15 Highest Paid Graduate Jobs | Best Review

It might be tough to find and secure the highest paid graduate jobs once you’ve put down the pen and said farewell to the exam. So, we’ve looked into the highest-paid careers for graduates, and the positions listed in this post will astound you.

It’s an exciting moment to be a graduate who has just completed final year examinations and is looking forward to entering the workforce and putting all of the skills learned in school to good use. After all your hard work in school and preparation, getting decent jobs after graduation is a huge plus.

The graduate job market is quite competitive, with many salaries available. You might be interested in knowing what good graduate pay is to prepare for your future job as a graduate.

Let’s get started on the highest paid graduate jobs/career.

Table of contents

Overview of Graduate Salary

A good graduate wage is high-paying entry-level employment that a recent graduate may be able to acquire after graduation.

Although it may be tough to come up with a standard definition of what good graduate pay should be.

Several criteria, including the employer, geography, gender, and working hours, determine a graduate’s pay.

According to research, Data on graduate salaries is difficult to track effectively, and it presents several problems, including:

  • How many hours each week do grads work?
  • In what currencies will they be compensated?
  • What other perks do they get from the company?
  • What is your preferred exchange rate?
  • Which standard deviation do you use?

Salary, on the other hand, might still be an interesting measure because it influences employers’, students’, and graduates’ decisions.

Furthermore, as previously said, the definition of a good graduate salary is universally agreed upon based on the elements listed above. A high salary does not always signal you are getting a good deal.

You might be able to increase your buying power by taking a lower-paying job elsewhere.

Also,

However, if you are offered a specific wage after graduation, there are a few things to consider to assess whether or not the work is one of the top-paying jobs. So this is what you can do.

  • Check to see if this corresponds to the average industry for this position. There are numerous internet resources available to assist you in determining the industry average and what is regarded as fair.
  • You can negotiate if you don’t think the salary is fair, but keep in mind how competitive the graduate employment market is
  • Consider the location, any advantages that come with the compensation, and any bonus structures that are also available.

Considering all, remember that graduate incomes frequently rise quickly in the first few years of your work.

After a trial time and when you begin to make a useful addition to the firm, you can expect your salary to improve.

See: 15 Highest Paid Surgical Technologist 2023 | Best State

How Much Can You Earn As A Graduate

You may predict how much you can earn as a graduate based on your primary course of study. Certain jobs pay well, and others pay poorly.

Some of the highest paid graduate jobs/career occupations should also be assessed in terms of your interests and passion because there are careers you may enjoy but are not well-paying.

So, let’s quickly check through how much you can earn as a graduate based on your chosen career in the U.S. Based on a report drawn from data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018, here is the list of possible earnings of graduates in different careers.

A. Computer Science $ Information Technology

  • Computer and information research scientists $118,370
  • Software developers $105,590
  • Information security analysts $98,350
  • Computer systems analysts $88,740
  • Network architects $109,020
  • Computer programmers $84,280
  • Web developers $69,430
  • Computer support specialists $53,470

B. Engineering

  • Computer hardware engineers $114,600
  • Aerospace engineers $115,220
  • Chemical engineers $104,910
  • Electronics engineers (except computer) $99,070
  • Mining and geological engineers $92,250
  • Nuclear engineers $107,600
  • Petroleum engineers $137,170
  • Marine engineers and naval architects $92,560
  • Biomedical engineers $88,550
  • Materials engineers $92,390
  • Mechanical engineers $87,370
  • Civil engineers $86,640
  • Environmental engineers $87,620
  • Industrial engineers $87,040
  • Agricultural engineers $77,110
  • Drafters $55,550

C. Law

  • Lawyers $120,910
  • Judges and hearing officers $117,190
  • Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators $62,270
  • Court reporters $57,150
  • Paralegals and legal assistants $50,940

D. Media and Communications

  • Writers and editors $62,170
  • Public relations specialists $60,000
  • News analysts, reporters, and correspondents $43,490
  • Broadcast and sound engineering technicians $43,660
  • Announcers $31,990

E. Medicine and Life science

  • Physicians and surgeons $208,000
  • Dentists $156,240
  • Veterinarians $93,830
  • Medical scientists $84,810
  • Biological technicians $44,500
  • Psychologists $79,010
  • Conservation scientists and foresters $61,340

F. Natural Sciences

  • Biological Technicians $44,500
  • Environmental scientists $71,130
  • Chemists and materials scientists $78,330
  • Geoscientists $91,130

G. Business and Management

  • Management analysts $83,610
  • Logisticians $74,600
  • Budget analysts $76,220
  • Operations research analysts $83,390
  • Market research analysts $63,120
  • Human resources specialists $60,880
  • Training and development specialists $60,870

H. Art and Designs

  • Producers and directors $71,680
  • Multimedia artists and animators $72,520
  • All art and design occupations are $46,660
  • Archivists, curators, and museum technicians $48,400
  • Graphic designers $50,370

I. Architecture

  • Architectural and engineering managers $140,760
  • Architects $79,380
  • Drafters $55,550

J. Accounting and Finance

  • Actuaries $102,880
  • Accountants and auditors $70,500
  • Personal financial advisors $88,890
  • Financial analysts $85,660
  • Financial examiners $80,180
  • Budget analysts $76,220
  • Insurance underwriters $69,380
  • Loan officers $63,040
  • Cost estimators $64,040
  • Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents $54,440

Ensure you understand all the additional income and benefits of the job now that you know how much money you could make as a graduate. Knowing this will help you decide whether or not you can make more money.

Overview Of A Good Graduate Salary In Australia

Graduation is a considerable financial and time investment. You want to make sure you’re getting a good bargain on your graduation wage in Australia, just like you want to get a good deal on any other step forward in life.

Suppose you’re thinking about working or relocating to Australia. In that case, it’s natural to want to set your expectations and have some background knowledge on graduate earning potential in your field of interest.

The average graduate wage in Australia is $70,922 per year or $36.37 per hour. Entry-level earnings start at $62,907 annually, with the highest-paid professionals earning as much as $93,858 annually.

Let’s have a look at some graduate career opportunities in Australia.

  1. Graduate in-house lawyer $55,000 – $75,000
  2. Maintenance electrician $70,000- $90,000
  3. Graduate metallurgist $60,000-$75000
  4. Economist $60,000 – $80,000
  5. Database Developer $60,000-$85,000
  6. Machinist $45,000 – $65,000
  7. Graduate Mining engineer $70,000-$100,000
  8. Business development consultant $50,000 – $75,000
  9. Graduate architect $55,000 – $80,000
  10. Graduate accountant $45,000 – $50,000

Highest Paying Graduate Jobs In The UK

Choosing a career is a prudent decision that requires careful consideration and advice. You shouldn’t choose a career based on your passion; consider which employment will pay the bills and leave room for more.

Career options abound in the United Kingdom, and earnings are sufficient to satisfy your financial goals. However, if you’re unsure about the best/highest-paid graduate jobs/career for you, the top-paying jobs in the UK, ranked per annum, are listed below.

1. Investment banker (£35,000–£60,000 )

Investment banking can be quite profitable but is also very vulnerable to financial disasters.

Although the work and long hours are difficult, you can earn a lot of money.

It is one of the highest paid graduate jobs/careers.

Read: Highest Paid IT Jobs in the World | Top 10 IT Careers in 2023

2. Management consultant ( £45,000–£50,000)

Professional services organizations are well-known for being excellent graduate recruiters.

Your professional path will typically take you from Business Analyst or Associate to Junior, Senior Consultant, Manager, Principal, and Partner.

3.  Graduate retail sales manager ( £37,000–£44,000)

Budget retail companies are expanding in the UK and are looking for more graduates.

Budget store giants like Lidl and Aldi pay high training salaries to entice you.

After 12 months of training, you’ll be promoted to Area Manager at Aldi. After two years of training at Lidl, you can select between sales, logistics, or purchasing.

4. . Software Developer  (£31,500–£45,000)

You’ll start as a Junior Developer and work up to Senior Developer and Lead Developer before moving into management.

5.  Clinical Scientist  (£29,000–£30,000)

Working in the health sector is lucrative because, according to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, the global health and life science sectors are expected to increase by 10% per year over the next ten years.

6.  Civil Engineer – £24,000–£31,000

In the UK, a graduate should have more opportunities because the civil engineering sector employs roughly 650 businesses, each with 20 to 49 employees.

7.  Civil servant ( £27,000–£32,000 )

Civil servants, who work for the government, earn a lot of money because it is one of the best paying jobs in the UK.

Your chosen career path will determine your journey, but you can expect to advance to a senior level in around five years.

Also, read: Who Are The Highest Paid Underwater Welders? | Top Countries In 2023

8. Graduate Petroleum Engineer  (£33,000–£43,000)

Engineers in the oil and gas business have historically been among the top-paying graduate jobs, particularly because they must be willing to work in hot, arid areas with few comforts.

If you get this job as an entry-level graduate, you’ll work under supervision before moving on to projects that require greater independence and leadership.

9. Trainee Solicitor – £26,500–£50,000

Law businesses are extremely profitable, allowing them to pay hefty wages to their employees. They also keep their recruitment numbers low to be able to pay more for fewer employees.

The average trainee pay in the legal profession varies by geography; it is £18,000 in Wales and £35,800 in the City of London.

10. Analysts in the insurance industry – £31,000–£35,000

Although actuaries, known as insurance analysts, are in short supply, they earn higher-than-average pay.

Actuaries work in various settings, including insurance, pensions, banking, and consultancy. A business analyst’s profession is now intimately linked to information technology. Analyzing the entire business or a specific department or function to determine how IT may increase efficiency and production may be one of your responsibilities.

Top 10 Countries With The Highest Paying Graduate Jobs In 2023

Finding a good career, especially in a good location, is one of the most significant decisions a person must make. People used to work for the same employer their entire lives, which was usually where they were born.

Professionals in a few countries with strong economies are generously compensated.

Opportunities abound nowadays, and if you’re a talented professional, you’ll be able to get well-paying work in any of the 10 countries listed below.

1. Luxembourg ( Average annual income: $60,369)

Luxembourg is a small European country located in the western part of the continent. It is a developed economy with one of the highest GDP per capita in the world.

Luxembourg’s key sectors are banking and financial services, real estate services, construction, aluminum, information technology, telecommunications, engineering, freight transportation, chemicals, biotechnology, and tourism.

It is one of the states with the highest paid graduate jobs/career.

2. United States (Average annual income: $58,714)

The United States is responsible for around a quarter of the world’s GDP. It is the world’s third-largest and third-most populous country.

Consumer products, electronics, petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, telecommunications, food processing, aircraft, lumber, mining, and chemicals are among the leading industries.

3. Switzerland (Average annual income: $58,389)

Switzerland’s top industries include machinery, watches, pharmaceuticals, textiles, precision instruments, chemicals, tourism, banking, and insurance.

Watches, chocolates, and, of course, the Alps are all famous in Switzerland. Other exports include chemicals, machinery, electronics, and precision instruments. Nestle, Novartis, Credit Suisse, UBS AG, Glencore, Tetra Pak, and The Swatch Group are among the country’s big international firms.

4. Norway (Average annual income: $50,908)

According to the IMF and World Bank, Norway has the fourth-highest per capita income globally. 

Petroleum and gas, shipping, fishing, aquaculture, food manufacturing, paper products, shipbuilding, chemicals, metals, forestry, mining, and textiles are among the leading industries.

It is one of the states with the highest paid graduate jobs/career.

5.  Netherlands (Average annual income: $50,670)

The Netherlands, commonly known as Holland, is one of the highest-paying countries in the world.

According to the United Nations World Happiness Report, the Netherlands was named the sixth happiest country in the world in 2017.

The top industries are agriculture, electrical machinery and equipment, metal and engineering products, chemicals, construction, petroleum, microelectronics, and fishing.

6. Australia (Average annual income: $50,167)

Australia is noted for its kangaroos and koalas, earning it the nickname “the Land Down Under.” The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef, is just off Australia’s northeast coast.

Australia’s biggest industries include tourism, financial services, mining, industrial equipment, transportation equipment, chemicals, steel, and food processing.

It is one of the states with the highest paid graduate jobs/career.

7. Denmark (Average annual income: $50,024)

Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. Mild winters and cool summers characterize the climate. Due to the lack of minimum wage legislation and the significant influence of trade unions, this country has the highest minimum wage in the world.

Among the most important industries are steel, nonferrous metals, chemicals, manufacturing, food processing, transportation equipment, textiles, electronics, construction, furniture, shipbuilding, windmills, and medicines.

8. Canada (Average annual income: $47,843)

Canada is heavily urbanized with 82 percent of the population concentrated in major and medium-sized cities.

It scores highly regarding the quality of life, education, economic freedom, government transparency, and civil freedoms globally. It has the world’s longest land border with the United States, reaching 8,891 kilometers.

Canada’s largest industries include petroleum and natural gas, transportation equipment, chemicals, food goods, fish products, wood and paper products, and processed and unprocessed minerals.

Also, see: 20 Highest Paid Cardiologists | Best States And Countries 2023

9.  Belgium (Average annual income: $47,702)

Belgium has excellent living standards, including healthcare and education.

It is also one of the world’s safest and most peaceful countries. Belgium is known for its waffles, chocolate, beer, and mayonnaise-dipped french fries (claimed to have originated here).

The leading industries are processed foods and drinks, engineering and metal products, transportation equipment, car assembly, chemicals, scientific instruments, textiles, glass, petroleum, and base metals.

10. Iceland (Average annual income: $46,074)

Belgium has excellent living standards, including healthcare and education. It is also one of the world’s safest and most peaceful countries.

Belgium is known for its waffles, chocolate, beer, and mayonnaise-dipped french fries (claimed to have originated here).

The leading industries are processed foods and drinks, engineering and metal products, transportation equipment, car assembly, chemicals, scientific instruments, textiles, glass, petroleum, and base metals.

It is one of the states with the highest paid graduate jobs/career.

15 highest paid graduate jobs in the world

Graduation from college is a step toward putting all the skills learned in school to use in the workplace. All careers pay, but some pay the most.

Different jobs have different benefits associated with them. So, if you’re looking for the best-paying jobs in the world, not just in your own country, the list is vast, but here are the top 15 highest paid graduate jobs/careers in the world.

1. Petroleum Engineering ( Average Salary: $102,300 – $176,300)

Petroleum engineers are responsible for developing methods and equipment for extracting oil and gas from reservoirs beneath the Earth’s surface. 

Their work is exhausting. Before beginning research and development of drilling equipment, plans, and other operations, these qualified experts collaborate with specialists and scientists to better understand reservoir formations.

This is the highest paid graduate job/career.

2. Nuclear Engineering (Average Salary: $67,000 – $118,000)

A nuclear engineer must conduct substantial research and development to construct the procedures, equipment, and systems involved in harnessing nuclear energy and benefiting from nuclear radiation. Nuclear engineers may work in medicine, developing imaging equipment, or cancer radiation therapies. 

They can also work in industries such as nuclear power plant technology development, safety measures and protocol, or waste control and disposal systems.

Whether at a power plant, a government building, or a consulting firm, they work in an office setting.

3. Chemical Engineering (Average Salary: $69,600 – $116,700)

Chemical engineers have a wide range of talents that allow them to work in various huge corporations.

They use chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics to investigate issues and provide answers for anything from medicine to food, clothes, and fuel generation.

They also conduct thorough research to complete their tasks.

Also, they are among the highest paid graduate careers.

Read: 17 Highest Paid Recruiters In The USA | Best Companies And State

4. Electronics and Communications Engineering (Average Salary: $64,100 – $113,200)

Electronics and communication engineers have a diverse set of skills that enable them to work in a variety of industries.

These experts specialize in automobile and airplane controls, mobile devices, medical instruments, radio and satellite communication, and GPS systems, among other things. 

The design and development of new and improved user technology is the goal of all electrical and communication engineers.

This activity entails investigating client needs, creating individual components, reviewing entire systems, devising maintenance methods, and conducting tests and inspections to assure optimum technical performance.

They’re among the highest paid graduate jobs/career.

5. Computer Science Engineer (Average Salary: $66,700 -$112,600)

Computer science engineering is a vocation that includes computer hardware engineers, software engineers, and other computer skills.

And each of these occupations necessitates a unique set of talents.

Both types of engineering entail assessing user requirements, conducting tests, and analyzing the results before making necessary changes and updates.

6. Aerospace Engineer (Average Salary:$64,700 – $107,900)

Commercial aircraft, military aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles are all examples of aerospace engineering. Aerospace engineers frequently focus their careers on either aeronautical (spacecraft) or astronautical (plane and propulsion systems) undertakings due to the highly specialized nature of each profession. 

Their responsibilities include coordinating product design, manufacturing, and testing. They also check for compliance with safety, project goals, client needs, and regulations in projects and designs.

7. Electrical Engineer (Average Salary: $65,900 – $107,900)

Electrical engineers’ major goal is to figure out how to produce enough energy for human requirements while distributing it efficiently.

Motors, power generation equipment, and radar or navigational technologies are examples of specializations.

Electrical engineers frequently work with hazardous or even lethal levels of electricity, necessitating effective safety training in addition to their formal degree.

Electrical engineers may spend a lot of time on-site at places due to the nature of their profession.

They are part of the highest paid graduate jobs/career.

8. Materials Science and Engineering (Average Salary: $64,000 – $109,100)

Materials scientists investigate the properties and structures of various materials, such as metals, polymers, and composites, to solve issues and develop new or improved products that meet certain mechanical, electrical, or chemical requirements.

These engineers may specialize in a single type of substance or material. They work as part of a team to conduct sophisticated planning, research, laboratory experiments, and data and report writing.

9. Physicists (Average Salary: $57,200 – $105,100)

Physicists look at how space, time, energy, and matter interact.  

Physicists look at how space, time, energy, and matter interact. In physics, there are a variety of specializations that allow you to work in a field of interest. Astrophysics, or the universe’s physics, is one of the specialties. 

Physicists are another highest paid graduate job/career.

10. Statistician (Average Salary: $54,900 – $103,100)

Statistics uses mathematical principles to collect, analyze, and present numerical data.

Statisticians work in the public and private sectors, with most jobs in government, education, healthcare, and research and development.

 They put their knowledge to work by designing surveys and experiments, evaluating and processing data, drawing conclusions, and presenting the final results in a logical manner.

11. Mechanical Engineer (Average Salary: $62,100 – $101,600)

Mechanical engineers work on various projects, including creating new batteries, elevator design, and internal combustion engine production.

They use their comprehensive mechanics, thermal devices, and machinery knowledge to investigate and solve problems.

12. Software Engineer (Average Salary: $61,700 – $99,800)

Software engineers work on the entire software development life cycle, from the first research and study of requirements to the final design and testing of a program.

The software engineer takes a methodical and scientific approach to software development.

Engineering principles, programming languages, analysis, and problem-solving are all skills that software engineers must have.

This is a high paid graduate jobs and careers.

13. Business and Information Technology (Average Salary: $56,900 – $99,100)

Learning a mix of business and IT skills equips you with a well-rounded and sophisticated knowledge base that can lead to a high salary and job satisfaction in various careers with faster-than-average development prospects.

It is one of the Highest Paid Graduate careers.

14. Economist (Average Salary: $51,400 – $97,700)

Economists use their quantitative and qualitative analysis skills to examine the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services for federal, state, and local governments, research corporations, international organizations, and think tanks.

Read: 25 Highest Paid Jobs In Florida

15. Industrial Engineer (Average Salary: $61,900 – $97,200)

The fundamental goal of an industrial engineer is to boost efficiency and productivity.

They deal with existing and potential enterprises, advising them during development and helping them enhance their current operations.

This is one of the Highest Paid Graduate Jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions on Highest Paid Graduate Jobs

Which job has the highest salary in the world?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
General Surgeon.
Senior Software Engineer.
Investment Banker.
Data Scientist.
IT Systems Manager.

What are the top 5 careers that make the most money in the UK?

Aircraft controllers
Chief Executive and Senior Officials
Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
Marketing and Sales Director
Legal professional

What are the top paying jobs?

Physician Assistant. #1 in 100 Best Jobs
Software Developer. #2 in 100 Best Jobs
Nurse Practitioner. #3 in 100 Best Jobs
Medical and Health Services Manager. #4 in 100 Best Jobs
Physician. #5 in 100 Best Jobs

What is a good paying salary job in Australia?

In Australia, the average graduate wage is $70,922 per year or $36.37 per hour.

What is a good graduate salary?

In the Sydney Area, the highest annual pay for a graduate is $74,000, and the lowest annual wage is $56,000.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned about the highest-paying graduate occupations, you can see that medicine and law aren’t the only lucrative options. Many people base their decisions on what they already know. However, given that other high-paying jobs are available, undergraduates and graduates should have the required skills to equip them for the job market.

Reference

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