Graduate jobs hit an eight-year low – but these sectors that ARE hiring and pay up to £200k a year ...Middle East

GRADUATES are facing the toughest jobs market in eight years but some industries are bucking the trend and paying big.

New data from the Indeed Hiring Lab reveals graduate job ads are down 12% compared to last year and even worse than during the pandemic.

Research shows there are sectors hiring which offer some seriously high wages

In fact, grad roles are now at their lowest point since at least 2018, as employers hold onto staff and cut back on new hires.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Indeed’s mid-year labour market update shows there are sectors hiring and they’re paying some seriously high wages, with top jobs offering up to £200,000 a year.

Expert Jack Kennedy, senior economist at Indeed, said: “The UK labour market started 2025 with serious headwinds but rather than crash, it’s seen a gradual softening.

“While hiring appetite is weak, job losses have remained modest. The big challenge now is for new entrants like graduates, who are finding it tough to get a foot in the door.

“But sectors like education and real estate are still hiring in big numbers and roles offering flexibility, like hybrid or remote jobs, are holding up too.”

Here, we reveal the fastest-growing job sectors in the UK right now and the top salaries workers could earn.

Education & instruction – up 49%

The education sector has seen the biggest increase in job postings, with demand up by 49% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Top earners in this field can make up to £77,250.

This surge is largely due to a national shortage of teachers, particularly in subjects like science, maths and special education.

With government initiatives encouraging more people to enter teaching, there are more opportunities than ever, not just for qualified teachers but also for teaching assistants and support staff.

Entry-level roles such as teaching assistants, cover supervisors, and graduate trainee teachers are also in high demand,

Social science – up 48%

Closely following education, social science roles have grown by 48%. The top 1% of salaries reach £82,500, with many positions available in areas like policy research, community development, psychology, and criminology.

Graduates with degrees in sociology, psychology, and public policy are finding more roles in local government, charities and think tanks.

Real estate – up 45%

The real estate sector has posted a 45% rise in job listings. It’s a lucrative industry too, with top earners bringing in £109,513.

The UK property market remains resilient, with growth in both commercial and residential lettings.

Many graduates can break into the industry through roles like lettings negotiators, property administrators, and junior estate agents, where commissions can quickly boost take-home pay.

Legal – up 27%

Legal roles have seen a 27% increase in demand, with the best-paid positions offering up to £96,348.

This growth is being driven by a backlog of court cases and rising demand for legal advice in areas such as employment, family law, and corporate compliance.

Law graduates, paralegals and legal support staff are in demand across both private firms and public sector bodies.

The legal sector has also seen growth in remote roles, making it more accessible for early-career professionals.

Mechanical engineering – up 18%

Mechanical engineering continues to be a growth area, with a hiring increase of 18%. Top salaries in this field can reach £84,775.

As the UK focuses more on infrastructure, robotics, and renewable energy projects, mechanical engineers are needed in sectors ranging from automotive to aerospace and manufacturing.

Those at the start of their careers might look at field service technician roles, control panel engineering, or graduate engineer positions, especially as the UK invests in EV infrastructure and smart grids.

Insurance – up 16%

Insurance roles have grown by 16%, with elite earners making around £106,125. The industry is modernising rapidly, with tech and data transforming how insurers assess risk and handle claims.

There’s strong demand for underwriters, analysts, and customer service professionals.

In particular, graduates with business, finance or maths degrees are in high demand in this sector, which offers clear career progression and high long-term earning potential.

And while that figure might be reserved for senior underwriters and actuaries, graduates can start out as claims handlers, underwriting assistants, or admin support staff, with many firms offering structured progression and paid qualifications.

Electrical engineering – up 16%

Also seeing a 16% growth in hiring, electrical engineering is a thriving sector thanks to the UK’s transition to smart technologies and renewable energy.

The best-paid roles can command salaries of £79,832. This field is vital to the roll-out of electric vehicle infrastructure, energy storage systems and smart homes.

Engineers with experience in circuit design, automation or grid systems are particularly sought after, making it a smart career move for STEM graduates.

Dental – up 14%

The dental profession has surged by 14%, and it tops the salary chart with the highest pay of any occupation listed: £200,726 for the top 1%.

Both NHS and private practices are struggling to recruit and retain dentists, dental nurses and hygienists due to a backlog of patients and a shortage of qualified staff.

This shortage has turned dentistry into one of the most lucrative and in-demand fields in the country right now.

There are also entry-level routes such as dental nurse apprenticeships, receptionist roles, and dental technician traineeships, especially in larger NHS or private clinics.

Physicians & surgeons – up 13%

Medical professionals are also in high demand, with physician and surgeon roles up 13% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

These roles offer some of the highest salaries, with top professionals earning up to £175,181.

This field remains highly competitive and requires years of training, but the financial and societal rewards are significant.

Installation & maintenance – up 13%

Installation and maintenance roles are booming, with postings up 13% and top salaries reaching £191,100.

This includes jobs in facilities management, HVAC systems, smart home installation, and more. As buildings become more complex and technology-driven, skilled tradespeople are crucial.

Production & manufacturing – up 12%

The production and manufacturing sector has grown by 12%, although it offers lower top salaries, maxing out at £56,965.

Still, it remains an essential part of the UK economy, especially with the rise of local manufacturing and automation.

There are growing opportunities in logistics, factory management and machine operation.

Cleaning & sanitation – up 10%

Although it may not be the highest paying sector, with top salaries around £31,607, cleaning and sanitation have seen a 10% rise in job postings.

Hygiene has become a permanent priority in the post-Covid world, driving consistent demand across hospitals, offices, schools and transportation.

These roles are often stable and provide entry-level access to the workforce.

Loading & stocking – up 7%

Loading and stocking jobs have increased by 7%, with top salaries reaching £35,604.

Warehouses and logistics centres are scaling up operations, especially with the continued growth in online shopping.

These roles are essential for ensuring supply chains run smoothly and are often available with minimal qualifications.

Construction – up 5%

Construction hiring is up 5%, and top earners can make around £54,508.

While this is a smaller increase than in other sectors, the construction industry remains key to the UK’s infrastructure goals, including new housing and public transport projects.

Tradespeople, site managers and qualified builders remain in steady demand.

Industrial engineering – Up 1%

Industrial engineering has only seen a 1% increase in job postings but still boasts high potential salaries, with the top 1% earning £152,152.

This field involves optimising systems and processes in industries like manufacturing, logistics and energy. It’s a niche but highly specialised career path that tends to reward experience and technical expertise significantly.

Where the jobs are drying up

Not every sector is faring as well. Graduate jobs in media, marketing, and nursing are way down, with job ads in those fields dropping as much as 66% since before Covid hit.

The fall in nursing roles is particularly stark, which is likely a result of tough working conditions and recruitment struggles within the NHS.

Likewise, industries with strong remote-working potential like media and marketing have seen some of the sharpest declines.

Across the UK, there were 818,000 job vacancies between September and November 2024, but fewer of those are entry-level.

The ratio of unemployed people to vacancies has more than doubled in the last two years, from 1 in 2022 to 2.2 per vacancy as of April 2025.

London and the South East have seen the biggest drops, with job ads down 29% and 32% from pre-pandemic levels.

With jobs harder to find, some are questioning whether university is still worth it.

Going to uni now costs an eye-watering £68,000, and the average grad in England leaves with £43,700 of debt.

Many students will be paying their loans back for up to 40 years under the new Plan 5 and Plan 2 schemes.

And while some degrees can lead to six-figure careers, others lead to average pay of just £19,000 – meaning graduates may struggle to get on the property ladder or start a family.

However, you don’t always need a degree to land a top-paying job.

Recent research by Adzuna found that some of the highest-paying roles in 2025, including air traffic controllers, train drivers and project managers can pay over £77,000 a year without a degree.

And with sectors like AI, trades, and real estate booming, there’s plenty of opportunity for career changers or school leavers to cash in.

How to negotiate a better salary

Employment specialist Indeed gives the following advice for negotiating a better salary

Calculate your value: Determine how much your qualifications and experience are worth Research the market: Look at similar roles to give an idea of salary expectations Prepare your reasons: Be ready to justify every argument you give for having a better salary. Rehearse your negotiation pitch: The more prepared you are the better. Explain your work-related expenses: Part of your pitch could be that you are asking for more money to make up for expenses. Be flexible: An employer might offer you a different salary package with more holiday or better working hours if they can’t directly raise the amount you’re paid Don’t be afraid to walk away: You might have to think about walking away or pausing negotiations to consider your position. Thank the employer for their time: This professional courtesy shows respect and maintains a positive working relationship

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