As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Postdoc Fellow in the United States is $196,852 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $95.
However, a Postdoc Fellow's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Postdoc Fellow's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Postdoc Fellow's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Postdoc Fellow | $195,475 |
| Intermediate Level Postdoc Fellow | $196,049 |
| Senior Level Postdoc Fellow | $196,623 |
| Specialist Level Postdoc Fellow | $197,426 |
| Expert Level Postdoc Fellow | $199,942 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Postdoc Fellows. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 9.71% |
| Bioinformatics | 2.78% |
| Computer Science | 2.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Oncology
|
$218,506 |
11%
|
|
Insight
|
$212,600 |
8%
|
|
Talent Acquisition
|
$212,600 |
8%
|
|
Immunology
|
$212,600 |
8%
|
|
Integrity
|
$210,632 |
7%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$210,632 |
7%
|
For Postdoc Fellow roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Postdoc Fellow positions in Pharmaceuticals or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Postdoc Fellow as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $255,908 | $123.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $236,222 | $114.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Postdoc Fellows enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Postdoc Fellow with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $178,509 and $192,116).
Postdoc Fellow Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 8.0% |
| High School | 12.1% |
| Associates | 79.9% |
| Bachelors | 8.0% |
| Masters | 12.1% |
| Doctorate | 79.9% |
Understanding how a Postdoc Fellow's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Postdoc Fellow can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $187,674 in 2023 to around $180,203 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Postdoc Fellow salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $187,674 |
| 2024 | $182,912 |
| 2025 | $180,203 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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