phd student average pay

PhD, Professor, and Postdoc Salaries in the United States

The United States is home to several of the world’s best universities making it a top destination for international researchers. Here’s a breakdown of the most common American job titles and their associated average annual salaries. All salary statistics in this article are in American Dollars (USD) and are pre-tax.

PhD Student

A Master’s degree is not always required to do a PhD in the US. Several top universities offer direct entry PhD programs. An American PhD begins with two to three years of coursework in order to pass qualifying exams. During this time doctoral students are able to develop their research interests and hone in on their thesis topic. They will then write a thesis proposal which must be approved before they can start their dissertation. Most programs require PhD students to gain two to three years of teaching experience as well, either by leading their own class or as teaching assistants for a professor. It takes an average of six years to earn a PhD in the US.

Unlike some European countries, there is no mandated minimum salary or national salary scale for PhD students in the US. PhD students ear n between $ 15,000 and $30,000 a year depending on their institution, field of study, and location. This stipend can be tax-free (if it is a fellowship award) or taxable (if it is a salary e.g from a teaching position). American PhD students are usually only paid for nine months of the year but many programs offer summer funding opportunities. A PhD funding package will also include a full or partial tuition waiver.

After earning a PhD, many researchers go on to a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of the researcher’s training that allows them to further specialize in a particular field and learn new techniques. Postdoc positions are usually two to three years and it is not unusual to do more than one postdoc. There is no limit on the number of years you can be a postdoc in the US. The average salary (2023 ) for postdocs in the US is $61,143 per year.

A lecturer is a non-tenure-track teaching position. They often have a higher teaching load than tenure track-faculty and no research obligations. These positions are more common in the humanities or as foreign language instructors. Lecturers hold advanced degrees, though not always PhDs. The average salary for a full time lecturer in 2021-2022 according to the American Association of University Professors was $69,499.

Assistant Professor

This is the start of the tenure track. An assistant professor is responsible for teaching, research, and service to the institution (committee membership). Assistant professors typically teach two to four courses per semester while also supervising graduate students. They are also expected to be active researchers and publish books, monographs, papers, and journal articles to meet their tenure requirements. The average salary for assistant professors in 2021-2022 was $85,063 according to the American Association of University Professors . 

Associate Professor

An assistant professor who has been granted tenure is then promoted to an associate professor. An associate professor often has a national reputation and is involved in service activities beyond their university. The average salary for associate professors in 2021-2022 was $97,734 according to the American Association of University Professors . 

This is the final destination of the tenure track. Five to seven years after receiving tenure, associate professors go through another review. If they are successful, they are promoted to the rank of professor (sometimes called full professor). Professors usually have a record of accomplishment that has established them as an international or national leader in their field. The average salary for professors in 2021-2022 according to the American Association of University Professors was $143,823. 

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PhD Salaries and Lifetime Earnings

PhDs employed across job sectors show impressive earning potential:

“…[T]here is strong evidence that advanced education levels continue to be associated with higher salaries. A study by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce showed that across the fields examined, individuals with a graduate degree earned an average of 38.3% more than those with a bachelor’s degree in the same field. The expected lifetime earnings for someone without a high school degree is $973,000; with a high school diploma, $1.3 million; with a bachelor’s degree, $2.3 million; with a master’s degree, $2.7 million; and with a doctoral degree (excluding professional degrees), $3.3 million. Other data indicate that the overall unemployment rate for individuals who hold graduate degrees is far lower than for those who hold just an undergraduate degree.” - Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers , Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and Educational Testing Service (ETS), pg. 3.

Average salaries by educational level and degree (data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2009-2011, courtesy of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce):

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports higher earnings and lower unemployment rates for doctoral degree holders in comparison to those with master’s and bachelor’s degrees:

According to national studies, more education translates not only to higher earnings, but also higher levels of job success and job satisfaction:

“Educational attainment – the number of years a person spends in school – strongly predicts adult earnings, and also predicts health and civic engagement. Moreover, individuals with higher levels of education appear to gain more knowledge and skills on the job than do those with lower levels of education and they are able, to some extent, to transfer what they learn across occupations.” - Education for Life and Work (2012), National Research Council of the National Academies, pg. 66.

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The MIT Doctoral Student Exit Survey is administered by Institutional Research (IR), Office of the Provost at MIT, on an ongoing basis to PhD/ScD recipients. The Doctoral Student Exit Survey merges questions from the Survey of Earned Doctorates (a survey administered by the NSF and NORC ), questions that evaluate their experiences in their program, and outcomes questions (e.g., employment and salary). Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD) develops a PDF report summarizing doctoral career-related information including graduation plans, top employers and industries, as well as starting salaries by department and occupation. Explore IR’s interactive dashboard and CAPD’s supplemental PDF report to get insights on:

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Graduate Research Student salary

Average graduate research student salary, $16.66 hourly, how much does a graduate research student make.

The average graduate research student salary in the United States is $34,658. Graduate research student salaries typically range between $19,000 and $60,000 yearly. The average hourly rate for graduate research students is $16.66 per hour.

Graduate research student salary is impacted by location, education, and experience. Graduate research students earn the highest average salary in Pennsylvania.

Average graduate research student salary by state

The highest-paying states for graduate research students are Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Maryland. The lowest average graduate research student salary states are Georgia, Iowa, and Florida.

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Highest paying states for graduate research students

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Highest paying cities for graduate research students

The highest-paying cities for graduate research students are Boston, MA, Edison, NJ, and Appleton, WI.

Graduate Research Student salary details

A graduate research student's salary ranges from $19,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $60,000 at the 90th percentile.

What is a graduate research student's salary?

Highest paying graduate research student jobs.

The highest paying types of graduate research students are research scientist, researcher, and assistant research scientist.

Top companies hiring graduate research students now:

• California State University Jobs (48)
• Rutgers University Jobs (43)
• Morgan State University Jobs (31)
• University of Wisconsin System Jobs (34)
• University of Washington Jobs (42)

Which companies pay graduate research students the most?

Graduate research student salaries at Capgemini and ConocoPhillips are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average graduate research student salary at companies like Google and Los Alamos National Laboratory are highly competitive.

Graduate Research Student salary trends

The average graduate research student salary has risen by $5,652 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average graduate research student earned $29,006 annually, but today, they earn $34,658 a year. That works out to a 9% change in pay for graduate research students over the last decade.

Compare graduate research student salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.

Average graduate research student salary over time

Compare graduate research student salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.

Graduate Research Student salary by year

Graduate research student salary faqs, what state pays graduate research students the most, how do i know if i'm being paid fairly as a graduate research student.

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Graduate Research Student Related Salaries

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Graduate Research Student Related Careers

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Graduate students who work as teaching assistants earn an average of $38,040 annually, according to 2021 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But how much you get paid as a grad student can vary greatly.

Grad school compensation depends on your school’s policies and your role at the institution. For example, teaching assistants and research assistants may have different pay scales, as could first-year and fourth-year graduate students.

» MORE: Is a masters degree worth it?

How graduate students get paid

Colleges may pay graduate students who work at the school via a stipend or a salary. Generally, the key differences between these options are as follows:

Stipends are for students. You receive this funding as part of an assistantship or fellowship from the school. The money is meant to support your living expenses while you perform research or your other educational pursuits. Stipend amounts may be based on the length of the academic year, not the calendar year.

Salaries are for employees. The school has formally hired you as an employee to perform specific responsibilities, like leading a class, for instance. As a salaried worker, your wages may be a set amount or based on the hours you work. You may also receive employee benefits such as subsidized health care or workers’ compensation.

How much is a graduate student’s stipend?

Cornell University recently announced it would increase graduate student stipends by 8%, bringing the average annual assistantship stipends for Ithaca- and Cornell AgriTech-based students to $43,326.

But this is not the norm. Many graduate students are paid much less.

The Temple University Graduate Students' Association, for example, began negotiations with the university in January 2021 to raise their average graduate student stipend — currently at $19,500 year.

Because funding can vary by school, it's best to research stipend information on your school’s website. This will likely include how much you’ll receive, as well as any factors that affect your pay rate. For example, the Stanford School of Education pays research assistants more once they’re officially doctoral candidates.

Living on graduate student payments

Working while in school can help cover some graduate program costs. But even with multiple jobs, you’ll likely need additional money to afford all your expenses.

Apply for scholarships and grants you may qualify for. Also, explore any other assistance your school offers. For example, Duke University offers up to $7,000 a semester to Ph.D. students who need child care.

After exhausting free aid and your stipend or salary, you may have to turn to graduate student loans to close any additional gaps in funding. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the average grad student graduated with $17,680 in federal graduate student loans, according to the College Board, a not-for-profit association of educational institutions.

There aren’t subsidized loans for graduate school, where the government covers the cost of interest while you’re in school, but unsubsidized loans are available and you don't have to make payments while enrolled at least half-time.

You can also take out up to your program’s cost of attendance — minus other aid you’ve already received — in graduate PLUS loans from the federal government or private graduate school loans .

» MORE: How to pay for graduate school

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Johns Hopkins University, PhD union reach tentative agreement

The proposed three-year collective bargaining agreement, which includes enhanced pay and benefits, will now go to a ratification vote.

By Hub staff report

Johns Hopkins University and the union representing PhD student employees at the university have reached agreement on a proposed three-year collective bargaining agreement covering a broad range of important topics, including minimum stipend levels, years of guaranteed funding, union and management rights, discipline, grievance and arbitration procedures, and health and safety provisions.

Since last May, bargaining committees from JHU and the union that represents the PhD students—Teachers and Researchers United – United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America Local 197 (TRU-UE Local 197)—have been negotiating details of the CBA. After more than 40 bargaining sessions, a tentative agreement was reached on Friday night. The proposed CBA, which includes 29 articles, will now go to all PhD students represented by TRU-UE for a ratification vote.

The proposed CBA offers enhanced pay and benefits that raise the minimum stipend to $47,000 per year beginning this July. Stipend increases are more than 40% on average across the bargaining unit and more than 50% in some departments. The three-year agreement also includes guaranteed increases of more than 6% in the second year of the contract to $50,000, and then a 4% increase in the third year of the contract. Among other benefit enhancements, the proposed CBA also includes paid health benefits for children and some spouses, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, increased vacation and sick time, and a one-time $1,000 signing bonus for all bargaining unit members if the agreement is ratified.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement on the first contract between the university and TRU-UE Local 197 and appreciate the constructive and collaborative spirit union leaders brought to the negotiations as we sought common ground on a wide range of important issues," said Sabine Stanley , vice provost of graduate education and a member of the university's bargaining team. "If ratified, this agreement will strengthen PhD education at JHU."

Posted in University News

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Do PhD Students Pay Tuition? Unpacking the Cost of a PhD

Choosing to pursue a PhD is a major milestone, but it comes with a host of concerns and questions. As a prospective doctoral student, you might wonder if you pay tuition for a PhD and how much that will cost.

In many cases, the answer is no, PhD students do not pay tuition. Instead, universities often provide their doctoral students with tuition waivers and funding packages to carry them through their years of study. 

However, it's important to bear in mind that this isn't always the case and the specifics can vary greatly. Navigating PhD funding can seem daunting at first, but understanding how tuition, stipends and other sources affect the out-of-pocket cost of a PhD can help you feel more confident in your decision.

How Much Does a PhD Cost?

Contrary to popular belief, the costs of a PhD program aren't set in stone. Factors like the institution, geographic location, field of study and funding support all play a role in how much you’ll actually pay for a doctoral program. Depending on your field, some PhD programs pay you . 

To give you a clearer picture, let's break down expenses and potential support.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are typically the most substantial expense. How much you pay depends on the institution offering the program and the field of study you choose. According to the Education Data Initiative , the average cost of a PhD specifically is $106,860, while the average cost of a doctorate degree in general is higher at $150,835.

You can expect a lower cost at public institutions ($93,670 on average) compared to private universities ($129,395 on average). Considering the time to complete a doctorate degree ranges from approximately 4 to 8 years, the duration of your studies can influence the total price.

While figures like this seem substantial, it's important to remember that scholarships, grants, fellowships and assistantships significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for most PhD students. For instance, the average grant aid for a doctoral degree is $16,502 annually, and 21.4% of PhD students surveyed by the Education Data Initiative offset their costs with teaching assistantships. 

As a result, actual paid expenses are often much lower than the listed tuition and fees.

Books and Materials

The cost of study materials, including textbooks and research supplies, varies depending on the specific requirements of your field of study.

For example, PhD students in Earth Sciences or Chemistry might need to invest in lab equipment and materials, while students in Humanities may require numerous books and subscriptions to academic journals.

However, it's essential to note that many programs provide funding resources that help offset or eliminate these costs. Universities often offer subsidies or funds for research materials, and there are numerous grants and scholarships specific to different fields of study. Libraries and interlibrary loan systems can also be a valuable resource for accessing required books and academic journals.

Healthcare and Living 

Cost of living and healthcare can vary greatly depending on your circumstances and location. Major cities, for example, tend to have higher living costs than smaller towns or rural areas. 

The higher expenses in cities often correlate with increased access to resources, research opportunities and a wide variety of entertainment and lifestyle choices. On the other hand, smaller towns or rural areas might offer lower cost of living and fewer distractions but may limit access to extensive resources or opportunities.

Luckily, many universities offer annual stipends as part of their financial aid packages for PhD students. These stipends are designed to help you manage your living and healthcare expenses, allowing you to concentrate on your studies and research. Some universities may also provide budget-friendly on-campus housing options to help mitigate overall costs. 

Navigating the Financial Landscape of a PhD

The path to earning a PhD isn't just an academic journey, but a financial one too. While it's true that in many cases, PhD students don't pay tuition, it's crucial to understand that it’s ultimately variable depending on where and what you choose to study. Financial aid packages and stipends can be a substantial help, providing relief to both domestic and international students.

At the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, we pride ourselves in providing an environment that fosters academic excellence, research innovation and professional development. With the generous support of the Moody Foundation, we have expanded our funding opportunities, enabling a diverse range of talented students to become part of our community.

Our suite of financial resources, including fellowships, assistantships, and travel grants, aim to facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and reduce financial barriers. By helping our students focus on their academic and research pursuits, we build a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive environment that sets the stage for future leaders to thrive.

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PhD student salary – How much cash will you get?

When considering starting a PhD you need to think about how much you will get as a PhD student at a minimum. Ideally, you would be fully funded so that you could focus 100% on your studies.

A PhD student salary ranges from US$17,000 a year (New Zealand) all the way up to US$104,000 a year (Austria). The amount you need depends significantly on the living costs of a particular country. Places like the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark and Sweden have the highest living cost ratio.

Generally speaking, you can expect to receive a modest stipend for living expenses as well as tuition assistance.

In 2007 my PhD stipend was AU$20,000 (approximately US$13,000). At the time, this was enough for me to live comfortably and save a little bit of money as well.

As the cost-of-living increases PhD student salaries are being stretched to their limits.

Here is data for a range of countries ordered by the best living ratio the higher. The living to cost ratio the further the stipend goes. Data was collected from Glassdoor.com and Numeo .

In the US, most PhD students make between $20,000 and $45,000 per year. Some more prestigious programs may offer higher salaries.

Salaries vary by institution and field of study, so you should check with your school’s department to find out what kind of compensation they offer.

Additionally, many universities provide additional funding opportunities such as research grants or teaching assistantships that can help supplement your income. While you may not get rich off of a PhD student salary, it is possible to make enough money to cover basic needs while continuing your studies.

What Are PhD Student Salaries?

PhD students don’t necessarily get “salaries”.

Full-time doctoral students are typically paid a stipend which is usually a fixed amount that covers living expenses as well as tuition.

Other forms of financial support may include fellowships, grants and teaching or research assistantships.

In addition to monetary compensation, PhD students may also receive health insurance and other benefits such as free housing or childcare services. Many universities also offer career counselling services for their PhD students in order to help them find jobs after graduation.

Ultimately, PhD student salaries can vary greatly and it’s important to consider all factors when evaluating PhD offers.

Countries offering Highest PhD stipends in the World

There are a variety of countries that are better at funding PhD students than others. Check out my YouTube video which goes through the countries with the highest PhD stipend and how you can boost yours.

Here is a quick rundown of other benefits if you are considering doing a PhD abroad.

Netherlands

As an international student, you may be considering studying for a PhD in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is home to some of the top universities in Europe and offers a wide range of PhD programs. In addition, the Dutch government offers a number of scholarships and grants for international students.

I’ve done some research and found that the average salary for a PhD student in the Netherlands is around US$74163 per year . This figure is before any additional income from grants or scholarships. So, if you’re planning on studying for a PhD in the Netherlands, it’s important to bear in mind that you’ll need to budget for living costs on top of your tuition.

Switzerland

Every year, the Swiss Confederation and Swiss National Science Foundation award scholarships to international postgraduate researchers who desire to pursue their PhD in Switzerland. It’s home to some of our planet’s most stunning landscapes and among its brightest minds.

Switzerland is known for its degrees in business, is home to some of the best institutes of technology, and is a world leader in finance and banking.

Sweden is a well-developed and prosperous country with a strong tradition of academic excellence.

Swedish universities are consistently ranked highly in international rankings, making it an attractive destination for students from all over the world.

PhD students in Sweden can expect to receive a competitive stipend to help cover living costs during their studies. About USD$42618 per year , according to my research.

In addition, there are a number of scholarships and grants available to help cover the costs of tuition and other expenses.

Denmark is one of the top countries in the world for research and development, making it an attractive prospect for PhD students. The country offers generous stipends to PhD students, with no additional fees for being a student. The average PhD stipend in Denmark is around US$53,436 per year.

Norway is one of the countries offering a high PhD stipend. The average PhD stipend in Norway is around US$50,268 per year . PhD students in Norway also benefit from a high quality of life, as the country is regularly ranked as one of the best places to live in the world.

If you are considering pursuing a PhD, Norway should definitely be on your list of potential countries to study in.

Things to consider for PhD stipends

Before you settle on your PhD there are a few things to consider about your stipend.

Things such as industry top ups can significantly increase your earning potential as a PhD student and looking at the living costs in a particular country as well as the particular terms and conditions for your PhD stipend will mean you do not end up being shortchanged.

Industry Top-ups

One of the best ways that I have seen PhD students earn more money and raise their minimum salary is by looking for industry supported PhD positions and top ups.

For example, while I was on AU$20,000 a year, one of my colleagues in the department was on AU$60,000 a year and was guaranteed a job after their PhD. They had a top up scholarship from an industry partner sponsoring their battery research.

Looking for these opportunities may help you earn significantly more money during your PhD.

Living costs

Quite frankly, PhD living costs vary dramatically from country to country and city to city. European countries may have a relatively high PhD stipend but the living costs are also higher.

The best way to determine the buying power of your PhD scholarship is to consider it in terms of the living costs. The best way to do that is with the living cost index.

Here are the best countries to get a PhD stipend relative to the cost of living. The higher the living ratio the better.

You can see that Austria tops this list and many of the Scandinavian countries also are high on the list. Places like Ireland and New Zealand are one of the worst places to do your PhD if you want your stipend to go a long way.

Length of the PhD

In countries like the United States of America, the PhD system means that you need to do a 5 to 7 year PhD. This significantly increases the amount of time that you will spend in university and, therefore, your earning potential will be limited for a longer amount of time.

I chose to do my PhD in Australia because it would only take me three years as an international student. Choosing a PhD with a shorter timescale from the UK, Australia, New Zealand or European countries may be best for you.

Terms and conditions

Lastly, it is important to scrutinise the terms and conditions of your PhD stipend.

Some stipends do not allow students to get a second job which significantly limits their full-time earning potential. Other places, do not put any restrictions on their PhD students even with a full scholarship.

If you want to know more about earning more money during your PhD check out the two articles below.

• The best PhD student part-time jobs [Full guide]
• Is it possible to earn a PhD while working? The brutal truth

How to Get a PhD Stipend

To get a stipend, you will need to apply for funding through the university or other organizations offering scholarships and grants.

Be sure to carefully read through all requirements of the application process and submit all necessary documents, such as transcripts, essays, recommendation letters and financial aid forms.

You may also need to show proof of academic excellence, such as high grades or awards. For example, I was required to achieve a first class masters before being able to access any funding from a foreign university.

Once accepted, you will usually receive a monthly payment from the organization as well as tuition assistance. Additionally, many universities offer research assistantships which provide students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their field while earning money at the same time.

With dedication and hard work, obtaining a PhD stipend can help reduce some of the financial burden associated with higher education.

Wrapping up

This article has been through everything you need to know that PhD student salaries and giving you some real-world numbers on what you can expect in different countries.

The real important value is the living cost ratio to ensure that your PhD stipend goes as far as possible and is not eaten up quickly by rent, food, and other basic necessities.

It is possible for PhD students to not only live comfortably but also put some money aside if you are very careful about choosing a PhD with a full stipend and looking for other opportunities to top up the money with industry partnerships and other grants.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

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5 countries offering the highest PhD stipends

Did you know that as a PhD student, there is a difference between salary and PhD stipends?

This is just one of the many things you should know when deciding to do a PhD .

As the highest level of education, a Doctor of Philosophy or PhD can take anywhere from four to 12 years to complete .

Embarking on a journey towards a PhD is an intellectually rewarding pursuit, but it often comes with financial challenges.

So, how do students cope?

If you receive a salary, then you are likely an employee the school hired to carry out a job like leading a class.

Like most jobs, salaried workers get a set wage based on their hours and often have employee benefits like subsidised healthcare or compensation.

A PhD stipend is a financial support system for doctoral students to cover living expenses, tuition, and research costs during their academic journey.

There are three types of PhD stipends :

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs): For this, you are required to assist by delivering one or more courses over a number of years. You would also need to take on other responsibilities, such as marking student tutorials, supervising lab experiments, and providing support to undergraduates during office hours.
• Research Assistantships (RAs): In this role, you will assist a departmental professor with their research. If you are lucky, the said professor is your PhD supervisor, and their research (and the support you give) will relate to your own doctoral project.
• Stipend via Studentship: This is a non-repayable grant for doctoral students. Unlike the other two stipends, this one rarely has additional suits, but you must progress with your degree.

Have PhD stipends always been like this?

PhD stipends have a rich history that mirrors the evolution of higher education.

Our current understanding of a PhD originated in 19th-century Germany , but doctoral degrees were awarded long before this.

Over time, PhD stipends have evolved into a cornerstone of doctoral education, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the pursuit of advanced knowledge.

Fun fact: The term “stipend” itself has Latin origins, coming from “stipendium,” which refers to a soldier’s pay.

This etymology underscores the idea that stipends are a form of financial support for individuals committed to advancing knowledge, akin to soldiers committed to a cause.

Sometimes, these PhD stipends are not enough.

At the beginning of this year, The Guardian reported about how PhD students in Australia were barely earning enough to survive.

“Through Melbourne’s winter, I know people forced into less than suitable housing who weren’t turning on their heat,” said Tara-Lyn Camilleri, who lobbied to raise the stipend at Monash University from 30,000 Australian dollars to A$37,000 while completing her PhD last year.

It was eventually raised to A$33,000, about A$4,500 less than the minimum wage after tax.

As PhDs can take years to complete, it is always easier to do one when you have money saved away instead of relying entirely on the PhD stipend.

Eric Schmidt, former CEO and Chairman, Google has a PhD in electrical engineering.

In fact, Forbes even released a list of the most popular PhDs among billionaires :

• Former CEO of Google Eric Schmidt (estimated net worth: US$16.2 billion), UC Berkeley
• The man behind Garmin GPS Min Kao (US$4.2 billion), University of Tennessee
• Cofounder, Chief Technology Officer and Chairman, Broadcom Henry Samueli (US$7.7 billion), UCLA
• Cofounder, Broadcom Henry Nicholas III (US$6.6 billion), UCLA
• Founder, D. E. Shaw & Co., L.P. David Shaw (US$7.9 billion),  Stanford University
• Co-Founder & Co-Chairman, Two Sigma David Siegel  (US$6.8 billion), Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• The man behind some of Microsoft’s most successful software, including Word and Excel, Charles Simonyi (US$5.2 billion), Stanford University
• Cofounder, Netscape Communications Corporation James Clark (US$2.9 billion), University of Utah
• Art Levinson (US$1.3 billion), Princeton University
•  Timothy Springer (US$2.1 billion), Harvard University

These are just some of the billionaires who have earned a PhD.

Fret not if you are not a billionaire yet. You can always apply to universities with the highest stipends.

The University of Vienna is a public research university located in Austria. Source: University of Vienna

Top 5 countries with the highest PhD stipends

• Average PhD stipend: US$104,328
• Average cost of living: US$1,705.67

Boasting over 50 institutions of higher education, it is no surprise that Austria is a top choice for a PhD.

Its rich cultural and academic heritage offers competitive stipends, with institutions like the University of Vienna leading the way.

This is because of the country’s commitment to academic excellence and research.

Universities often collaborate with international partners, contributing to a vibrant research community.

Government funding and a focus on supporting doctoral research contribute to the attractiveness of stipends in Austria.

Here are the most common PhD qualifications in Austria :

• Doctor of Arts
• Doctor of Economic Sciences
• Doctor of Medical Science
• Doctor of Natural Sciences
• Doctor of Psychotherapy Science
• Doctor of Technical Sciences

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by UvA: University of Amsterdam (@uva_amsterdam)

Netherlands

Average PhD stipend: US$74,163

Cost of living: US$861.45  to US$1292.17

The Netherlands, known for its innovation and research-driven culture, offers competitive stipends, with institutions like Delft University of Technology providing substantial financial support.

About 10 Dutch research universities are ranked in the top 200 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022.

The Netherlands is also highly ranked internationally for the number of publications per researcher (second) and for the impact of research publication (fourth).

“The PhD salary in the Netherlands is one of the best in the world,” a former PhD says to Dutch News .

“In the UK, the salaries are just 1,000 pounds and PhD students need to work at weekends. I was able to buy a house while being a PhD student here.”

Here are some of the top universities in the Netherlands :

• University of Amsterdam
• Leiden University
• University of Groningen
• Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
• Erasmus University Rotterdam

The University of Helsinki has one of the highest PhD stipends. Source: University of Helsinki

Average PhD stipend: US$46,537

Cost of living:  US$646.09 to US$969.13

Renowned for its high-quality education system, Finland offers competitive stipends, with institutions like the University of Helsinki providing substantial financial support.

Government funding often supports stipends in Finland, reflecting the country’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers.

Students are also encouraged to take ownership of the research in Finland.

Here are the top universities in Finland :

• University of Helsinki
• Aalto University
• University of Oulu
• Tampere University
• University of Turku

Universities in Denmark often offer industrial PhDs. Source: University of Copenhagen

Average PhD stipend: US$53,436

Average cost of living: US$11,45.62

Denmark strongly emphasises education and research, and the country’s social welfare system ensures that stipends are sufficient to cover living expenses.

The country also offers an Industrial PhD option if you want to conduct a research project with commercial perspectives.

Denmark is also popular for the balance of robust academics and a great living standard, giving international students the best of both worlds.

Here are the best universities in Denmark:

•  University of Copenhagen
• Technical University of Denmark
• Aarhus University
• University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
• Aalborg University

Average PhD stipend: US$42,618

Average cost of living: US$2,512.13

The land of innovation and Vikings beckons ambitious scholars with competitive stipends and one institution that stands out is the renowned Karolinska Institute.

Sweden’s commitment to pioneering research and its unique blend of modernity and tradition make it an alluring destination for those pursuing a PhD.

Most universities in Sweden offer salaries instead of stipends.

Here are some of the leading institutions in Sweden :

• Blekinge Institute of Technology
• Chalmers University of Technology
• Dalarna University
• Halmstad University
• Jönköping University
• KTH Royal Institute of Technology
• Karlstad University
• Karolinska Institutet

*All figures were converted as at the time of writing

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Renaming postdocs and PhD students would boost respect, pay, progression

What other industry would deem those with so much prior training to still be mere trainees let’s call them what they are – researchers, says michele nardin.

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What is a “postdoc”? How is one different from a PhD student? And do they really have any marketable skills? 

The answers to these questions might be obvious to those of us within academia, but I can assure you from personal experience that the same is not true elsewhere – including, sometimes, in the very industries that would benefit from early-career researchers’ services.  

If they don’t have academic research backgrounds themselves, even high-tech employers are often unaware that PhD students and postdoctoral researchers carry out the bulk of day-to-day scientific enquiries – often working extremely long hours , including over weekends and holidays.

Within academic science, we typically regard even postdocs as mere trainees and, accordingly, pay them poorly . This is absurd. Imagine any other employer that treated anyone who was not a senior administrator as a mere trainee even after a decade of study (the average age of PhD recipients in the US  hovers just above 31) and many years of work experience. Yes, good science requires time and expertise, which is why collaborations and mentorship are so important. However, acknowledging the full professional stature of young researchers is equally important. 

A big part of that should involve a re-evaluation of job titles. The terminology used to describe early-career researchers is more than a mere label; it shapes perceptions and realities. Within academia, the titles “PhD student” and “postdoc” obscure the professional nature and expertise of these roles and perpetuate a hierarchy that unacceptably extends the period of “training” and justifies lower compensation and precarious contracts.  

For individual early-career researchers, this endless sense of “not being prepared” or “not being good enough” for tenure-track positions sustains a cycle of insecurity and devaluation , characterised by low self-confidence and doubts about one’s “real-world” value, all of which damages our mental health . 

Moreover, existing early-career titles make it hard for people outside academia to know what young researchers actually do. Most seriously, this complicates the transition to a job outside academia because companies judge PhD holders and postdocs as simultaneously over-qualified and apparently lacking any real work experience. Yes, the competition for principal investigator (PI) positions is pushing more and more people to make that transition, but that doesn’t mean academic nomenclature is not a barrier to doing so successfully. I and most of my colleagues have found ourselves having to explain to potential employers that we are, in fact, experienced, independent researchers and not just unthinking apprentices to our all-knowing masters. 

A very low-cost way to alleviate such misunderstandings would be to refer to a PhD student as a “junior researcher” and a postdoc as, simply, a “researcher” – instead of a “postdoctoral researcher”, which is all too commonly abbreviated to the much more opaque “postdoc”. Varying degrees of experience could easily be incorporated into this basic nomenclature, such as “independent researcher” or “senior researcher”: titles that could be bestowed by departments as people progress.  

As well as offering immediate clarity about the roles and aiding in the transition to industry, such clarified titles would lay the groundwork for fair compensation – including for PhD students – and the establishment of clear career pathways within academia, including the creation of more long-term, senior research positions below the group leader level. 

An objection might be that calling PhD students junior researchers would be similar to calling medical students “junior doctors” or law students “junior lawyers”, which would be genuinely misleading about their level of experience and expertise. That’s a fair observation, but there is a fundamental difference. For a PhD student, the period of taking lectures and exams, if it exists at all, is limited to the very beginning of the doctoral period, beyond which they become semi-autonomous researchers and the workhorses of their bosses’ labs.  

Redefining early-career researchers’ job titles is a simple and low-cost step towards enhancing young researchers’ self-perception and improving public understanding of their work. Let this be a call to action for academic institutions across the globe to reconsider outdated titles and embrace a nomenclature that truly reflects the contributions and status of their researchers. 

Michele Nardin is a Janelia Theory Fellow (independent researcher) at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Janelia Research Campus, Virginia.

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• PhD Salary in UK – Explained
• Funding a PhD

What Are PhD Salaries?

The average cost of undertaking a PhD in the UK is approximately £20,000 per academic year for UK students and £40,000 for international students. To help offset the cost of this, many students question whether undertaking a doctorate comes with a PhD salary.

The salary of a PhD student is governed by three factors: whether they’re assisting in undergraduate teaching, assisting in research, or have secured a PhD with a stipend. Depending on which of the three categories a student falls within, they will receive an income during their studies, however, the amount will differ by a substantial amount.

To help show you how you can fund your postgraduate degree and how much you can expect to earn whilst doing so, carry on reading below.

Types of PhD Salaries

There are three types of PhD degree salaries:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) . In exchange for a salary, you’ll be required to assist in the delivery of one or more courses over a number of years. This includes, but is not limited to, marking student tutorials, supervising lab experiments and providing support to undergraduates during office hours. Besides this, you may have to teach a small section of the course itself. You can discover more about GTAs on King’s College London’s website.
• Research Assistantships (RAs) . In exchange for a salary, you assist a departmental professor with their research. In the ideal scenario, the professor you work with should also be your PhD supervisor and the research you’re asked to support with relates to your own doctoral project.
• Stipend via Studentship: A stipend is a non-repayable grant provided to doctoral students to help support their studies. A studentship covers a student’s tuition fees whilst a stipend covers a PhD student’s living costs. This includes outgoings such as rent, food, bills and basic travel. Unlike Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantships, stipends rarely have duties attached to them. The only expectation of receiving a stipend will be that you maintain continuous progress within your degree.

It’s worth noting these earning opportunities can be also be combined. For example, it’s possible to be a research assistant whilst also committing time to teach undergraduate students.

Average PhD Salary in UK

The average PhD student salary for teaching assistantships will vary depending on the level of responsibility you’re taking. However, to provide figures, past doctoral students have reported receiving approx. £10/hr for marking tutorials, £15/hr for leading laboratory sessions and up to £20/hr for leading undergraduate classes and tutorials.

The actual amount you can earn from teaching assistance will depend on the rate your department offers and the hours you can realistically take on. If you’re on a Graduate Teaching Assistantship programme, they will require you to dedicate a set number of hours per week. If you’re not on a GTA but would still like to earn an income through this scheme, you will likely need to commit several hours per week consistently. Although this can be a great way to earn whilst you study, you need to make sure you manage your time effectively as to not become overwhelmed by taking on an additional commitment.

The average salary for research assistantships will vary depending on the field of the doctoral degree you are enrolled in. Usually, these positions pay between £25,000 to £30,000 per year, however, it’s possible to come across positions which sit slightly outside of this. As a general rule of thumb, STEM assistors are paid more than non-STEM assistors.

In the UK, PhD students can receive a stipend which varies between £15,000 and £18,000 per annum. As part of the studentship your stipend is provided under, your tuition fees will also be paid for. UK tuition fees will vary between universities but are approximately £4,500 per year for doctoral courses starting in 2021/22 as per the UKRI recommendations .

Although £15,000 to £18,000 per year is the typical range for a stipend, some can be far greater than this. For example, Wellcome Trust , a research-charity based in London, offers an annual stipend of up to £23,300 and £26,000 for doctoral students located outside and within London, respectively.

Are PhD Salaries Taxed?

PhD stipends are tax free. Therefore, you don’t need to pay any income tax nor do you need to make any national insurance contributions. This means you’ll keep all the money you receive from an annual stipend. However, this is not the case for Research Assistants.

In the UK, Research Assistants are employed as university staff members and are paid a direct salary as opposed to a stipend. As a result, it will require you to pay tax on your earnings and make national insurance contributions.

To put this into perspective, for the 2019/20 UK tax year, you’re required to pay a 20% tax on any income above £12,500 but less than £50,000. You’re also required to make national insurance contributions of 12% of your weekly earnings over £166 but less than £962. This means that an annual Research Assistantship salary of £30,000 will equate to a take-home salary of £23,938 per year.

How to Get a PhD Stipend

To find research positions which offer stipends, we recommend you search our PhD database and filter by ‘funded’ positions.

Besides this, you can also secure a studentship from UK Research Councils or directly from your university as a scholarship. Independent organisations, such as charities and research trusts, and innovative firms within your industry also offer funding. You can read our PhD studentship guide to see how these work or our Where to find a PhD guide for further ideas.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How to Get a Research Assistantship PhD

Unfortunately, research assistantships opportunities aren’t as common to come across compared to PhD stipends. Besides this, when they are available, they’re predominantly in STEM subjects such as computer science and engineering. The reason for this is these subjects usually have access to greater research grants and have a greater volume of practical work available.

To find a research assistantship, we recommend that you contact the university departments who host the courses you’re interested in directly. This is because research assistantships help professors with their research, and while they may require help, they may not be openly advertising for it. They may, therefore, be able to create a role for you within their department or put you into contact with one of their colleagues who already has an open position.

International Students

It’s worth noting that international students will have a harder time securing a funded PhD position than UK ‘home’ students will. This is largely because there are usually fewer funding opportunities available to international students, which as a result also attract significant competition.

Besides this, if you’re an international student studying in the UK you will most likely than not be on a Tier 4 visa. Although a Tier 4 visa will allow you to work to earn an additional income alongside any studentship you may have, there will be certain restrictions on what you can and can’t do. For example, during term-time, you won’t be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week. For a full list of restrictions, please refer to the government website.

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Student loans can help bridge the gap between the total cost of going to college and the amount of financial aid your school offers. There are two main types of student loans: federal loans with benefits and fixed rates that apply to all borrowers, and private ones with rates and terms that vary.

You're almost always better off going with federal student loans because you're likely to get a lower interest rate, and they come with special benefits and protections. However, you can only refinance student loans through private lenders.

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Student Loan Refinance Rates

While rates have held in a relatively tight range in recent weeks, the cost of refinancing student loans has been rising over the past year as Federal Reserve policy makers increased the federal funds rate to try to slow inflation. Although not directly linked to student loans, higher Fed rates ultimately influence borrowing costs for everything from college to real estate, credit cards, and automobiles.

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Private Student Loan Rates vs. Federal Student Loan Rates

Be sure to exhaust all of your federal student loan options before turning to a private lender. Federal student loans almost always have lower interest rates than private loans. Private loans require a credit check, and many students either have no credit history or a low credit score . That means they're likely to be offered a higher interest rate than they'd pay for a federal student loan.

See Insider's picks for the best private student loans >>

Congress sets the interest rates for federal student loans, which are the same for all borrowers. There is no credit check required, and you don't have to show proof of income or have a co-signer. Federal student loans also have some benefits such as the ability to sign up for an income-driven repayment plan, deferment, forbearance, or forgiveness, none of which are typically available with private loans.

Federal student loan rates have also been rising. The cost of borrowing across all Department of Education loans is going up again for the 2023-2024 school year after some rates saw the biggest increases in decades during the prior period. While the rates private lenders charge aren't tied to federal loan rates, they're likely to also rise when federal loan rates do because they don't have to stay as low to remain competitive.

Federal Student Loan Rates For 2023-2024 School Year

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Student Loan Rates Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new federal student loan interest rate.

Federal student loan interest rates for the 2023-2024 school year are 5.5% for undergraduates and 7.05% for graduates.

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You'll face many consequences if you default on a student loan . It can hurt your credit score, eat into your earnings, and reduce your tax refund  and government benefits. 

Should I refinance my student loan?

Whether or not you should refinance your student loan depends on your specific financial situation. You may want to consider alternatives such as a less expensive school, scholarships, or a side job to earn more money. Whatever your decision is, make sure you understand the terms of your new loan before making a choice.

How do I get approved for a student loan without a co-signer?

Getting approved for a student loan without a co-signer usually includes factors outside of your credit score. Lenders may consider your grade point average, field of study, projected future earning potential, and more when making approval decisions. 

Will my private student loans be forgiven?

No, private student loans won't qualify for any federal forgiveness programs .

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