You’ve done it! Studied hard, written a top-notch CV, aced your interview and been offered a job. It’s a wonderful feeling, especially if it is your dream job, or perhaps it is the start of a journey to your dream job. Still, the salary is something you do need to consider. Unfortunately, there is huge variation across industries and this can affect your ability to accept your dream role or turn it down so you can pay rent.
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Salaries depend on location for example, jobs in London often pay slightly more to cover the higher cost of living, the size of company, the type of company, and its specialisation.
And, there are a myriad of factors affecting your decision to accept or not which are often more out of your control – your ability to relocate for example, living arrangements and whether or not you have any dependents.
We’ve compiled a brief list of average starting salaries across some of the major industries to give you an idea of what to expect.
Graduate Salaries, Starting at The Top
Banking & Accountancy – up to £50k (starting as low as £17 though)
Education (qualified teachers) – £32K
Law – As a graduate, you should expect between £19k and £22k (the higher amount being in London).
Sales – Starting £24K with commissions often taking the total closer to £30k.
Digital marketing – £18-22k
Publishing/journalism/media -start as low as £15k
Media agency graduate roles – £20-25k
**Median uk salary for graduates is roughly £3ok
Why Are Graduate Media Salaries So Low?
There seems be be a heavy expectation on new starters in media to work up through the ranks, with experience often valued over qualifications – not the same as a doctor or architect with 7+ years of study and experience combined upon graduation!
The good news? On average, media agency salaries should increase to £30 and above after two years, so you don’t have long to wait.
Other Things to Consider
Don’t be disheartened. Lots of companies now offer a raft of extra benefits which can heartily support your lifestyle. You need to think about where will you be living, the cost of transport offset against rent and the time it takes to commute.
Lots of companies now odder season ticket schemes as well as the now fairly established cycle to work scheme.
Other benefits can save you money and offer you a better work/life balance for example: inclusive gym memberships, or the option to work from home flexibly. Check out this list for some of the best benefits on offer.
How Can I Earn More?
Make sure you find out what progression options there are in your interview and how quickly you can expect to move up.
If you start a job and you feel like you are being taken advantage of there is no shame in looking elsewhere – contact dotgap to make sure you’re on the right track for your digital career.