Median graduate scheme salary in United Kingdom is £32k. Junior roles (0–2 years) start at £28k; senior roles (7+ years) reach £38k+. Numbers reflect 2026 UK market data.
Graduate schemes in the UK typically offer starting salaries between £25,000 and £35,000, though leading firms in banking, consulting, and technology often push towards £40,000+. We understand that as a graduate, salary visibility matters—you're balancing loan repayments, relocation costs, and real living expenses. The variation depends heavily on sector and employer size; a Big Four consulting firm will substantially outpace a regional manufacturing graduate programme. London-based roles command 10-15% premiums compared to regional equivalents, though this rarely offsets higher living costs. Most schemes include structured annual increases, relocation packages, and benefits like pension contributions that meaningfully boost total compensation. Rather than fixating on base salary alone, consider the full package: training investment, sponsorship opportunities, and whether the role builds genuine market value in your chosen field. Below, you'll find current graduate scheme vacancies filtered by salary band and sector, so you can compare real opportunities in your target market.
| Level | Years | Salary (median) | 10th–90th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0–2 | £28k | £24k – £34k |
| Mid-level | 3–6 | £32k | £27k – £38k |
| Senior | 7+ | £38k | £32k – £53k |
Search Graduate Scheme Roles in United Kingdom →