A recent survey among recent graduates found that more students are finding employment in Australia. The 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) indicates there has been a faint increase in full-time employment rates for higher education. The number went slightly up from 68.7 per cent to 68.9 per cent. This comes as a pleasant surprise and highlights the advantage of higher education jobs in Australia despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chief Executive of Universities Australia, Catriona Jackson insists that a degree gives students an edge in the cut-throat job market. The survey states that 9 out of 10 students get recruited for full-time higher education jobs in Australia after graduation. Additionally, she points out that graduate students secure better jobs over time as their prospects increase and a university degree is an underlying factor for this advantage.
Increased Wages for Graduate Students
Higher education jobs in Australia have been on the higher end of the spectrum. The average full-time salary for undergraduates has also increased from $64,700 in 2020 to $65,000 this year alone. Postgraduate coursework students are earning $89,700, a significant increase of $2,300, 2.6 per cent from last year. As employment rates in higher education increase, the postgraduate research salary averaged $95,000 this year as opposed to $93,000 in 2020.
Disproportionate Wage Gap
One downside that revealed itself in the survey was the gender wage gap which widened since last year. Female undergraduates earn $64,200, which is $2,600 less than their male counterparts, who are paid $66,800. This inequity in higher education jobs in Australia has widened from 2.5 per cent to 3.9 per cent and clearly exhibits a serious discrepancy.
Increased employment rates in higher education mean greater opportunities for the coming generation. This ensures that more industries will extend their scope of employment.
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