 – 42,000
50,000+
Startups may pay less but offer equity
Data Science & AI
32,000 – 45,000
55,000+
High demand in fintech, health tech
Construction & Property
27,000 – 32,000
40,000+
Site-based roles vary by project location
Science & R&D
26,000 – 32,000
38,000+
Higher in pharma
Healthcare (NHS)
28,000 – 33,000
35,000+
Band 5 entry with incremental increases
Teaching
30,000 – 33,000
38,000+
London weighting up to £2–4k extra
Marketing & PR
24,000 – 28,000
32,000+
Lower starting salaries
Charity & Non-Profit
22,000 – 26,000
30,000+
Generally lower pay
Retail Management
26,000 – 32,000
38,000+
Grad schemes pay more than floor roles
Media & Creative Arts
21,000 – 26,000
30,000+
Competitive and location dependent
Public Sector & Civil Service
28,000 – 32,000
35,000+
Fast Stream offers higher
HR & Recruitment
24,000 – 28,000
32,000+
Commission potential in recruitment
Hospitality & Tourism
22,000 – 26,000
30,000+
Lower starting salaries
Logistics & Supply Chain
26,000 – 30,000
34,000+
Varies by region and employer
Location Impact on Graduate Salaries
Location
Typical Adjustment
Notes
London
+15–25%
Higher pay to offset rent and travel costs
South East
+5–10%
Modest uplift for proximity to London
Major Cities (Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds)
Baseline
Salaries close to national average, lower rent
Rural & Regional Areas
-5–10%
Lower salaries but significantly lower living costs
London example:
A £35,000 salary in Manchester may equate to £40,000–£42,000 in London to maintain similar disposable income.
Hybrid & Remote working:
Some employers are maintaining a London rate for remote workers but increasingly adjusting pay if graduates move to low-cost areas.
Sector dependency:
Tech, finance, and law remain heavily London-weighted, while teaching, healthcare, and engineering offer similar rates across the UK.
What Should Graduates Consider?
Total package: pension, bonus, cost of living, transport costs, hybrid working. Career progression: sectors with lower starting salaries (e.g., marketing, charity) may offer faster responsibility growth. Location choice: factor in rent (£1,300+ in London vs. £700–900 in major cities) and transport (£180+ monthly in London). Sector stability: some industries like tech and finance are booming, while media and arts remain competitive with lower starting pay. Quality of life: work-life balance can differ greatly, e.g., banking vs. civil service.
Parents & Students: Navigating Offers
Focus on long-term career growth rather than purely the first salary.
Consider WIWIKAU’s support groups for parents and students navigating graduate job decisions.
Encourage graduates to negotiate offers where appropriate, particularly if they have multiple offers.
Look beyond salary to benefits like training budgets, mental health support, hybrid flexibility, and company culture.
Summary
Average UK graduate starting salary in 2025: £28,000 – £33,000 depending on sector and location.
Tech, finance, consulting, and law remain the highest paying sectors.
London weighting still provides higher salaries but often equivalent or lower disposable income after costs.
Graduates should balance pay with career path, progression opportunities, and well-being.
Context: What Graduates Can Expect in 2025
UK Graduate Salary Table 2025
Location Impact on Graduate Salaries
What Should Graduates Consider?
Total package: pension, bonus, cost of living, transport costs, hybrid working.
Parents & Students: Navigating Offers