The line graph shows the weekly earnings of full-time graduate employees in 2002 according to age group and type of qualification. The data is presented for three groups: first degree, higher degree and other qualifications.
Overall, earnings increase with age until the middle age groups and then slightly decrease. In most age groups, people with other qualifications earn the highest salaries, while first degree holders usually earn the lowest.
At the age of 21-25, graduates with other qualifications earn about £420 per week, which is higher than higher degree holders at around £400 and first degree holders at approximately £350. Earnings for all groups rise significantly between the ages of 26 and 35. For example, people with other qualifications reach about £700, while the other two groups earn around £620-650.
The highest income for people with other qualifications is seen at the age of 36-40, when it peaks at just over £800. After this point, their earnings gradually decline to around £700 by the age of 56-60.
In contrast, higher degree holders continue to earn more as they become older, reaching nearly £800 in the oldest age group. Meanwhile, first degree holders experience a small fall after the age of 40 and their income remains just under £700 in later years.