How Much Can A Professional Headhunter Earn?

Many graduate employers pay a salary only, i.e. without bonuses. Figures from the Association of Graduate Careers Annual Review states that the average graduate starting salary is £18,600 (this includes London). A successful graduate trainee Professional Headhunter will earn much more than a ‘typical’ graduate trainee job, within say banking or retail, and in only their 1st year’s employment (trainee year), this could be as much as £25,000.

However, where the real money comes in, and consequently the gap widens even further, is in their 2nd year where a successful Professional Headhunter can earn as much as £50,000, and in their 3rd year, even more. Many ‘typical’ graduate jobs only offer a small pay rise in their 2nd and 3rd years. This can be as low as £500 in the 2nd year and £1000 in the 3rd year.

The main financial goals that graduates want to achieve in the 4 years after graduation i.e. at aged 25 are, and in this order:

1. Pay off student debt:	£15,000
2. Buy a decent car:	£10,000
3. Enjoy decent holidays & social life:	£15,000
4. Save deposit for decent property:	£10,000
Total:	£50,000

This equates to £12,500 net per annum, which is approximately £18,000 gross income. Therefore, the graduate would need to leave untouched £18,000 of their gross salary for 4 years to retain a net amount of £50,000. (If graduated even later at aged 22, then the £50,000 net is consequently achieved even later at aged 26 as opposed to at aged 25).

Many graduates in ‘typical’ graduate jobs unfortunately will not get anywhere near this figure, and consequently only achieve the above standard of living, much closer to, or even later than, aged 30. It is therefore obvious why many graduates seek a career as a Professional Headhunter within a quality Search & Selection firm, which will greatly accelerate their income and therefore enable them to achieve financially independent status. It is not surprising that these ambitious career seekers prefer to get on the property ladder at aged 25, as opposed to aged 30, and ultimately, due to their continued high income, retire much earlier in later life. Many Professional Headhunters with 4 years + experience earn in excess of £100,000 annually.