As the UK job market continues to fluctuate and unemployment rates hit 4.3%, it is becoming increasingly difficult for graduates to find work.
- New data shows almost half of graduates earn less than expected, over a third earn more and only 17% of graduates receive their expected salary
- Survey data shows that graduates in Law are seeing the highest success rates with 45% earning more than expected
- Higher education and career experts weigh in on what this means for upcoming graduates entering the job market.
Graduates entering the workforce in 2024 face varied salary outcomes, with certain fields yielding far more lucrative returns than others.
According to new data from RateMyPlacement, Law, Business/Management, and Computer Science/Information Technology graduates are outpacing their peers in salary expectations, while Natural Sciences, Economics, and Arts/Humanities graduates are struggling to meet their anticipated earnings.
The comprehensive survey of over 860 recent graduates found that 37% of respondents earned more than expected, yet a disappointing almost half received less than anticipated. However, the results vary significantly by field of study.
Graduates from Law are seeing the highest success rates, with 45% earning more than expected. This is followed closely by Business/Management (43.9%) and Computer Science/IT (32.9%), sectors known for their high earning potential and significant demand in the job market.
On the flip side, Natural Sciences graduates had the highest percentage (50.0%) of respondents earning less than expected, and Economics graduates also faced a tough reality, with almost two-thirds reporting salary dissatisfaction. Fields like Arts/Humanities also struggled, with 43% earning less than anticipated.
These figures suggest that graduates from these fields may face tougher competition, fewer job opportunities, or undervaluation compared to their peers in more commercial fields.
The survey's findings reveal significant discrepancies between salary expectations and earnings across different industries. The analysis suggests that graduates in high-demand sectors like Law and Business are well-positioned to exceed their expected salaries. In contrast, those in more niche or competitive fields may face greater difficulty.
Oliver Sidwell, Co-Founder of Rate My Placement comments, "The data highlights the growing divide in salary outcomes for graduates across different fields. While sectors like Law, Business, and Information Technology continue to offer some of the most attractive salary prospects, it's important to recognise that graduates from fields like Natural Sciences, Economics, and Humanities face more significant challenges when meeting their expected earnings. This reflects not only the demand for professionals in these high-growth industries but also, the increasing competition and underrepresentation of graduates from niche sectors.
"It's crucial for students to understand that salary expectations are heavily influenced by industry demand, skill sets, and the opportunities available within their chosen fields.
"Universities and career advisors must play an active role in helping students align their educational goals with the realities of the job market, ensuring they are prepared to gain relevant experience and develop skills that will make them competitive in today's workforce. As we see a growing skills gap across industries, it's clear that adaptability, networking, and real-world experience will be key to securing a competitive salary, especially for graduates entering more competitive or niche sectors."
For more information for graduates visit the RateMyPlacement website.