Degrees With the Highest Graduate Salaries in the UK

Which degrees lead to the highest graduate salaries?

It is an understandable question. University involves a major investment of time, effort and money, so it makes sense to consider what you might earn afterwards.

Official UK graduate data shows that subjects such as dentistry, medicine, economics, engineering, statistics, computing and mathematics are associated with some of the highest median earnings five years after graduation.

However, a degree title does not guarantee a salary.

Graduate earnings can vary significantly according to:

• The career you enter

• Your employer and industry

• Where you work

• Your experience

• Your degree result

• The university and course

• Whether you work full time

• Further qualifications

• Your individual choices and circumstances

This guide explains which degrees currently have the highest graduate salaries in the UK, how the figures are calculated and what you should consider before choosing a course based on earnings.

Which Degrees Have the Highest Graduate Salaries?

The latest available Department for Education Longitudinal Education Outcomes data was published on 25 June 2026. It examines UK-domiciled students who graduated from higher education providers in England in 2017/18 and records their outcomes during the 2023/24 tax year, five years after graduation.

The overall median annualised earnings for first-degree graduates five years after graduation were £33,300. Earnings varied considerably by degree subject.

The following table shows selected subjects with some of the highest median earnings.

Degree subject	Median earnings five years after graduation
Dentistry	£59,900
Medicine	£56,400
Economics	£51,200
Building	£49,000
Statistics	£48,300
Chemical, process and energy engineering	£47,600
Materials technology	£45,400
Veterinary medicine and dentistry	£45,400
Software engineering	£44,700
Electrical and electronic engineering	£44,600
Pharmacy	£43,900
Physics	£43,900
Mathematics	£43,600
Mechanical engineering	£43,600
Aeronautical and aerospace engineering	£43,200
Biomedical sciences	£42,500
Computer science	£41,700
Civil engineering	£41,400
Finance	£40,300
Medical technology	£40,300

These figures are median annualised earnings rather than guaranteed salaries. The median is the middle figure when earnings are arranged from lowest to highest. Half of the graduates included earned more and half earned less.

Important Limitations of Graduate Salary Rankings

Before comparing degrees, it is important to understand what the figures can and cannot tell you.

The data does not prove that studying a particular subject directly causes a graduate to earn a particular salary.

Students choosing different degrees may already differ in:

• Previous academic attainment

• Personal background

• Career ambitions

• Motivation

• Preferred industries

• Willingness to relocate

• Working patterns

The Department for Education specifically warns that differences between subject outcomes cannot be attributed only to the degree. People who are particularly motivated by high earnings may be more likely to choose certain subjects and careers in the first place.

The figures also combine graduates working different numbers of hours. The main LEO dataset does not directly record average weekly working hours, so groups containing more part-time workers may show lower annual earnings.

Use salary figures as one part of your research, not as a prediction of exactly what you will earn.

1. Dentistry

Dentistry had the highest median earnings among the major degree subjects in the latest detailed data.

Five years after graduation:

• Median annualised earnings were £59,900

• 94.2% of graduates were in sustained employment, further study or both

The earnings figure was based on 560 graduates included in the salary calculation.

Why dentistry graduates may earn more

Dentistry provides a direct route towards a highly skilled and regulated profession.

The degree normally combines:

• Biomedical science

• Clinical training

• Patient care

• Practical procedures

• Professional placements

• Legal and ethical responsibilities

Graduates who complete the required professional route may work in:

• General dental practice

• Hospital dentistry

• Community dental services

• Specialist dental areas

• Academic research

• Public health

What to consider before choosing dentistry

Dentistry is not simply a shortcut to a high income.

Applicants should consider:

• Highly competitive entry

• Demanding academic study

• Clinical responsibility

• Working closely with patients

• Manual precision

• Professional registration

• Possible business responsibilities

• The emotional demands of healthcare

Choose dentistry because the work suits your interests and abilities, not only because it appears at the top of a salary table.

2. Medicine

Medicine graduates had median annualised earnings of £56,400 five years after graduation.

The sustained employment, further study or both rate was 92.2%, and the salary figure was based on 4,605 graduates.

Why medicine can lead to high graduate earnings

Medicine provides a structured route towards professional clinical work.

Medical graduates may progress through:

• Foundation training

• Specialist training

• General practice

• Hospital medicine

• Research

• Public health

• Medical education

• Other healthcare careers

The qualification develops specialist scientific knowledge, clinical judgement and considerable professional responsibility.

The full training route matters

A medical degree is longer than most undergraduate courses, and graduation is not the end of professional training.

Students should research:

• The complete training pathway

• Working hours

• On-call responsibilities

• Relocation during training

• Professional examinations

• Emotional pressure

• Competition for certain specialties

The salary should be considered alongside the length and demands of the route.

3. Economics

Economics graduates had median annualised earnings of £51,200 five years after graduating.

The earnings figure was based on 4,540 graduates, while 87.9% were in sustained employment, further study or both.

Careers for economics graduates

Economics graduates may enter:

• Banking

• Finance

• Consulting

• Government

• Economic research

• Data analysis

• Insurance

• Regulation

• Business

• Public policy

Why economics graduates may earn more

Many economics courses develop a valuable combination of:

• Mathematics

• Statistics

• Econometrics

• Data interpretation

• Written analysis

• Research

• Understanding of markets and policy

However, economics had the widest spread of earnings between its lower and upper quartiles among the broad subject areas. This means outcomes varied considerably between graduates.

A high median does not mean that every economics graduate enters investment banking or another highly paid profession.

Check how mathematical the course is

Economics courses vary significantly.

Compare:

• Mathematics requirements

• Econometrics content

• Programming or statistical software

• Optional finance modules

• Placement opportunities

• Assessment methods

Read How to Choose the Right Degree Course [How to Choose the Right Degree Course] before comparing economics programmes.

4. Building and Construction-Related Degrees

Graduates in the detailed “building” subject category had median earnings of £49,000 five years after graduation.

The figure was based on 1,675 graduates, while 88.8% were in sustained employment, further study or both.

Courses within this area may connect with careers such as:

• Quantity surveying

• Construction management

• Building surveying

• Commercial management

• Property development

• Project management

• Building control

Why these degrees can lead to high earnings

Graduates may combine:

• Technical knowledge

• Commercial skills

• Project management

• Contract understanding

• Cost control

• Professional accreditation

• Industry experience

The exact degree title matters. Architecture, construction management, building surveying and planning lead towards different routes.

Professional accreditation and work experience can have a major influence on career progression.

5. Statistics

Statistics graduates had median annualised earnings of £48,300 five years after graduation.

The salary figure was based on 200 graduates, and 91.4% were in sustained employment, further study or both.

Careers for statistics graduates

Possible areas include:

• Data science

• Government statistics

• Medical research

• Finance

• Insurance

• Market research

• Technology

• Pharmaceuticals

• Economic analysis

• Business intelligence

Why statistics is valuable

Organisations increasingly need people who can:

• Interpret large datasets

• Test evidence

• Build statistical models

• Evaluate uncertainty

• Communicate findings

• Use analytical software

• Support evidence-based decisions

Students can strengthen their career prospects by developing programming skills alongside statistical knowledge.

Useful areas may include:

• Python

• R

• SQL

• Data visualisation

• Machine learning

• Experimental design

6. Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering

Graduates in chemical, process and energy engineering had median earnings of £47,600 five years after graduation.

The figure was based on 1,145 graduates, and the sustained employment, further study or both rate was 89.3%.

Possible career areas

Graduates may work in:

• Energy

• Pharmaceuticals

• Manufacturing

• Food production

• Chemicals

• Environmental technology

• Process design

• Sustainability

• Consultancy

• Research and development

What makes the degree valuable

The course may develop:

• Advanced mathematics

• Process modelling

• Scientific knowledge

• Design

• Safety awareness

• Problem-solving

• Project management

• Commercial understanding

Professional accreditation and industrial experience can be important.

Read Integrated Master’s Degrees Explained [Integrated Master’s Degrees Explained] when comparing BEng and MEng routes.

7. Materials Technology and Materials Science

Materials technology graduates had median earnings of £45,400 five years after graduation, based on 135 graduates.

The more narrowly defined materials science category showed median earnings of £56,700, but that figure was based on only 30 graduates included in the earnings calculation. Small groups can produce less stable results, so it should not be treated as a reliable nationwide prediction.

Possible career areas

Materials graduates may work in:

• Aerospace

• Automotive engineering

• Electronics

• Energy

• Manufacturing

• Medical technology

• Construction

• Research

• Product development

The subject combines aspects of:

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Engineering

• Manufacturing

• Nanotechnology

• Sustainability

It may be an excellent option for students who enjoy science but want a more applied technical course.

8. Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary medicine and dentistry graduates had median earnings of £45,400 five years after graduation.

They also had the highest sustained employment, further study or both rate in the detailed subject data, at 95.4%.

Why veterinary medicine is highly employable

The degree provides specialist preparation for a regulated profession.

Possible careers include:

• Veterinary practice

• Farm and livestock health

• Animal welfare

• Public health

• Government

• Food safety

• Research

• Pharmaceutical organisations

Salary is not the whole picture

Veterinary work can involve:

• Long or unpredictable hours

• Emotional pressure

• Difficult clinical decisions

• Communication with distressed owners

• Physical demands

• Substantial professional responsibility

A strong employment rate does not mean the profession is suitable for everyone.

9. Software Engineering

Software engineering graduates had median annualised earnings of £44,700 five years after graduation.

The figure was based on 455 graduates, while 87.6% were in sustained employment, further study or both.

Possible careers

• Software development

• Cloud engineering

• Mobile development

• Cybersecurity

• Systems engineering

• DevOps

• Technical consulting

• Quality assurance

• Product development

Why software engineering can pay well

Graduates may leave university with skills that organisations can apply directly to digital products and systems.

However, employers often expect practical evidence in addition to a degree.

This may include:

• Coding projects

• Internships

• GitHub work

• Team development

• Testing experience

• Knowledge of databases

• Understanding of cloud platforms

A course with a placement year or substantial live projects may be more valuable than one focused almost entirely on theory.

Read Placement Years: Are They Worth It? [Placement Years: Are They Worth It?].

10. Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Electrical and electronic engineering graduates had median earnings of £44,600 five years after graduation.

The salary figure was based on 1,795 graduates, and 89.4% were in sustained employment, further study or both.

Career areas may include:

• Electronics

• Power systems

• Telecommunications

• Robotics

• Control systems

• Transport

• Renewable energy

• Semiconductor technology

• Defence

• Manufacturing

The course can develop a strong combination of mathematical, technical and practical skills.

Check whether the programme is professionally accredited and whether it includes access to relevant laboratories and industrial projects.

11. Pharmacy

Pharmacy graduates had median annualised earnings of £43,900 five years after graduation.

The salary calculation included 1,165 graduates, while 91.4% were in sustained employment, further study or both.

Why pharmacy can offer strong outcomes

The MPharm provides an academic and professional route connected to the safe and effective use of medicines.

Graduates may work in:

• Community pharmacy

• Hospitals

• Primary care

• Industry

• Research

• Regulation

• Public health

Students must investigate the full current route to professional registration, including any training and assessment requirements beyond university.

12. Physics

Physics graduates had median earnings of £43,900 five years after graduation.

The figure included 1,915 graduates, while 89.7% were in sustained employment, further study or both.

Careers for physics graduates

Physics can support careers in:

• Engineering

• Technology

• Data science

• Finance

• Energy

• Research

• Software

• Medical physics

• Education

• Defence

Why physics skills are valuable

The degree may develop:

• Mathematical modelling

• Data analysis

• Programming

• Experimental design

• Logical reasoning

• Complex problem-solving

Some specialist scientific careers require postgraduate study, so research the full route.

13. Mathematics

Mathematics graduates had median earnings of £43,600 five years after graduation.

The salary figure was based on 4,155 graduates, while 88.9% were in sustained employment, further study or both.

Careers for mathematics graduates

• Finance

• Actuarial work

• Data science

• Technology

• Statistics

• Consulting

• Government

• Education

• Operations research

• Insurance

Mathematics is valued because it develops rigorous quantitative and problem-solving skills.

Students can improve their career prospects through:

• Programming

• Statistical software

• Placements

• Finance modules

• Data projects

• Communication experience

14. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering graduates had median annualised earnings of £43,600 five years after graduation.

The figure was based on 3,350 graduates, while 89.5% were in sustained employment, further study or both.

Graduates may enter:

• Manufacturing

• Automotive engineering

• Aerospace

• Energy

• Robotics

• Product design

• Defence

• Transport

• Consulting

• Research and development

Practical design work, technical software and industry placements can strengthen graduate applications.

15. Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

Graduates in aeronautical and aerospace engineering had median earnings of £43,200 five years after graduation.

The earnings calculation included 1,080 graduates, while 89.6% were in sustained employment, further study or both.

The degree may lead towards careers in:

• Aircraft design

• Space technology

• Propulsion

• Aerodynamics

• Systems engineering

• Defence

• Manufacturing

• Simulation

• Research

The industry can be competitive and location-dependent, so students should investigate where major employers and opportunities are based.

Other Degrees With Strong Graduate Salaries

Several other subjects also reported median earnings above the overall first-degree median of £33,300.

Degree subject	Median earnings after five years
Biomedical sciences	£42,500
Computer science	£41,700
Civil engineering	£41,400
Anatomy, physiology and pathology	£40,600
Finance	£40,300
Medical technology	£40,300
Mental health nursing	£40,300
Planning	£40,300
Astronomy	£39,500
Learning disabilities nursing	£39,200
Chemistry	£38,100
Management studies	£38,100
Accounting	£37,700
Midwifery	£37,700
Human geography	£37,000
Pharmacology	£37,000
Politics	£37,000

All figures relate to median annualised earnings five years after graduation in the 2023/24 tax year.

Why Some Very High Figures Need Caution

The detailed data includes a few subjects with extremely high earnings but very small graduate groups.

Examples include:

• “Others in engineering” at £58,900, based on 140 graduates

• Materials science at £56,700, based on 30 graduates

• Artificial intelligence at £55,600, based on 35 graduates

• Operational research at £53,400, based on 30 graduates

These courses may genuinely lead to excellent outcomes, but small groups are more easily influenced by a limited number of high earners.

The artificial intelligence data, for example, reflects a relatively small historical cohort. The range and number of AI degrees available today are much larger and more varied.

For a reliable comparison, consider:

• The number of graduates included

• The lower and upper earnings quartiles

• Several years of data

• Broad subject outcomes

• Course-level information

• The careers graduates entered

Do not place a little-known course at the top of your list because of one eye-catching number.

Highest Graduate Salary vs Highest Starting Salary

The figures in this article measure earnings five years after graduation.

They are not starting salaries.

Starting salary data looks at graduates much earlier, often around 15 months after completing their course. Discover Uni uses Graduate Outcomes survey data for early career earnings and LEO data for longer-term comparisons.

These measures answer different questions.

Starting salary tells you:

• What graduates may earn early in their careers

• How quickly a course can lead into paid employment

• Which industries offer stronger initial pay

Five-year earnings tell you:

• How salaries may develop

• Whether graduates have progressed

• The longer-term direction of career outcomes

A course with a modest starting salary may still offer strong progression.

Why Location Changes Graduate Salaries

Graduate salaries vary across the UK.

The latest LEO release found that graduates working in London had the highest median annualised earnings, followed by those in the South East and East of England. The publication notes that higher London salaries partly reflect the higher cost of living.

A £40,000 salary in one region may provide a very different standard of living from £40,000 in another.

When comparing career earnings, also consider:

• Rent

• Transport

• Commuting

• Housing costs

• Regional job availability

• Working hours

• Opportunities for progression

The highest salary is not always the strongest financial outcome.

Why the Same Degree Can Produce Very Different Salaries

Two students completing the same degree can follow completely different routes.

For example, economics graduates might work in:

• Investment banking

• Government

• Teaching

• Charities

• Research

• Consulting

• Local authorities

• Data analysis

Their salaries may be very different.

Graduate outcomes can also be affected by:

• Degree classification

• Placements

• Internships

• Professional qualifications

• Networking

• Technical skills

• Postgraduate study

• Career breaks

• Full-time or part-time work

• Industry choice

The degree opens possibilities. It does not decide which one you will follow.

Does the University Affect Graduate Salary?

Graduate earnings can vary between universities offering the same subject.

Possible reasons include:

• Course content

• Entry requirements

• Student backgrounds

• Regional labour markets

• Employer links

• Placement opportunities

• Graduate mobility

• Industry connections

• The careers students choose

However, university-level differences do not automatically prove that one institution causes higher earnings.

Students entering different universities may already differ in previous attainment, location, background and career aims.

Use course-level data carefully and compare it with:

• Modules

• Accreditation

• Placements

• Graduate occupations

• Teaching

• Student support

• Costs

• Personal fit

Discover Uni presents course and subject-level employment and salary information, but it also warns that some data may be grouped when course cohorts are small.

Do Higher-Paying Degrees Cost More?

Tuition fees for undergraduate courses are not generally set according to the graduate salary associated with the subject.

However, some higher-paying routes may involve additional costs because they:

• Take longer

• Require specialist equipment

• Include professional checks

• Involve clinical placements

• Require relocation

• Lead to further training

• Include postgraduate qualifications

For example, medicine and dentistry usually take longer than a standard three-year degree.

An integrated engineering master’s may involve an additional year.

Read Integrated Master’s Degrees Explained [Integrated Master’s Degrees Explained] and Hidden Costs of University [Hidden Costs of University] before comparing the total investment.

Does a High Salary Mean a Degree Is More Employable?

Not necessarily.

Salary and employment are related but different measures.

A degree may have:

• High employment but moderate salaries

• High salaries but more variable employment

• A clear professional route

• A broad range of possible careers

• Strong long-term earnings but competitive entry-level recruitment

For example, nursing and midwifery have particularly high sustained employment rates, but their median earnings are lower than those for dentistry, medicine or economics.

Read Most Employable Degree Subjects [Most Employable Degree Subjects] for an employment-focused comparison.

Does a Placement Year Increase Graduate Salary?

A placement year may improve your access to relevant graduate opportunities, but it does not guarantee higher earnings.

A strong placement can help you develop:

• Industry experience

• Technical skills

• Professional contacts

• Commercial awareness

• Interview examples

• A possible route back to the employer

Its value depends on the relevance and quality of the role.

Read Placement Years: Are They Worth It? [Placement Years: Are They Worth It?] before choosing a sandwich course.

Should You Choose a Degree Because It Pays Well?

Salary is a valid factor to consider.

University is a major decision, and you should understand the possible financial outcomes.

However, salary should be considered alongside:

• Interest in the subject

• Academic strengths

• Course content

• Assessment methods

• Career suitability

• Working conditions

• Course length

• Further training

• Employment prospects

• Work-life balance

A high-paying degree may be a poor choice if:

• You dislike the subject

• You do not meet the entry requirements

• You would dislike the related careers

• You are unlikely to complete the course successfully

• The work conflicts with your priorities

Read Should You Choose a Course You Love or One That Pays Well? [Should You Choose a Course You Love or One That Pays Well?] for a balanced decision process.

Questions to Ask About a High-Paying Degree

Before applying, ask:

• Do I enjoy the compulsory modules?

• Am I strong in the required subjects?

• What careers do graduates actually enter?

• How wide is the range of earnings?

• Is professional accreditation needed?

• Will I need postgraduate training?

• Does the course include a placement?

• What are the usual working hours?

• Would I enjoy the daily work?

• Where are most jobs located?

• What other costs are involved?

• How many graduates were included in the salary figure?

A salary table should lead to better questions, not an automatic decision.

How to Compare Degrees by Salary

Step 1: Use Median Earnings

Median earnings are generally more useful than an average that can be pulled upwards by a small number of extremely high earners.

Step 2: Check the Time Period

Make sure you know whether the figure refers to:

• Starting salary

• 15 months after graduation

• Three years after graduation

• Five years after graduation

• Ten years after graduation

Step 3: Check the Sample Size

A salary based on thousands of graduates is likely to be more stable than a figure based on 30.

Step 4: Look at the Earnings Range

The median does not show how widely graduate earnings differ.

Where possible, examine:

• Lower quartile

• Median

• Upper quartile

A wide range suggests outcomes vary significantly.

Step 5: Compare Employment Outcomes

A high salary among employed graduates does not tell you how many graduates found sustained work.

Step 6: Consider Further Study

Some subjects have many graduates continuing into master’s degrees, PhDs or professional training.

This can reduce early earnings but support a longer-term career.

Step 7: Compare Individual Courses

Check:

• Accreditation

• Placement opportunities

• Employer links

• Technical skills

• Graduate destinations

• Regional location

Step 8: Consider the Career, Not Just the Degree

Research the actual roles graduates enter, including:

• Daily responsibilities

• Working hours

• Stress

• Travel

• Location

• Career progression

• Professional requirements

Graduate Salary Comparison Scorecard

Score each course from one to five.

Factor	Course 1	Course 2	Course 3
Median five-year earnings	/5	/5	/5
Starting salary	/5	/5	/5
Employment prospects	/5	/5	/5
Career progression	/5	/5	/5
Professional accreditation	/5	/5	/5
Placement opportunities	/5	/5	/5
Additional training costs	/5	/5	/5
Interest in the subject	/5	/5	/5
Fit with preferred lifestyle	/5	/5	/5
Overall value	/5	/5	/5

Do not choose automatically based on the earnings score.

A course needs to fit both your career aims and the life you want.

Common Mistakes When Comparing Graduate Salaries

Treating the Median as a Guaranteed Salary

The median describes a previous group of graduates. It does not predict your individual income.

Comparing Different Time Periods

A starting salary cannot be compared directly with earnings five years after graduation.

Ignoring Sample Size

Small subject groups can produce unusually high or low figures.

Forgetting About Part-Time Work

Annual earnings can be affected by working hours.

Ignoring Location

Higher salaries may be partly offset by higher living costs.

Assuming Every Graduate Enters the Obvious Career

Many degree subjects lead to a wide range of occupations.

Looking Only at Salary

Employment, working conditions, job security and career satisfaction also matter.

Assuming a More Expensive Course Produces Higher Earnings

Course cost and graduate salary are not directly linked.

Choosing a Subject You Dislike

A high median salary will not help if you struggle to complete the course.

Common Myths About High-Paying Degrees

“Medicine is always the highest-paying degree”

Medicine has strong earnings, but dentistry reported a higher median in the latest detailed five-year data.

“Every economics graduate earns more than every nurse”

False. Salary distributions overlap, and individual outcomes vary widely.

“Computer science guarantees a technology job”

False. Employers may expect practical skills, projects and experience.

“Arts graduates cannot earn high salaries”

False. Subject medians do not prevent individual graduates from entering highly paid careers.

“A master’s degree always increases earnings”

Not necessarily. Its value depends on the career and qualification.

“London is always the best place financially”

London salaries are often higher, but living costs are also considerably higher.

“High salary means high job satisfaction”

Salary is only one part of working life.

Final Graduate Salary Checklist

Before choosing a degree based on salary, check that you have:

• Used current official data

• Identified how many years after graduation it measures

• Checked the sample size

• Looked at median rather than only headline maximums

• Compared employment outcomes

• Investigated common graduate careers

• Checked course-level information

• Considered regional differences

• Researched professional accreditation

• Checked further training requirements

• Considered the total course length

• Included additional course costs

• Investigated placements

• Compared working hours and conditions

• Considered your interest in the subject

• Thought about your preferred lifestyle

Frequently Asked Questions About the Highest-Paying Degrees

Which degree has the highest graduate salary in the UK?

In the latest detailed LEO data, dentistry had the highest median annualised earnings among the major named subjects, at £59,900 five years after graduation.

How much do graduates earn after five years?

The overall median for first-degree graduates was £33,300 five years after graduation in the 2023/24 tax year. Individual subject medians varied considerably.

Is medicine the highest-paying degree?

Medicine is among the highest-paying degrees, with median annualised earnings of £56,400 five years after graduation. Dentistry reported a higher figure of £59,900.

Is economics a high-paying degree?

Yes. Economics graduates had median annualised earnings of £51,200 five years after graduation, although earnings varied widely within the subject.

Which engineering degree pays the most?

Among large, clearly defined engineering subject groups, chemical, process and energy engineering had the highest median earnings at £47,600. Some smaller or non-specific engineering groups reported higher figures, but their results should be interpreted cautiously.

Is computer science a high-paying degree?

Computer science graduates had median annualised earnings of £41,700 five years after graduation. Software engineering graduates had median earnings of £44,700.

Does mathematics lead to a high salary?

Mathematics graduates had median earnings of £43,600 five years after graduation. Statistics graduates had median earnings of £48,300.

Do all medical degrees pay well?

Outcomes differ between medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biomedical science, nursing and other health subjects. Similar subject areas can lead to very different professional routes and salaries.

Are graduate salary figures before or after tax?

The LEO figures represent annualised taxable earnings before personal deductions are considered. They are not take-home pay figures.

Do the figures include self-employed graduates?

The current LEO methodology can include relevant self-employment income from Self Assessment records, although the treatment differs from annualised PAYE income. Discover Uni’s separate Graduate Outcomes salary figures exclude self-employed earnings.

Does a high-paying degree guarantee a high salary?

No. Earnings vary according to career, employer, location, experience, working hours and many other factors.

Should I choose the degree with the highest median salary?

Not automatically. Choose a course that balances realistic financial outcomes with your interests, abilities and preferred career.

Final Thoughts: Degrees With the Highest Graduate Salaries

The latest official data shows that some of the highest graduate salaries are associated with:

• Dentistry

• Medicine

• Economics

• Building and construction-related subjects

• Statistics

• Chemical engineering

• Materials technology

• Veterinary medicine

• Software engineering

• Electrical engineering

• Pharmacy

• Physics

• Mathematics

These subjects often combine specialist knowledge with technical, quantitative or professionally regulated skills.

However, the headline ranking is only the beginning of your research.

A high median salary does not guarantee:

• A job

• A particular income

• Career satisfaction

• Good work-life balance

• A course you will enjoy

Compare the individual degree, professional route, placement opportunities, costs and working conditions.

The best financial choice is not necessarily the course with the highest number in a table.

It is the degree that gives you a realistic route towards work you can succeed in, develop through and sustain over the long term. 🎓