Leeds and Manchester have emerged as the top two cities in the United Kingdom for mathematics graduates, according to recent research.
The study, conducted by a mathematics education platform, analysed data from Reed.com, focusing on four key factors: the number of maths-related jobs advertised in each area, the average salary for these positions, the percentage increase of maths-related salaries over the average wage, and the expected percentage of these salaries spent on household expenditures. Each factor was given equal weight and combined to produce a final index score out of 100.
According to the findings, Leeds leads with an index score of 78.53. The average salary for maths-related jobs in Leeds stands at £44,916, which is 13% above the national benchmark. Furthermore, only 54% of this salary is expected to be spent on household expenditures, which is 23% less than the average in other cities. Leeds’ favourable conditions, therefore, make it the most attractive city for maths graduates.
Manchester follows closely with an index score of 77.83. In June 2024, the city had 2,192 maths-related job advertisements, indicating a 505% increase compared to other locations. The average salary for these roles is £42,331, which is 33% higher than the average salary for all jobs in Manchester.
London secured the third position, while Middlesbrough ranked fourth, marking it as the third Northern city in the top five. Middlesbrough’s average salary for maths graduates is £40,101, which is 46% higher than the average salary for all jobs in the town, £27,373. On average, 55% of this salary will be spent on household expenditures, 23% below the national benchmark. These factors resulted in a final index score of 72.19 for Middlesbrough.
Other Northern cities also featured prominently in the top ten, with York in sixth place, Newcastle in eighth, and Blackburn in ninth. In total, six out of the top ten cities for maths graduates are located in the North. Jenn Stull, founder of the mathematics education platform, commented, “As university students prepare for results day in the coming months, it’s time for soon-to-be graduates to start thinking about their futures, including where they will choose to begin their careers as young professionals. But remember, location is everything. When searching for a role, graduates should consider the average wages and household expenditures per location by using this study as a useful guide.”
The study sheds light on the best locations for graduates with a degree in mathematics to start their careers in 2024. The higher wages and lower costs of living in cities like Leeds and Manchester make them particularly appealing during the current financial crisis in the UK, and as household prices continue to rise, it is increasingly important for students to consider these factors when making their decisions.
The research underscores the importance of location for mathematics graduates, highlighting Leeds and Manchester as prime choices due to their superior wages and living conditions.