The line graph presents the weekly earnings of full-time graduate employees in 2002, categorized by their educational qualifications and segmented into distinct age groups.
Overall, while those with other qualifications generally earned more in the earlier and mid-career stages, individuals with higher degrees saw a substantial increase in their earnings in the later stages of their careers, peaking significantly in the 56-60 age group.
Initially, in the 21-25 age group, employees with other qualifications earn around £400 weekly, while those with first degrees and higher degrees earn slightly less, about £400. However, as they progressed through their careers, distinct patterns emerged. Notably, those possessing other qualifications experienced a consistent upward trajectory in their earnings, culminating in a peak of around £800 in the 36-40 age category. In contrast, first degree holders attained a maximum earning of approximately £700 within the same age range, while higher degree holders also reached around £700. Beyond this peak, the 41-45 age group showed a slight dip for both first degree and other qualification holders, with earnings slightly less than £700, while higher degree holders saw their earnings rise to approximately £750.
The trends later in the career revealed further distinctions. In the subsequent age groups of 46-50 and 51-55, higher degree holders’ earnings began to decline, stabilizing around £700. Conversely, in the 56-60 age range, the trajectory shifted again as higher degree holders experienced a resurgence in earnings, peaking at £800, thereby surpassing the earnings of both first degree and other qualification holders, which were approximately £600.