Graduates from agricultural courses have lower pay than those from most other fields of study, a survey of the class of 2017 by the Higher Education Authority has found.

Among students who graduated with a third-level qualification in 2017, those from agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary studies in full employment reported a mean annual salary of €29,736. This is below the national average of €33,574.

Only arts and humanities graduates earned less, with €24,728.

Those with the highest level of pay one year after graduation were in education, with €38,701.

Employment

Agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary graduates were close to the national picture when it comes to their professional situation.

Some 70% were in full-time employment (71% nationwide) and 4% were unemployed and looking for work (5% nationwide).

They were more likely to continue their education, with 19% engaged in full-time further study or training, compared with 13% of the general graduate population.

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Ag graduates among lowest paid

Students from agriculture-related courses have no trouble finding a job or continuing their education, but their starting salary is lower than in other sectors.