Salary is the most important factor in graduates’ career choices, a survey by Hay Group has revealed.

Ninety-three per cent of this year’s graduates listed base pay as an important or very important factor in their career choice.

The top three criteria which follow base pay are benefits (cited by 51% of graduates), future earnings outlook (45%) and bonus potential (37%).

Idealistic criteria are low on the list, with passion for the job and values and beliefs of the organisation featuring in the top three important factors of only 16% of graduates.

The ability to make a difference registered in only 4% of graduates’ top three criteria, making it the least important consideration of all.