Top three graduate jobs in Manchester revealed as city sees 'year-on-year' graduate job growth

The data suggests employers in the city are actively seeking early-career talent, with engineering and insurance roles making up the largest share of graduate openings in the city.

However, it’s unclear how long this momentum will hold, as upcoming pressures, including the Autumn Budget, the Employment Rights Act and rising overall unemployment, may affect the stability of the graduate market in the months ahead.

Although graduate job opportunities in Manchester are on the rise, economic and political uncertainty could continue to cause fluctuations in the labour market in the coming months.

Two factors which could influence the job market include the upcoming Autumn Budget and the potential introduction of the Employment Rights Bill, which may come into effect before the end of 2025. While the Bill aims to provide workers with stronger protections, it may also introduce new obligations for employers, such as clearer rules on seasonal work and guaranteed working hours, which could make some businesses more cautious about hiring early-career talent or offering temporary roles to graduates. The Autumn Budget could also announce changes such as a rise in the minimum wage, which may lead some employers to limit hiring as costs increase.

Yet despite the potential changes ahead, Manchester continues to show strong demand in several key occupations.

The Top Three Graduate Jobs in Manchester – Salary Overview

The data shows that the top three roles with the highest share of graduate-titled vacancies are also among the most competitive in terms of starting salary:

• Civil Engineer - base salary of £48,313
• Project Manager- base salary of £48,082
• Insurance is also a popular sector in Manchester, offering wide-ranging salaries. A more junior insurance agent’s base salary averages around £26,484; meanwhile, more senior managers can range up to £55,171, making this job, where growth in title and salary is possible, an attractive prospect for graduates.

Matt Burney, Senior Strategic Advisor at Indeed, said: “Graduates who focus on building relevant skills, staying informed about sector trends, and targeting sectors with sustained demand for workers are best placed to succeed in an increasingly competitive and fast-moving labour market. And with signs that demand for graduate talent is rising again, it’s worth making the most of it by networking, sharing tailored job applications, and building a strong professional presence online.”