All Graduate Salaries Compared
| Degree | Starting | Mid-Career | Take Home/Mo (Start) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | £32,000 | £55,000 | £2,213 |
| Medicine | £32,398 | £65,000 | £2,237 |
| Law | £25,000 | £45,000 | £1,793 |
| Engineering | £28,000 | £48,000 | £1,973 |
| Accounting & Finance | £26,000 | £50,000 | £1,853 |
| Economics | £28,000 | £50,000 | £1,973 |
| Nursing | £29,970 | £38,000 | £2,092 |
| Architecture | £24,000 | £42,000 | £1,733 |
| Marketing | £24,000 | £40,000 | £1,733 |
| Teaching | £31,650 | £43,607 | £2,192 |
| Psychology | £22,000 | £35,000 | £1,613 |
| English & Humanities | £22,000 | £32,000 | £1,613 |
| Business Management | £25,000 | £42,000 | £1,793 |
| Maths & Statistics | £28,000 | £55,000 | £1,973 |
| Art & Design | £20,000 | £30,000 | £1,493 |
| Biology | £22,000 | £35,000 | £1,613 |
| Chemistry | £24,000 | £40,000 | £1,733 |
| Physics | £26,000 | £50,000 | £1,853 |
| Pharmacy | £33,000 | £45,000 | £2,273 |
| Dentistry | £33,000 | £55,000 | £2,273 |
Career Outlook for Chemistry Graduates
Chemistry graduates benefit from strong demand in pharmaceutical, chemical manufacturing, and analytical sectors. The UK's pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest in the world (AstraZeneca, GSK), providing well-paid career opportunities. Chemistry is also a shortage subject for teaching, meaning bursaries of up to £27,000 are available for PGCE trainees.
Typical First Roles and Career Paths
Common first roles include analytical chemist, formulation scientist, quality control analyst, patent examiner, science teacher, and graduate trainee in chemical companies. Pharmaceutical companies offer structured graduate programmes with good starting salaries and rapid progression upon gaining chartered status (RSC Chartered Chemist).
Tips for Chemistry Graduates
Chartered Chemist status through the Royal Society of Chemistry enhances career progression and salary expectations. Industrial chemistry roles (formulation, quality assurance, regulatory) tend to pay more than pure research. Teaching chemistry is lucrative during training (£27,000 tax-free bursary) and offers strong long-term benefits.
Student Loan Repayments
Chemistry graduates on £27,000 repay approximately £3/month on Plan 2. Those entering pharmaceutical industry roles at £30,000+ see higher but manageable repayments.