A new study has revealed the top ten highest-paid industries for university graduates in the UK, with Financial and Insurance Activities taking the top spot, offering average weekly earnings of £1,361. The analysis, conducted by Teachers To Your Home, used data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) from July 2024 to help recent graduates identify lucrative career paths amid the rising cost of living.
The Mining and Quarrying industry came in second, offering an average weekly pay of £1,288. This sector includes roles in civil engineering, geophysics, and earth sciences. Information and Communication ranked third, with workers in this field earning a weekly average of £1,161. Cyber security specialists, IT managers, and graphic designers are some of the key professions in this rapidly growing sector.
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Activities took fourth place, where careers such as microbiologists, veterinarians, and psychologists contribute to an average weekly income of £1,017. The Manufacturing industry, specifically focusing on Chemicals and Man-Made Fibres, ranks fifth, with workers earning £989 per week. Graduates in fields like chemical process engineering or production chemistry will find opportunities here.
| Rank | Industry | Average Weekly Earnings (£) |
| 1 | Financial and Insurance Activities | 1,361 |
| 2 | Mining and Quarrying | 1,288 |
| 3 | Information and Communication | 1,161 |
| 4 | Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities | 1,017 |
| 5 | Manufacturing – Chemicals and Man-Made Fibres | 989 |
| 6 | Electricity, Gas and Water Supply | 888 |
| 7 | Manufacturing – Engineering and Allied Industries | 841 |
| 8 | Construction | 777 |
| 9 | Wholesale Trade | 759 |
| 10 | Manufacturing – Basic Metals and Metal Products | 748 |
In sixth place, the Electricity, Gas, and Water Supply industry offers average weekly earnings of £888. Graduates with degrees in finance, engineering, or human resources may explore roles in this sector. Seventh on the list is Manufacturing – Engineering and Allied Industries, which pays an average of £841 per week. Careers such as aerospace engineering and naval architecture are popular in this field.
The Construction industry, which ranks eighth, offers weekly earnings of £777. Graduates can pursue roles such as building inspectors, architects, and bricklayers. Wholesale Trade took ninth place, with average earnings of £759 per week. Positions in this industry range from sales management to customer service advisory roles.
Manufacturing – Basic Metals and Metal Products rounds out the top ten, offering an average weekly pay of £748. Graduates with qualifications in engineering or materials sciences can find work in this sector.
At the opposite end of the earnings spectrum, the Accommodation and Food Service Activities sector was identified as the lowest-paying industry in the UK, with an average weekly income of just £329.
Gillian Dixon, CEO of Teachers To Your Home, commented on the findings, emphasising the importance of financial considerations when choosing a career path. “Choosing an industry after leaving university can be daunting, especially with rising living costs in the UK. Pay is often at the forefront of graduates’ minds,” Dixon explained. “Fortunately, there are many high-paying career paths available to our graduates to help ease the financial pressure on younger generations.”
The data provides valuable insight into which industries offer higher earnings, helping graduates make informed decisions about their future career paths.
