How much does a uni graduate make in Australia? Based on Australia’s largest graduate survey, $71k is about the average salary if you are able to land a full-time job. Data from the Graduate Outcomes Survey show that business, arts and science graduates all earn about this much.
Graduate Pay List by Uni Degree
| Degree | Salary |
|---|---|
| Dentistry | $94,400 |
| Medicine | $85,000 |
| Social work | $77,300 |
| Engineering | $75,000 |
| Teacher education | $75,000 |
| Computing and Information Systems | $74,400 |
| Law and paralegal studies | $73,000 |
| Agriculture and environmental studies | $71,100 |
| Rehabilitation | $71,000 |
| Psychology | $71,000 |
| Health services and support | $70,800 |
| Nursing | $69,400 |
| Humanities, culture and social sciences | $69,400 |
| Business and management | $69,200 |
| Science and mathematics | $69,000 |
| Veterinary science | $67,400 |
| Architecture and built environment | $66,000 |
| Communications | $65,000 |
| Tourism, Hospitality, Personal Services | $65,000 |
| Creative arts | $59,500 |
| Pharmacy | $55,500 |
| All | $71,000 |
How Much a Graduate Earns in Australia
The median salary of a recent bachelor-degree graduate who is working full-time is $71,000 in Australia. This figure doesn’t reflect incidences of unemployment and part-employment, which could be significant in some fields.
The highest paying type of undergraduate degree is Dentistry, with graduates earning a median of $94,400. Medicine follows at $85,000. On the other end of the spectrum, Pharmacy graduates earn the lowest median salary at $55,500. These figures show how the choice of degree can dramatically impact early-career earnings.
University graduates in large degree categories have competitive salaries. Business and management degree-holders earn a median of $69,200, while those in Humanities, culture, and social sciences earn $69,400. Science and mathematics graduates have a median salary of $69,000, and Psychology graduates align with the national median at $71,000.
What Is a Good Graduate Salary?
A $70k entry-level salary is strong for recent graduates in Australia according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey. It offers financial stability and a good start. Salaries nearing $100k, like those in Dentistry and Medicine, are exceptional. However, long-term earning potential and career growth are more important.
Several factors influence graduate salaries beyond the raw numbers. The average ability of students at a university can affect starting salaries. Universities with high-achieving students often see higher wages for their graduates. The job status and age of students also matter, as older students or those already employed might earn more.
Job market conditions in the city or region of a university play a role. Strong job markets lead to better prospects and higher salaries, albeit with higher housing costs. Conversely, weaker markets can make job hunting tougher despite similar qualifications. Thus, while entry-level salaries are a good snapshot, they don’t show the full picture.
Postgraduate Salaries
Salaries for postgraduate university students (i.e. students normally returning to university for advanced study) tend to be higher. This is due to the experience, advanced skills and specialised knowledge they bring to the job market.
Certain fields offer particularly high salaries for postgraduate students according to analysis by Postgraduate Futures. Business and management, including MBA, graduates do far better than their undergraduate counterparts.
Computing and Information Systems also see a substantial boost, reflecting the high demand for advanced tech skills. Engineering is also strong at the postgraduate level.