Band 8+: The graphs below show the percentage of graduates that got full-time jobs after graduating from a university in Australia, and the average salary of both these types of graduates, from 2004 to 2012. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The line graph compares the employment rates of math graduates and other graduates in Australia from 2004 to 2012, while the table displays their average salaries over the same period.

Overall, math graduates consistently earned higher salaries than other graduates, though the employment rates for both groups followed similar patterns. Both groups saw an initial increase in employment, followed by a decline by the end of the period.

In 2004, both groups had employment rates of around 75%, but other graduates saw a significant rise to 90% in 2006, before dropping to 75% by 2012. Math graduates experienced a more gradual increase, peaking at 85% in 2008, then falling slightly to just below 80% by 2012.

Regarding salaries, both groups earned $41,000 in 2004. By 2012, math graduates’ salaries rose steadily to $56,000, while other graduates’ salaries increased more modestly, reaching $51,000.

In summary, math graduates had higher earnings, though their employment rates were similar to those of other graduates over the period.