In 2022, 33% of PhDs in AU were employed in #highered (50,000 out of 153,000) similar to 2006 (34%, 25,000 of 71,000). Higher for recent PhDs & possibly rising (~46% by my calcs). This is partly methodological, but still, I would have expected a decline over time #PhDChat (1/n)
Census data underestimates because casuals may not be employed at time of Census or may not be main job. "Doctorates" also include med degrees. The decline since 2016 is quite large tho. Declining trend over time is also stronger for HASS (from 49% in 2006 to 42% in 2022) (2/n)
The AGS data is from the Postgraduate Destinations reports. It also includes research masters and refers only to those in FT employment, so would exclude casuals. I couldn't find the 2000-01 & 2003-04 reports. If someone knows where to get them, let me know (3/n)
I don't think GOS report tables like these for higher degrees by research (HDR), so I did my best to replicate it for the GOS data since 2016. I'm not sure why % declined in 2017 or has risen vs AGS data. If people know of comparable tables, let me know (4/n)
Annual HDR completions have doubled over the past 2 decades, but # of FT #highered jobs (incl. professional) increased by only ~50%. HE has remained a main employer & one likely reason is that most growth has been int'l HDRs. Domestic HDRs have grown by only ~50% since 1997 (5/n)
Other factors that have retained #highered as a major PhD employer, incl retirements, professional roles & current staff getting PhDs. For recent grads, there's lots of turnover but also int'l competition. But I'm now less sure that AU awards way more PhDs than HE needs (6/6)