Average Graduate Salary UK (2027): By Industry & City

If you're applying for graduate jobs in the UK, one of the first questions is simple: what should I expect to earn? The honest answer is "it depends enormously on industry and location" — but here's a grounded breakdown to set realistic expectations.

Average UK graduate starting salary by industry (2027 estimates)

• Investment banking / finance: £45,000–£60,000+ (plus bonus)
• Software / tech: £32,000–£45,000
• Consulting: £32,000–£42,000
• Law (training contract): £30,000–£50,000 (City firms higher)
• Engineering: £28,000–£34,000
• Data & analytics: £28,000–£36,000
• Marketing: £24,000–£29,000
• Retail / hospitality management: £22,000–£26,000
• Teaching (starting): £24,000–£30,000 (varies by region)
• Charity / public sector: £22,000–£27,000

These are broad market estimates based on current graduate job postings — always check the specific listing, as ranges vary by employer size and region.

Location matters as much as industry

London salaries typically run 15–25% higher than the rest of the UK for equivalent roles, but living costs are also higher. Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and Leeds have strong graduate markets with a better cost-of-living balance.

How to negotiate your first offer

1. Research the specific role and company — not just industry averages.
2. Let the employer name a number first where possible.
3. If you counter, anchor with a range, not a single figure.
4. Consider total package (bonus, pension, benefits) not just base salary.

Want to see what you'd actually be matched to and what it pays? Upload your CV to MyCareerConnect and get matched to real, current UK graduate roles with salary shown where disclosed.