New research from global hiring platform Indeed reveals that the share of graduate jobs in Cardiff in October 2025 was 3% above the average October level recorded from 2019 to 2024, despite being 33% below year-on-year levels from 2024. While market variability persists, the data indicate that industries continue to actively seek early-career talent, with engineering and project management roles accounting for the largest share of graduate positions available in the city.
However, economic pressures, including the Autumn Budget, the Employment Rights Act, and rising unemployment, signal a growing risk that the year ahead may prove more challenging for early-career professionals.
Wider Legislative Changes Challenging Graduate Jobs
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, Cardiff continues to show strong demand in several key occupations.
The Top Three Graduate Jobs in Cardiff – 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 £42,163
- Electrical Engineer – base salary of £45,199
- Project Manager – base salary of £44,584
Matt Burney, Senior Strategic Advisor at Indeed, says:
“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.”
Indeed’s Matt Burney shares his top tips for securing a graduate role:
1. Do Your Research
Learn about the employer, their values and the role. Use this to tailor your application and demonstrate your understanding of their work and how you can contribute.
2. Build a Graduate-Ready CV
Highlight your academic achievements, work placements, internships, projects and transferable skills. Keep it focused, clear and relevant.
3. Tailor Every Application
Adapt your CV and cover letter to each role, using keywords from the job description and specific examples of how your skills match what they’re looking for.
4. Showcase Your Story
Use examples from university projects, volunteering, part-time work, or extracurricular activities to demonstrate initiative, problem-solving skills, and enthusiasm.5. Strengthen Your Professional Presence
Network online and in person, keep your LinkedIn profile polished, engage with employers, and make sure your digital footprint reflects you positively.
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