As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Postdoctoral Associate in the United States is $131,116 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, a Postdoctoral Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Postdoctoral Associate'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 Postdoctoral Associate'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 Postdoctoral Associate | $124,469 |
| Intermediate Level Postdoctoral Associate | $125,163 |
| Senior Level Postdoctoral Associate | $126,784 |
| Specialist Level Postdoctoral Associate | $128,636 |
| Expert Level Postdoctoral Associate | $131,460 |
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 Postdoctoral Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 9.66% |
| Human Relations | 1.68% |
| Data Entry | 0.84% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Legal Documents
|
$173,073 |
32%
|
|
Strategic Communication
|
$158,650 |
21%
|
|
Resource Management
|
$149,472 |
14%
|
|
Business Development
|
$146,850 |
12%
|
|
Data Privacy
|
$144,228 |
10%
|
|
Insight
|
$144,228 |
10%
|
For Postdoctoral Associate roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Education, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Postdoctoral Associate positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Postdoctoral Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | $144,228 | $69.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Postdoctoral Associates enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Postdoctoral Associate with a Bachelor's Degree is between $101,277 and $113,309).
Postdoctoral Associate Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.9% |
| High School | 9.4% |
| Associates | 1.9% |
| Bachelors | 9.4% |
| Masters | 45.3% |
| Doctorate | 43.4% |
Understanding how a Postdoctoral Associate'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Postdoctoral Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $131,798 in 2023 to around $124,349 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Postdoctoral Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $131,798 |
| 2024 | $129,414 |
| 2025 | $124,349 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Education industry offers the highest average compensation for Postdoctoral Associate roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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