How Much Do Postdocs Earn at Top Universities?

  • Thread starter Thread starter nicksauce
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the earnings of postdoctoral researchers at top universities, focusing on salary ranges, factors influencing pay, and specific examples from different fields such as astronomy and astrophysics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that postdoc salaries vary significantly and are often determined by grant funding, with general estimates around $30-40k.
  • Others argue that the salary range can be broader, particularly in fields like astronomy and astrophysics, where it may reach between $35k and $65k, with exceptions for higher-paying positions at national labs.
  • A participant references a source from AIP indicating a median salary of approximately $40k.
  • One participant notes that at their university, most postdocs earn $40,000 per year, highlighting the availability of salary information for state employees.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the factors influencing postdoc salaries and the specific ranges, indicating that no consensus exists on a definitive salary figure.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the geographical and institutional variability in postdoc salaries, as well as the dependence on specific funding sources and fields of study.

nicksauce
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Messages
1,270
Reaction score
7
Simple question. Let's say at a top 20 school.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't think it really goes by the school. Most post-doc salaries are grant-based, hence the contract terms, limited benefits, etc. In general however, you're looking at the $30-40k ballpark.
 
Check out this link from AIP: Figure 2

http://www.aip.org/statistics/trends/highlite/emp3/emphigh.pdf

the median seems to be around 40k a year.
 
I'm looking at postdocs now, and the salary range (in astronomy and astrophysics) is between 35k and 65k a year (higher at national labs and prize fellowships) - and there are a few in the 100k range (LANL for example).
 
JabberWalkie said:
Check out this link from AIP: Figure 2

http://www.aip.org/statistics/trends/highlite/emp3/emphigh.pdf

the median seems to be around 40k a year.

Interesting stuff... thanks for the link!
 
At my university most postdocs get paid $40,000/year. All state employees' salaries (including professors and postdocs) are available online.
 

Similar threads

Admissions Should I submit an 840 PGRE in my applications to top US PhD programs?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Other Never too late Man earns PhD in Physics at 89
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Admissions Applying to top schools -- What do they look for?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Programs Feedback About Theoretical Cosmology?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions Do I have a shot at top HEP-th programs?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Schools How good and well-known is the physics program at RPI?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
Schools Top Liberal Arts School vs. Full Ride at State Uni
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
How much does a Coursera certificate weigh?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Admissions Is it harder to get into a top US PhD Program with a German Master's degree?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
Admissions (international) My chances of getting into top Astrophysics programs?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K