The results of the 2011 Intern & Recent Grad Pay Rates & Practices Survey, conducted by ERC and NOCHE, showed that slightly over two-thirds (67%) of Northeast Ohio employers were in the process of hiring or planning to hire new graduates for positions in their organizations. The widespread majority of employers hire these graduates for entry-level positions, though some organizations hire them for mid-level/non-supervisory roles.
According to employers, the most common criteria they look for when hiring new graduates is work experience, interpersonal/communication skills, professionalism, major, and work ethic. Many of these factors are also used to determine salary, along with professional credentials (such as certifications and internships/co-ops).
The survey also shows that average starting salaries for recent graduates vary depending on the type of degree. An engineering degree showed the highest average starting salary, while a communications degree showed the lowest average starting salary in the survey.
Average starting salaries for college degrees
Degree Obtained | Average Starting Salary |
Bachelors, Engineering | $51,455 |
Bachelors, Management | $50,000 |
Bachelors, Computer Science | $47,250 |
Bachelors, Information Technology | $43,500 |
Bachelors, Accounting | $43,400 |
Bachelors, Sales | $40,000 |
Bachelors, Marketing | $37,333 |
Masters, Business Administration | $37,000 |
Bachelors, Business Administration | $32,571 |
Bachelors, Communications | $31,000 |
View the Intern & Recent Graduate Pay Rates & Practices Survey
This survey reports data from Northeast Ohio employers about their internship and recent graduate employment and pay practices.
