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Psychology Graduate Salary

Clinical psychology pays well but takes years of training. Other paths vary widely

Starting Salary
£22,000
£1,613/month take home
Mid-Career Salary
£35,000
£2,393/month take home

All Graduate Salaries Compared

DegreeStartingMid-CareerTake 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 Psychology Graduates

Psychology is one of the most popular degrees in the UK, leading to varied career outcomes. Clinical psychology is extremely competitive (typically requiring a doctorate), but psychology graduates are employable in HR, marketing research, education, and public sector roles. The growing emphasis on mental health in workplaces and society is increasing demand for psychology-related expertise.

Typical First Roles and Career Paths

Most psychology graduates do not become practising psychologists — this requires postgraduate training. Common first roles include HR assistant, research assistant, marketing research analyst, learning support worker, and mental health support worker. Aspiring clinical psychologists typically need 2-3 years of relevant experience before applying for a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Tips for Psychology Graduates

If you want to become a chartered psychologist, plan for further study early. Clinical psychology doctorates are funded (NHS salary during training). Occupational psychology, educational psychology, and forensic psychology are less competitive alternatives. Psychology skills transfer well to UX research, people analytics, and behavioural science roles in tech and consulting.

Student Loan Repayments

Psychology graduates on £24,000 are just above the Plan 2 repayment threshold (£27,295 for 2025/26). Repayments at this level are minimal or zero depending on the exact threshold.