Graduate scheme salary guide UK
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Quick answer: Graduate schemes in UK large employers often start £28,000–£35,000 outside London and £35,000–£45,000 in London — plus pension, bonus and training value beyond base salary.
Graduate scheme intakes compete with direct-entry roles that may offer similar or better pay. Tax, student loan repayments and pension auto-enrolment all reduce take-home pay. This guide compares total packages beyond the headline salary.
Last reviewed:
Read the full students & young adults guide →Primary source: www.gov.uk/student-jobs-paying-tax
Comparing offers
Include training value, professional exam fees paid by the employer and rotation breadth when comparing offers. A lower salary with funded qualifications may beat a higher base with no development support.
Smaller companies may pay less base salary but offer faster responsibility and earlier pay progression. Consider where you want to be in three years, not just year one.
Negotiation
Graduate scheme salaries are often fixed across an intake, so negotiation is rare unless you have a competing offer from a similar-tier employer. Use a competing offer as leverage only if it is genuine and verifiable.
Relocation packages for regional moves to London should be checked for tax treatment. Some allowances count as taxable income while others may be exempt.
First payslip
Check your tax code for BR errors when you start your first graduate job. A P45 from part-time work affects your code and can cause under or overpayment.
Join the workplace pension rather than opting out unless you plan an extremely short tenure. Opting out means losing employer contributions that are effectively free money.
Common questions
Which sectors pay most?
Finance, consulting and technology often lead outside the public sector. Compare total package including pension, bonus and training rather than base salary alone.
Is London weighting worth it?
Higher gross pay in London is often offset by rent and travel costs. Calculate take-home pay after housing rather than comparing headline salaries.
When do graduate schemes start hiring?
Many schemes open in autumn for the following year's intake. Apply early for popular programmes as places fill quickly.