Construction Workers to Earn More Than University Students 

For years, the idea that a university degree is the only pathway to a well-paid career has been pushed in schools and colleges across the UK. But fresh research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) shows the opposite can be true. Skilled trades like electricians, plumbers and b ricklayers are now out-earning many graduate professions, with average salaries well above those of pharmacists, architects and teachers. 

This report doesn’t just highlight earning potential — it also underlines the huge opportunities in construction for young people considering whether to study at university or take up a vocational route. For those weighing the two options, it’s worth looking closely at the numbers. 

How trades stack up against degrees 

According to the FMB, the average university graduate in the UK earns £32,000 a year. Compare that with skilled trades: 

• Electricians: £47,265 

• Plumbers: £48,675 

• Roofers: £42,303 

• Bricklayers: £42,034 

Even general site managers, often promoted from a trade background, are seeing wages in excess of £51,000. 

What stands out is that many construction workers not only catch up with graduate salaries quickly, they surpass them by a wide margin. This challenges the long-held belief that going to university guarantees higher lifetime earnings. 

Graduate salaries in comparison 

The same research found that many graduates earn less than t radespeople, with typical averages of: 

• Pharmacists – £42,252 

• Dental practitioners – £40,268 

• Architects – £38,228 

• Teachers – £37,805 

• Midwives – £36,188 

• Nurses – £31,867 

It’s clear that while professions like law and medicine may still top the salary tables, the majority of graduates are not matching the earning potential of construction roles. 

Why apprenticeships make financial sense 

University education often comes with a heavy price tag. The Institute for Fiscal Studies reports that the average UK graduate leaves university with £50,800 of debt. Apprenticeships, on the other hand, provide a very different route: 

• Apprentices earn while they learn, averaging around £17,000 a year during training. 

• They finish with recognised qualifications but without debt. 

• By the time their peers graduate, many apprentices are already several years into paid work with solid career progression. 

This is why FMB chief executive Brian Berry summed it up with the phrase: “Money talks, and when it comes to annual salaries, a career in construction trumps many university graduate roles.” 

The UK skills shortage 

Alongside salary comparisons, the report highlights another key issue: a severe shortage of skilled workers. More than two-thirds of small construction firms are struggling to hire bricklayers, while 63% can’t find enough carpenters. 

This shortage means tradespeople are in high demand — and where demand outstrips supply, wages rise. The government’s housing targets depend on addressing this gap, and employers are increasingly looking to training providers to help fill the skills pipeline. 

For anyone considering a future in the sector, this shortage translates into long-term job security and opportunities for progression. 

What this means for aspiring electricians 

Electricians in particular stand out in the FMB’s findings, with average salaries at £47,265, higher than many professional graduate roles. But salary is only part of the story. A qualified electrician can move into a range of specialist areas such as: 

• Inspection and testing 

• Renewable energy systems (EV charging, solar PV, battery storage) 

• Industrial maintenance and automation 

• Supervisory or site management roles 

Progression is tied to gaining the right qualifications, starting with foundation c ourses and advancing through diplomas, NVQs and ultimately the AM2/AM2E assessment needed for the ECS Gold Card. 

If you’re based in the Midlands, you can explore options through Electrician Courses Lichfield or Electrician Courses Redditch. Both locations offer accessible routes into the trade with pathways designed to match City & Guilds standards. 

The modern training route 

Becoming an electrician isn’t just about picking up tools. Today’s training pathway is carefully structured: 

1. Level 2 Diploma (C&G 2365-02) – Entry-level course covering wiring principles, science, and basic installation.

    

2. Level 3 Diploma (C&G 2365-03) – Advanced study including inspection, testing, and fault diagnosis.

    

3. 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (C&G 2382-22) – Essential knowledge for compliance with BS 7671.
   
   
4. NVQ Level 3 (C&G 2357) – On-site portfolio and assessor visits to prove competence in real working environments.
    
5. AM2/AM2E – The final test of competence needed for the ECS Gold Card, allowing full recognition as a qualified electrician. 

Training with an established provider such as Elec Training ensures this journey is mapped clearly, with guaranteed work placements built into the NVQ so learners can build real site experience. 

Financial perspective for school leavers 

The decision between university and vocational t raining is often framed as a lifestyle choice, but the numbers are c ompelling. Consider two 18-year-olds: 

• Student A goes to university, graduates at 21 with £50,000 debt, and starts earning around £32,000. 

• Student B starts an apprenticeship, earns £17,000 during training, qualifies debt-free by 21, and steps into a role paying around £30,000–£35,000. By mid-20s, that can rise above £45,000. 

Over just a five-year period, the apprentice is financially ahead by tens of thousands, with stronger prospects for wage growth. 

Beyond money: career satisfaction 

While salary grabs headlines, many in the trades highlight other benefits: 

• Hands-on work – seeing the results of your effort every day. 

• Independence – opportunities to go self-employed or start a business. 

• Diverse projects – from residential rewires to industrial systems. 

• Future-proofing – demand for skilled electricians is growing with renewable energy and low-carbon technologies. 

These factors make construction, and electrical work in particular, attractive to those who prefer practical careers over office-based roles. 

Moving forward 

The FMB report provides evidence of what many in the industry already know: construction and e lectrical trades can offer high wages, career stability and strong progression routes. For young people considering their next step, it shows that choosing a vocational path is not a fallback option but a smart, future-proof decision. 

Elec Training continues to support learners at every stage, from beginners starting out to experienced workers completing their NVQ portfolios. To find out more about your options, visit Elec Training and explore the full range of electrician c ourses. 

FAQs on Trades vs. University: Financial and Career Insights for Electricians in the UK (2025) 

1 – Do construction workers really earn more than many university graduates in the UK?

Yes, construction workers, particularly electricians, often earn more than many university graduates in the UK, especially in the first few years. Electricians have a median salary of £38,760 annually, compared to the average graduate starting salary of £27,000–£32,000. While graduates in high-paying fields like medicine may exceed this, trades like electrical work provide quicker entry to competitive earnings without debt. 

2 – What is the average salary for electricians compared to graduates?

The average salary for electricians is £38,760 (median), with ranges from £32,100 to £40,500 depending on experience and location. In comparison, the average graduate salary is £29,293–£35,101, starting at £27,000 for many non-Russell Group degrees. Electricians often outpace graduates early due to paid training and high demand. 

3 – How much debt do university students typically graduate with?

University students in England typically graduate with £53,000 in student loan debt in 2025, a 10% increase from 2024, covering tuition and living costs. This is repayable at 9% of income over £27,295, potentially lasting decades. 

4 – Why are trades like plumbing, roofing, and bricklaying seeing such high wages?

Trades like plumbing (£33,285 average), roofing, and bricklaying see high wages due to chronic skills shortages (251,500 vacancies by 2028), post-Brexit labor losses (300,000 workers), and rising demand from infrastructure/net-zero projects. Wages rose 9% in 2025, with 5.2% projected increases amid 66% project delays. 

5 – How does the apprenticeship route compare financially to going to university?

Apprenticeships are financially superior, with no tuition fees, paid training (£12,000–£25,000/year), and lifetime earnings £28,400 five years post-qualification vs. university’s £66,600–£150,000 debt and £21,500–£32,000 starting salary. Apprentices earn while learning, avoiding debt. 

6 – What role does the UK skills shortage play in boosting construction wages?

The skills shortage (251,500 vacancies by 2028) boosts wages by 5.2–9% annually, with construction salaries up 9% in 2025 due to Brexit losses and net-zero demands. It drives premiums for electricians (£38,760 median). 

7 – Are electrician salaries expected to stay higher than many graduate jobs in the long term?

Yes, electrician salaries (£38,760 median, £40,000–£60,000 with experience) are expected to remain higher than many graduate jobs (£27,000–£32,000 starting, £35,000 mid-career) long-term, due to persistent shortages and net-zero demand. Trades outpace non-STEM graduates by 10–20%. 

8 – What qualifications do you need to become a fully qualified electrician?

To become fully qualified, you need NVQ Level 3 in Electrotechnical Services (C&G 2357), AM2 assessment, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (C&G 2382-22), and ECS Gold Card for unsupervised work. CPS registration (NICEIC/NAPIT) enables self-certification. 

9 – How soon can apprentices start earning compared to university students?

Apprentices start earning immediately (£12,000–£25,000/year), while university students earn nothing during 3–4 years of study, often graduating with £53,000 debt. Apprentices reach £33,000–£38,000 post-qualification. 

10 – Besides higher pay, what other benefits come with a career in the electrical trade?

Benefits include job security (100,000+ shortage), flexibility (self-employment £50,000+), hands-on work with variety (domestic to renewables), paid training (apprenticeships), and progression to supervisory roles (£45,000+), plus work-life balance and societal impact in net-zero.