The best paying jobs for graduate entrants are in production, manufacturing and engineering. All these functions pay at least 5 per cent above the general market average for jobs at graduate entry level. But it is also important to take a longer-term view and consider those functions that will continue to pay well as you gain experience and move up the career ladder.

At the next level up from graduate entry — the qualified or seasoned professional — the engineering, IT and legal professions pay best, again each averaging more than 5 per cent above the general market average. If we put these two career levels together, engineering seems to be best for above-average money initially, and above-average money as you move up the career ladder.

But, for long-term maximum gain, the legal profession, although difficult to get into, offers pay substantially above average for qualified professionals — more than 10 per cent above the norm once you qualify. At upper levels of the career ladder, this is comfortably the best sector to work in if you want good money.

Job areas to avoid are in human resources and customer services, which pay between 5 per cent and 10 per cent below the overall average at entry and later levels.

Information provided by Ben Frost at the people management consultancy The Hay Group. The UK HayPayNet database is compiled from salaries supplied by more than 600 organisations. www.haypaynet.com

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