What are the typical starting salaries and career opportunities in the UK for graduates in technology, finance, engineering, and other fields, and how does the cost of living in London impact these figures?
UK graduate starting salaries typically range from about 30,000 pounds in engineering to 60,000 pounds in investment banking, with technology and consulting in between. London pays roughly 10 to 15 percent more, but average rent there runs about 2,332 pounds a month, compared with 1,400 pounds across the wider UK.
Your starting salary in the UK depends far more on your industry and employer than on your degree title alone. Technology, finance, engineering, and consulting each have distinct pay bands, and London roles generally pay more but come with noticeably higher rent.
Typical UK Graduate Starting Salaries By Field
| Field | Typical Starting Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Investment banking | Around 60,000 pounds | Based on 2025 median figures from major graduate employers |
| Consulting | Around 50,000 pounds | Strategy, technology, and management consulting roles |
| Finance and banking | 35,000 to 45,000 pounds | Risk, financial analyst, asset management, fintech |
| Technology | 30,000 to 45,000 pounds | Higher for London-based graduate schemes |
| Engineering | 30,000 to 40,000 pounds | Mechanical, electrical, civil, and manufacturing roles |
| Accounting and professional services | 30,000 to 40,000 pounds | Audit, tax, and advisory tracks |
| Marketing and business | 27,000 to 35,000 pounds | Business analysis, sales, and operations roles |
How London's Cost Of Living Affects Your Real Income
- Average rent: about 1,400 pounds a month across the UK, versus roughly 2,332 pounds in London as of August 2026
- Shared accommodation: a room or flat-share in London typically runs 700 to 1,100 pounds or more a month
- Daily costs: food, transport, and utilities together commonly add another 450 to 730 pounds a month in London
- Net comparison: a 35,000 pound salary in Manchester or Birmingham can leave you with more disposable income than the same salary in London once rent is accounted for
My Advice
Do not choose a UK city purely for the headline salary figure. Compare your likely take-home pay after rent across two or three cities, and if you plan to stay long-term, also check whether your target salary would meet the Skilled Worker visa threshold once your Graduate visa runs out.
How much will a month in the UK cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
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