Quantifying inequality, qualifying experiences: socioeconomic status and employment outcomes among Australian doctoral graduates

Abstract Despite expanded access to higher education in Australia, questions remain regarding whether socioeconomic background continues to influence post-graduation outcomes at the doctoral level. This study examines whether employment and earnings disparities persist among doctoral graduates from low-, medium-, and high-socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds. Adopting a multi-layered approach, this study complements quantitative analyses of national Graduate Outcomes Survey data (GOS, 2016–2023) and longitudinal datasets (GOS-L, 2019–2023) with narrative case studies of two low-SES doctoral graduates who have sustained academic careers within Australian universities. Quantitative findings reveal that while employment outcomes were largely comparable across SES groups, low-SES graduates reported marginally lower median salaries six months after graduation. Although the overall influence of SES on employment and earnings was limited, SES remained a modest but persistent indicator of early salary variation and labour market positioning. The narratives further contextualise these patterns, illustrating how low-SES graduates navigate subtle inequities and leverage resilience, adaptability, and proactive career strategies to achieve long-term success. By integrating national longitudinal data with lived experience, this study provides a nuanced understanding of equity in doctoral-level employment and highlights the continuing relevance of socioeconomic background for career trajectories and social mobility in higher education.