UL Careers Early Careers Employer Survey 2026

Graduate Salaries & Benefits

Graduate starting salaries continue to show steady growth, particularly at undergraduate level. In 2026, the average starting salary for Bachelor’s graduates is €33,062, up from €31,590 in 2025 and €31,362 in 2024. This reflects ongoing demand for early career talent and sustained competition in key sectors. Master’s graduates report an average starting salary of €36,385, with PhD graduates at €36,563. While postgraduate qualifications continue to command a salary premium, the relatively narrow gap between qualification levels suggests that outcomes are increasingly shaped by sector, role, and skillset rather than qualification alone. It is important to note that the number of responses relating to doctoral-level hires remains lower, and salary figures at this level should be interpreted with

some caution. Salary Pressure Employers continue to experience pressure to increase starting salaries, though the intensity of this pressure has stabilised. In 2026, 42% of organisations report increasing graduate salaries in response to market conditions. A further 21% indicate that they feel pressure but have been unable to increase salaries due to internal constraints such as pay structures or budget limitations. Meanwhile, 37% report no significant pressure to increase salaries. This suggests a market that remains competitive, but is beginning to stabilise after a period of more rapid salary growth.

Average Salaries 2026

PhD Average

Masters Average

Undergraduate Average

€33, 062

€36, 385

€36, 563

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