October 4, 2005
College of Agriculture graduates earning higher salaries
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - May 2005 graduates of the Purdue University College of Agriculture may see slightly decreased job placement, but once employed receive significantly increased salaries than those of previous years' graduates.
Eighty-nine percent of the graduates were employed or continuing their education as of Oct. 1, with reported starting salaries for all degree fields averaging $35,416. Among the May 2004 graduates, 91 percent were employed or continuing their education as of Oct. 1, 2004, with salaries averaging $32,724.
"Our graduates are receiving more pay both in state and out of state, although salaries have increased a bit more rapidly outside of Indiana," said Allan Goecker, assistant dean and associate director of academic programs who released the placement figures today (Oct. 4).
Goecker said that there were slightly more graduates last spring in areas where demand is not as strong, but said that 2 percent is not a significant decrease in placement.
Agricultural and food process engineering graduates reported the highest average beginning salaries of $49,286. Food science and manufacturing graduates started on average at $38,966, agribusiness graduates averaged $34,438, and natural resources management graduates averaged $32,762.
Today (Tuesday, Oct. 4) was the annual agricultural career fair. A record number of organizations participated, looking for prospective employees and interns, he said.
"We had a full house with 300 recruiters representing 110 organizations," Goecker said. "This indicates how strong the job market is now and the interest in our graduates. We are on the short list for many organizations looking for new talent."
Writer: Jennifer Culy, (765) 494-8402, jculy@purdue.edu
Source: Allan Goecker, (765) 494-8481, goecker@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page
Related Web site:
2005 Agricultural Career Fair Web site
To the News Service home page