A quarter of arts and humanities graduates earn less than €13,000 after leaving university — the poorest rate of pay of Irish graduates writes Conall Ó Fátharta .

A report from the Higher Education Authority (HEA), on how 2014 graduates are faring, shows employment rates for honours bachelor degree candidates rose from 45% in 2009 to 58% in 2014.

The report, published each year, found 65% of all graduates are in employment, with 82% of that figure employed in Ireland.

As education increases, so too does salary, with over half of honours bachelor degree graduates earning €25,000 or more.

It increases to 91% for those with doctorates, with 31% of doctorate graduates earning over €45,000.

Arts and humanities graduates are the least well-paid, with 25% earning less than €13,000. Computer science/ICT honours bachelor degree graduates are the highest earners, with 62% of such graduates earning €29,000 or over.

The report found, overall, there was an increase in salary for honours bachelor degree graduates in 2014.

Some 48% of 2013 honours bachelor degree graduates commanded an initial salary of €25,000 or more, compared to 51% for the 2014 cohort.

Similarly, a higher proportion (49%) are earning between €25,000 and €45,000, when compared to the previous year (45%).

The proportions gaining initial salaries between €25,000 and €45,000 have also increased for postgraduate diploma, taught masters, and research masters graduates.

Dublin remains the region with most employment opportunities for graduates, followed by the South-West region.

Commenting on the findings, HEA CEO Tom Boland said the report made for positive reading for graduates.

“The findings of this report highlight many positive outcomes for graduates,” said Mr Boland.

“Overall, employment levels — and employment in Ireland in particular — have improved from last year, and fewer graduates are going overseas for work.”

This article first appeared in the Irish Examiner.