Considering the high cost of university costs, you would think those students who go to the university end up earning more than anyone else, but that is not the case. The average annual starting salary of VET/TAFE graduates is $2,000 higher than that of average university students. For example, a qualified electrician can start out on $62,000, which is more than accountants and teachers. Those who have six months experience after completing a Certificate IV can earn an average of $63,000 with a full-time job. In comparison, under 25 (year olds) graduates with bachelor’s degrees earn a median starting salary about $52,350.