As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the United States is $200,655 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $96.
However, a Postdoctoral Fellow's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Postdoctoral 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 Postdoctoral 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 Postdoctoral Fellow | $196,102 |
| Intermediate Level Postdoctoral Fellow | $196,691 |
| Senior Level Postdoctoral Fellow | $197,280 |
| Specialist Level Postdoctoral Fellow | $198,104 |
| Expert Level Postdoctoral Fellow | $200,655 |
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 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
|
$222,727 |
11%
|
|
Insight
|
$216,707 |
8%
|
|
Talent Acquisition
|
$216,707 |
8%
|
|
Immunology
|
$216,707 |
8%
|
|
Integrity
|
$214,701 |
7%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$214,701 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Postdoctoral 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 Postdoctoral Fellow with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $178,509 and $192,116).
Postdoctoral 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 Postdoctoral 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 May 01, 2026Salaries for a Postdoctoral Fellow can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $188,344 in 2023 to around $180,846 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Postdoctoral Fellow salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $188,344 |
| 2024 | $183,566 |
| 2025 | $180,846 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Postdoctoral Fellow and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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