In 2015, doctorate recipients who had definite commitments for a postdoc or other employed position in the United States in the coming year reported annual salaries that varied by their field of study and the type of position to which they committed.
The median postdoc salaries in all broad fields except mathematics and computer sciences were relatively similar, ranging between $42,000 and $50,000. In every broad field, reported postdoc salaries were lower than salaries reported by doctorate recipients entering non-postdoc employment in industry or academe. Reported academic salaries lagged behind industry salaries in all broad fields except humanities and arts. Doctorate recipients in other non-S&E fields and in engineering reported the highest median academic salaries, and doctorate recipients in mathematics and computer sciences and in other non-S&E fields reported the highest median salaries in industry positions (figure E).
Median basic salary of U.S. doctorate recipients with definite commitments in the United States, by position type and broad field of study: 2015
- S&E = science and engineering.
- NOTES: Definite commitment refers to a doctorate recipient who is either returning to pre-doctoral employment or has signed a contract (or otherwise made a definite commitment) for employment or a postdoc position in the coming year. Other non-S&E fields includes business management and administration.
- SOURCE: Doctorate Recipients from U.S. Universities 2015. Related detailed data: tables 48, 49.
