A recent report from the Scottish Government highlights substantial differences in earning potential for university graduates five years after completing their studies. The data, published as part of a Longitudinal Education Outcomes report, indicates a strong correlation between a graduate's chosen field of study and their subsequent annual salary.
Graduates from medicine and dentistry programs reported the highest average earnings, taking home over £60,000 annually within five years of qualifying. This is followed by economics graduates, who earn an average of £49,800, and mathematical sciences graduates, with an average annual income of £45,000. Conversely, graduates from performing arts courses, such as acting, dance, and music, reported the lowest average earnings, around £25,400 per year.
The report also identified a persistent gender pay gap across most subjects. In several fields, including pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacy, men earned up to £5,200 more annually than women. Women only reported higher average earnings than men in a few subjects, such as English.
Justine Pédussel, president of National Union of Students Scotland, commented on the findings, stating that while some industries naturally pay more, financial compensation does not always reflect the true value or societal importance of certain professions, particularly in the arts and culture sector. She also expressed concern over the gender pay gap, calling for concrete action from government and industry to address it.
This data emerges as a record number of students, 17,920 young Scots, have begun university or college. While Scottish students do not pay tuition fees, many rely on maintenance loans for living expenses, potentially graduating with significant debt. Pédussel advocated for non-repayable bursaries as an alternative to loans, emphasizing the need for fair pay across all sectors to ensure graduates are not burdened by debt and that Scotland benefits from a diverse, well-compensated workforce.