After years of lectures, deadlines, late nights, and everything in between, graduation marks a major turning point. You’re no longer preparing for the world of work… you’re stepping straight into it. The time, effort, and financial investment you’ve put into your degree are now focused on one big question: what will your career actually pay?
The graduate job market in 2026 continues to evolve, influenced by economic pressures, skills shortages, and changing expectations around flexibility, progression, and workplace culture. To stay competitive, employers have been reassessing their pay and benefits for early-career roles. So, as you weigh up job offers or plan your next move, what does this mean in real terms?
In this article, we reveal the average graduate salary 2026 across the UK and what today’s figures tell us about the opportunities ahead.
As a graduate recruitment consultancy, we work closely with both employers and graduates every week, giving us a clear, real-time view of how starting salaries are shifting. In 2026, we’ve seen a positive uplift in graduate pay, with average starting salaries now sitting at around £30,500, up from £28,000 in 2025.
Naturally, graduate salaries vary depending on factors such as role, sector, location, and prior experience. Location remains a key differentiator, with graduates beginning their careers in London typically commanding higher starting pay. Currently, the average graduate salary in the capital is approximately £32,000.
Encouragingly, salary progression doesn’t stop at the offer stage. Many of the graduates we place go on to receive salary reviews and early pay increases within their first six months, reflecting strong performance, skills development, and the ongoing demand for graduate talent.
Search and apply for our graduate jobs here >
Key 2026 Graduate Salary Findings
The subject you studied at university can significantly influence the salary you earn after graduation. Check out the data below to see how your field of study compares.
| Subject area of degree | Graduate starting salary |
|---|---|
| Agriculture, food and related studies | £26,950 |
| Architecture, building and planning | £28,436 |
| Biological and sport sciences | £25,988 |
| Business and management | £27,998 |
| Combined and general studies | £27,875 |
| Computing | £30,998 |
| Design and creative and performing arts | £24,993 |
| Education and teaching | £30,000 |
| Engineering and technology | £31,975 |
| Geography, earth and environmental sciences (natural sciences) | £27,975 |
| Geography, earth and environmental sciences (social sciences) | £28,998 |
| Historical, philosophocal and religious studies | £27,470 |
| Language and area studies | £26,725 |
| Law | £25,305 |
| Mathematical sciences | £31,450 |
| Media, journalism and communications | £24,925 |
| Medicine and dentistry | £37,924 |
| Physical sciences | £29,993 |
| Psychology | £24,988 |
| Social sciences | £30,000 |
| Subjects allied to medicine | £28,407 |
| Veterinary sciences | £33,750 |
Source: savethestudent.org
Your starting salary matters, but it shouldn’t be the only factor guiding your decision. The right graduate role is one that offers learning opportunities, support, and a clear path for progression, alongside fair pay and benefits. After all, early career growth often has a bigger impact on your long-term earning potential than your first pay slip.
Everyone’s priorities are different, so it’s worth considering what will help you build confidence, skills, and momentum in your first role. And if you discover that a position isn’t the right fit, that’s okay. Graduate careers rarely follow a straight line, and each role provides experience that can help shape your next move.
If you’re ready to put your degree to work, we can help you take that next step. We recruit for sales, management, and a wide range of commercial graduate jobs with market-leading businesses across the UK and Ireland, giving you access to roles that offer real responsibility from day one.
Our graduate vacancies are designed to support long-term career development, with structured training, clear progression, and competitive starting salaries. Whether you’re drawn to a fast-paced sales environment, a leadership pathway, or a broader commercial role, exploring current opportunities can help you find a position that fits your ambitions.
Browse our latest graduate jobs and start building your career with confidence.
