graduate salary - checker and average comparison

Incentives can also be a persuasive factor. These are often present in industries where graduates are sought after, such as engineering and IT.

Figures from the Association of Graduate Careers Annual Review 2008 suggest that a typical starting salary for a first-degree graduate ranges from £15,000 to more than £35,500 with a median or the average salary of £25,000. The lowest starting salaries are found within the public sector and the best salaries, over £35,500, in legal services, banking and finance. Other business services such as IT, transport, communications and consultancy services see typical starting salaries of £25,000. It's important to note that this is just a guide.

To give some idea of salary progression, the spectacular increase of the 1990's would seem to be a thing of the past. The rise in average graduate starting salaries recorded in 2007 is at 2.4% consistent with 2006 increase, as is the predicted rise for 2008 of 2.1%.

Often you'll find larger companies have structured pay levels for each position - these are hard to change but are sometimes supplemented with bonuses and perks, which can be negotiable. Smaller companies are usually more open to negotiation and will weigh up your experience and qualifications to come up with a figure you agree on.

Most people have little bargaining power when they start their career but after a year or two this changes and you'll be in more of a position to negotiate pay rises and benefits. Having said this, don't sell yourself short. If you know the initial wage you're being offered is too low, don't accept it. In some cases employers will respect this show of self-worth and reward you accordingly, but some will just tell you they don't want you. Weigh up whether it's worth it.

It's not all about money though and sometimes in the beginning it pays to work for a company that pays less but offers more. Training schemes and courses, for example, are great ways to increase your knowledge and make you more attractive to future employers, so go for companies with good human resources departments. Or perhaps you want to be able to say you've worked for a particularly well-respected company? It could be worth taking less money and gaining a bit of prestige. Maybe you're one of the few who can afford to assess each company on the experience it can offer you, the non-financial rewards.

Remember work's a two-way thing. Too many people are told what hours to work, how much they will earn, when to go for their lunch and so on; some graduates think this is how it has to be, but it doesn't. Really think about what you're worth and whether you're happy with the company's approach. Make sure what you're offered is enough to live on and worthy of the commitment you're giving them.

One final thing: if you don't ask you don't get. Pushing your luck a bit can be a good thing. Employers may say 'no' but they will appreciate your tenacity and see you as someone who's confident and self-assured. You never know, they might even agree to that convertible Mercedes!