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 Teaching Graduates
Teaching graduates enter a profession with guaranteed employment in shortage subjects (maths, physics, computing, modern foreign languages) and strong demand across most subjects. The starting salary was increased in 2023 and further rises are expected. Tax-free bursaries of up to £27,000 are available during PGCE training for priority subjects.
Typical First Roles and Career Paths
Newly qualified teachers start on Main Pay Scale M1 (£25,714 outside London, higher in London). Progression through M1-M6 is based on annual performance reviews. After reaching M6, teachers can apply for the Upper Pay Scale (UPS1-UPS3, up to £41,604). Leadership roles (Head of Department, Assistant Head) carry additional TLR payments. See teacher pay scales.
Tips for Teaching Graduates
Teaching offers excellent benefits beyond salary: term-time working (13 weeks holiday), one of the UK's best pension schemes (Teachers' Pension with 28.68% employer contribution), and job security. London teachers receive additional location allowances. Consider teacher salary guide for the full career picture.
Student Loan Repayments
Teaching graduates on £25,714 make minimal Plan 2 repayments. Bursary income received during PGCE training is not counted for loan repayment purposes. Teachers' relatively flat early salary progression means student loans are repaid slowly — many Plan 2 loans will be partially written off after 30 years.