I occasionally speak with graduates who feel that a job is not worth going for if the salary is not 30k plus.
This is partly caused by the high-visibility of the big graduate schemes. And the widely reported average graduate salary of over 30k does not help, as this is skewed by some particularly high salaries. And such figures represent probably 11% of the graduates jobs market. The average graduate salary from the most recent HESA return is £27,998 for science subjects and £25,999 for non-science subjects.
There are a lot of graduate jobs paying £23,000-26,000. And there are differences across industry sectors and also locations. I have jobs available with a wide variance in salary, including 30k+, though most are less.
You need to calculate what you can live on, but most graduate salaries are at a good level, with something added to reflect your degree.
Of course there needs to be development on salary when in the role. But that usually does come in time.
And not everyone can get the highest paid jobs. The competition is fierce; and with some of the bigger ones the process can rule out many very strong applicants.
Some of the graduates I speak with who are holding out for 30k+ have already tried to get into these schemes, and been unsuccessful. Holding out for too long can cause it’s own problems, as you may miss out on many good opportunities.
For example, one graduate I know left it the best part of 2 years to consider jobs with a lesser salary, and he’s now finding it very difficult when up against graduates with more recent degrees.
If you can get the higher salary, and it’s a good opportunity, then that’s great. But the salary in itself doesn’t mean that it’s the best job for you.
Rejecting jobs on salary alone can be a short-sighted view; most graduates will have years of work ahead of them, this is only the starting point.
So try and think of an opportunity in the context of your whole career. Not just the starting salary. Most graduates I work with do this, and have gone on to thrive in their careers.
My advice would be to consider each opportunity on its merits. And if the only negative is salary, and all your other boxes are ticked, then consider it seriously.