The provided graphs present the proportions of mathematics graduates and all graduates securing full-time employment post-university in Australia, alongside their respective average salaries from 2004 to 2012.
Overall, mathematics graduates experienced a decline in full-time employment rates over the specified period, while their average salaries outpaced those of all graduates.
In terms of employment rates, mathematics graduates initially held a higher percentage of full-time positions compared to their peers, starting at 80% in 2004. However, this figure demonstrated a steady decrease, culminating in a mere 60% by 2012. Conversely, the full-time employment rate for all graduates began at 85% in 2004, maintaining stability until 2006 when it peaked at 90%, surpassing mathematics graduates. After 2006, a decline was observed, with both categories converging at approximately 75% in 2008. The trend for all graduates continued downward, concluding at 65% by 2012, aligning with the decline seen among mathematics graduates.
Regarding average salaries, both mathematics graduates and all graduates started with the same income of $41,000 in 2004, with mathematics graduates witnessing a remarkable increase over the years. By 2012, their average salary reached $60,000, reflecting significant growth. In contrast, the average salary for all graduates exhibited a more moderate ascent, rising to $51,000 by 2012. Notably, while both groups began with equivalent earnings, the disparity in their average salaries widened significantly in the latter years of the study, highlighting the increasing financial advantage of mathematics graduates.