Starting your career can be exciting and intimidating, especially if you’re hoping for a high-paying job right out of university. You’re no doubt wondering which roles offer the best pay and how your chosen field impacts your earning potential. 

Well, you’re in the right place.

Understanding the top graduate jobs with the highest salaries will help you plan your career. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying role straight after uni or looking for long-term progress in lucrative sectors, we’ll help you navigate the options. 

Here are your best prospects for well-paid roles, the top unis for earning potential and the most rewarding graduate schemes in the UK.

In this article:

What’s the highest-paying job for a new graduate?

If you’re aiming for the highest starting salary right out of uni, Investment Banking is your best bet. Investment bankers in the UK can expect starting salaries between £50,000 and £60,000, often complemented by significant bonuses. This lucrative field offers an exceptional financial start for anyone who thrives in a fast-paced and demanding environment.

The role involves managing complex financial transactions, advising clients and conducting detailed financial analyses. There’s a lot to manage. But the demanding nature of the job, with long hours and high-pressure decisions, is reflected in the high pay.

What are the highest-paid graduate jobs in the UK?

For new graduates wanting to make a strong financial start, many jobs offer impressive starting salaries and growth potential. Beyond the well-known field of investment banking, you’ll find a range of high-paying positions and rewarding career paths. 

Here’s a look at ten of the highest-paid graduate jobs in the UK.

1. Investment Banker

Investment Banking is renowned for its lucrative pay, with starting salaries of £50,000 or more. Investment bankers advise clients on financial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, and managing large-scale investments. 

The job is demanding, often requiring long hours and travel, but it comes with substantial bonuses and opportunities for advancement. The potential to earn well into six figures with experience makes this a top choice for high earnings.

2. Junior Management Consultant  

Junior Management Consultants assist more experienced consultants in analysing business problems and implementing solutions. Graduate salaries typically range from £30,000 to £40,000.

The role involves research, data analysis and supporting projects. You might even travel to client sites, work on high-impact projects and tackle complex business challenges. As you gain experience, there are opportunities for growth into more senior roles with higher salaries.

3. Corporate Lawyer

Corporate Lawyers (specialising in business law and corporate governance), start with salaries around £45,000 to £50,000. Even as a trainee, you’ll assist with intricate legal issues related to business transactions, compliance and regulatory matters. 

The role demands a high level of expertise, long working hours and a keen attention to detail. But it also offers a strong salary and potential for progression within prestigious law firms or corporate legal departments.

If you’re interested in a legal career, don’t miss our guides to the best Russell Group unis for studying Law and the top A Level choices.

4. Actuary

Actuaries are professionals who use mathematical and statistical methods to evaluate financial risks, particularly in insurance and pensions. New graduates in this field can earn over £40,000. 

The role requires a strong background in maths and statistics, along with analytical skills to assess and manage risk. Actuaries help organisations plan for future uncertainties, making it a highly valued and well-compensated profession.

5. Software Developer

With the UK tech industry on the rise, Software Developers are in high demand. With appropriate qualifications and skills, salaries range from £40,000 to £50,000. 

Software Developers design, develop and maintain software applications and systems. The role offers excellent earning potential and job security, with opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology and innovative projects. As technology evolves, so do the prospects for career advancement and increased earnings.

6. Data Scientist 

Data Scientists, who analyse and interpret complex data sets to guide business decisions, start with salaries between £40,000 and £50,000. Their work involves using statistical techniques and machine learning to uncover insights from data. 

With businesses increasingly relying on data-driven strategies, data scientists are in high demand. The role offers decent earning potential and the chance to work on impactful projects across industries.

7. Pharmacist

 Pharmacists, responsible for dispensing medications and providing related advice, have starting salaries around £35,000. They play a vital role in healthcare settings, ensuring the safe and effective use of pharmaceuticals. 

The profession requires in-depth understanding and commitment to patient care. Although the starting salary is lower than other roles on this list, it offers great stability and potential for growth.

8. Chartered Accountant  

Chartered Accountants manage financial records, prepare tax returns and offer strategic financial advice. Graduates entering this profession can expect salaries between £35,000 and £45,000. But this soon increases with experience and professional qualifications.

The role involves analysing financial data and ensuring compliance with regulations. Chartered Accountants work in diverse sectors, including public practice, industry and government, with plenty of opportunities for career development.

Thinking about a career in accountancy? We’ve got all the info you need, from how much accountants make to the “Big Four” and guides to CIMA, ACA and ACCA qualifications.

9. Graduate Engineers

Graduate Engineers assist in the design, development and execution of engineering projects, with starting salaries ranging from £30,000 to £35,000. They work under the guidance of more senior engineers (across diverse industries like civil engineering, aerospace and medicine), helping with problem-solving, analysis and project management.

This role is a stepping stone to more senior positions like Engineering Manager, offering strong earning potential as you gain experience and expertise.

10. Marketing Executive

Marketing Executives develop and implement strategies to promote products or services, with starting salaries between £26,000 and £30,000. They work on tasks like creating marketing campaigns, managing social media, and analysing market trends. 

As such, you’ll need creativity, communication skills and an understanding of consumer behaviour. 

While starting salaries are lower, the role offers loads of career progression. With experience and successful results, Marketing Executives can progress to strategic managerial roles and significantly increase earnings.

Getting ready for job interviews? Don’t miss our guides to CVs and cover letters, how to write a first-class degree on your CV, and our ultimate interview style guide.

Which UK university produces the best-paid graduates?

It’s no secret, but the uni you attend can massively impact your earning potential. 

Oxford and Cambridge are consistently ranked among the top for graduate salaries. Students benefit from their prestigious reputation, rigorous academic standards and extensive alumni network, often leading to higher-paying job offers.

Nonetheless, Imperial College London (with its focus on Science, Engineering and Medicine) is also renowned for great graduate outcomes. Imperial students tend to find well-paid opportunities in tech and engineering due to the uni’s strong industry connections and specialised degrees.

The same applies for the London School of Economics (LSE). With specialisms in economics, politics and social sciences, graduates often progress to high-paying roles in finance, management consultancy and public policy.

As ranked by the Complete University Guide, here are the top ten UK universities for graduate prospects.

1. Imperial College London
2. University of Cambridge
3. St George’s, University of London
4. University of Oxford
5. London School of Economics (LSE)
6. University of Bath
7. University of St Andrews
8. Durham University
9. Queen’s University Belfast
10. University College London (UCL)

Considering your uni options? We’ve got you covered. Here’s an introduction to the best Russell Group and non-Russell Group unis, as well as your complete guide to London universities.

What’s the best graduate scheme in the UK?

If you’re searching for graduate schemes with the best pay, Investment Banking and Consulting come out on top. 

Leading firms such as Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Barclays and McKinsey & Company offer graduate programs renowned for their competitive salaries and substantial bonuses. These schemes not only provide high starting salaries but also offer extensive training, mentorship and career progression.

But there are other fields to consider. Oil and Engineering (for instance, with BP), government civil services (with fast-track graduate schemes) or Law (for instance, Baker McKenzie or White & Case) also offer decent pay and plenty of employee perks.

Want to improve your chances of acceptance into graduate schemes? Here’s your guide to first-class honours degrees and how to secure first-class grades.

Quickfire Questions: UK Graduate Salaries

How much should I earn at 30?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you should be earning by 30, as salaries vary depending on your industry, location and career progression. However, on average, 30 to 39 year-olds in the UK earn around £37,500 a year. 

This range reflects a moderate level of experience and responsibility. As you gain experience and take on more responsibilities, your salary is likely to increase.

Is £35k a good graduate salary?

Yes, a starting salary of £35,000 is competitive for a new graduate in the UK. It’s above the standard range of £25,000 to £30,000 and provides a comfortable standard of living, particularly outside London.

Graduates earning £35,000 can typically manage expenses, save and invest for the future. It’s a positive starting point that sets the stage for future salary increases as you advance in your career.

Is £50k a year good in the UK?

A salary of £50,000 is excellent in the UK. It places you above the average income (just under £35,000) and allows for a comfortable lifestyle, savings and investment opportunities.

£50,000 will give you a high standard of living and opportunities for higher earnings. It reflects significant achievements, expertise and career success.

What % of the UK earns over £40k?

About 15% of the UK workforce earns over £40,000 per year. This percentage includes individuals in higher-paying professions, senior roles and those with specialised skills.

Earning over £40,000 places you above the average income, reflecting a successful career trajectory with potential to progress even further.

What’s the 5% salary in the UK?

The top 5% of earners in the UK typically make around £80,000 or more per year. This bracket includes individuals in senior management, specialist roles and those with significant industry experience. 

Earning in this range indicates a high level of career success and expertise, positioning you well above the average income level.

To earn £80,000 or more, consider careers like senior software engineering, investment banking, or management consulting (essentially anything on our list above!). These fields reward those with experience, technical skills and leadership ability with quick salary progression and responsibilities.

What’s the 1% salary in the UK?

To be in the top 1% of earners in the UK, you’d need to make £160,000 or more. This salary represents the highest income bracket and includes top executives, successful entrepreneurs and highly specialised professionals.

For instance, CEOs, CFOs, partners at law firms and surgeons are common examples of those earning at this level. Business entrepreneurs or high-ranking professionals in finance (like hedge fund managers or private equity directors), also regularly surpass this threshold.

Ready to take the next step towards your career goals?

So, is salary important? Absolutely. But is it the be-all and end-all? Not at all.

Understanding these salary benchmarks can help you set realistic career goals and make informed decisions about your future. Whether you’re gearing up for university applications or need academic life coaching and guidance as you launch your career, our expert team is ready to support you. 

Get in touch for personalised advice and take confident steps towards your dream career.