The tables compare the average annual earnings of UK graduates and non-graduates between 2000 and 2010 , both overall and across five age brackets.
Overall, graduates consistently out-earn non – graduates , and their salaries rise to a peak at age 52 before declining; by contrast, non-graduates’ pay plateaus between age 32 and 52.
Regarding all age groups combined, graduates earned an average of 29900 pounds , compared to 17800 pounds for non-graduates, resulting in an substantial gap of £12,100.
Turning to specific age bands, at age 22 the differential is marginal, with graduates on £15,800 versus £14,500 for non-graduates. However, by ages 32, 42 and 52 the disparity widens markedly: graduates command £31,500, £32,800 and £33,900 respectively, whereas non-graduates remain static at £19,100. Notably, graduates achieve their highest remuneration of £33,900 at age 52. Finally, earnings for both groups decline by age 62, falling to £23,100 for graduates and £15,300 for non-graduates.