Apprentices training at degree-level can now expect to earn an annual salary of around £21,000 on commencement of training, according to IDR’s latest study of pay and conditions for these roles. This represents an increase of 5% from a median of £20,000 in 2023. Meanwhile, the median starting salary for traditional graduate hires is £30,000, which is £1,000 (or 3.4%) higher than the median we observed in 2023.
Our annual research on starting pay has revealed significant pay growth over the last six years for degree-level apprentices with starting salaries rising by 31% between 2018 and 2024. In contrast, the median starting salary for graduates has grown more slowly over the same period, increasing by £2,346 (or 8%) since 2018. The acceleration in starting pay for degree-apprentices and the comparatively static position of graduate pay has narrowed the gap between salaries for new trainees in the two areas – from 73% in 2018 to 43% this year.
