ILT Graduate Outcomes Survey Reveals Lowest Paying Study Areas for Recent Graduates

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 The latest Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey has shed light on the earning potential of recent graduates across different fields of study, revealing some of the lowest-paying areas for new professionals entering the workforce. Conducted annually, the survey provides crucial data on employment rates and median salaries, offering insights into how different degrees fare in terms of financial returns immediately after graduation.

Key Findings from the Survey

The QILT survey found that while many graduates secure employment within months of completing their degrees, there are significant disparities in starting salaries depending on the field of study. Graduates in fields like creative arts, social work, and hospitality reported the lowest median incomes.

  1. Creative Arts
    Creative arts degrees, which include fields like fine arts, design, and media production, consistently ranked among the lowest-paying study areas. Graduates from these programs reported median starting salaries below $50,000 per year. Despite the often fulfilling nature of careers in the arts, the income gap between these graduates and those from more lucrative fields like engineering or information technology remains significant.

  2. Hospitality and Tourism
    The hospitality and tourism sector also ranked as one of the lowest in terms of graduate salaries. With a median income of approximately $50,000, recent graduates entering roles in hotel management, travel services, or culinary arts often face entry-level positions with limited growth in the short term. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this industry has further complicated the job outlook for many.

  3. Social Work and Human Services
    Social work graduates, despite high demand for professionals in this sector, reported relatively low starting salaries. The median income for social work graduates hovered around $65,000. While many in this field find deeply meaningful work, the financial rewards do not always align with the level of commitment and emotional labor required for such roles.

  4. Education and Training
    Graduates who pursued teaching degrees also reported some of the lowest starting salaries, particularly for primary and early childhood education. Median salaries for recent teaching graduates were reported to be around $70,000. While the teaching profession offers job stability and long-term career prospects, initial earnings are lower compared to other fields that require similar levels of study.

  5. Environmental Studies and Agriculture
    Agriculture and environmental studies graduates also ranked lower in terms of median pay. Graduates in these fields often start in positions with modest salaries, around $60,000, especially if they are working in rural or remote areas.

Implications for Graduates

The QILT survey highlights a stark reality for graduates in these lower-paying fields: despite the growing demand for their skills in various sectors, financial compensation remains modest, particularly in the early stages of their careers. Many graduates in these areas report high levels of job satisfaction but must often balance this with lower-than-average earnings.

Some experts suggest that the disparity in graduate pay reflects broader issues in how different industries value certain types of work, particularly those in the creative and social service sectors. The pressure to address salary disparities has become a topic of discussion among education policy makers and industry leaders alike.

Conclusion

While the QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey underscores that a degree provides a pathway to employment for most Australians, it also highlights significant financial challenges for those in traditionally lower-paying fields. Graduates in creative arts, social work, and hospitality sectors may need to navigate early-career financial constraints, despite contributing vital skills to society. The data serves as a reminder of the importance of career planning and the need for structural changes in how different professions are compensated 

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