STEM Degree Earnings Premium Calculator
Compare STEM vs non-STEM starting salaries, career growth, and estimated lifetime earnings to see the true financial value of a STEM degree.
Degree Earnings Details
Enter starting salaries and career assumptions to compare STEM vs non-STEM earnings
Average starting salary for a STEM graduate in your field.
Average starting salary for a comparable non-STEM graduate.
Expected average annual pay growth across the STEM career.
Expected average annual pay growth across the non-STEM career.
Total number of working years used for the lifetime earnings estimate.
Tuition and living costs for the STEM degree. Enter 0 to skip.
Tuition and living costs for the non-STEM degree. Enter 0 to skip.
Earnings Premium Results
Estimated salary and lifetime earnings gap
Enter your STEM and non-STEM salary assumptions above, then click Calculate Premium to see the earnings gap.
Typical Graduate Earnings by Degree Type
Illustrative average starting salaries by degree category. Actual figures vary by employer, location, and specific role.
| Degree Category | Avg. Starting Salary | Approx. Premium vs Non-STEM |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science / Software Engineering | £34,000 – £42,000 | +25% to +40% |
| Engineering (all disciplines) | £30,000 – £36,000 | +15% to +30% |
| Mathematics / Data Science | £30,000 – £35,000 | +15% to +25% |
| Life Sciences | £24,000 – £28,000 | +0% to +10% |
| Non-STEM (Humanities/Arts/Social Sciences) | £22,000 – £27,000 | Baseline |
STEM Earnings Premium FAQ
Everything you need to know about the STEM earnings premium and how it compares across degree types.
The STEM degree earnings premium is the difference in average salary between graduates with a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics degree and those with a non-STEM degree. Studies typically show STEM graduates earn 15 to 30 percent more on average shortly after graduation, with the gap often widening over a career.
On average, STEM graduates in the UK and US earn a starting salary premium of around 15 to 25 percent compared to non-STEM graduates. Engineering and computer science degrees tend to command the highest premiums, while some life science fields show a smaller gap.
Research suggests the STEM earnings premium is often largest early in a career and can narrow over time as non-STEM graduates move into management or business roles with strong pay growth. However, technical STEM fields with skills shortages, such as software engineering, often maintain a durable premium for many years.
Not necessarily. While STEM degrees often lead to higher average earnings, the return on investment depends on tuition cost, time to complete the course, and the specific job market for that field. Comparing projected lifetime earnings against total degree cost gives a clearer picture than salary alone.
Computer science, software engineering, and various branches of engineering typically show the highest earnings premiums due to strong demand and limited graduate supply. Mathematics and data-related degrees also perform strongly, particularly when combined with programming or analytical skills.