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Unlocking PhD Salaries and Opportunities

The pursuit of a PhD represents a pinnacle of academic achievement, epitomizing years of rigorous study, research, and expertise in a specific field. For many, this educational journey is a labour of love, driven by a passion for knowledge and a desire to contribute to the global pool of understanding. However, as one nears the end of this formidable academic odyssey, questions about what lies beyond the ivory tower become increasingly pertinent.

Among the myriad concerns that occupy the mind of a PhD candidate nearing graduation, one that often looms large is the financial aspect. What can one expect in terms of compensation and career opportunities after investing so much in education and research? Understanding the salary landscape for PhD holders is crucial not only for financial planning but also for making informed decisions about the direction of one’s career.

PhD salaries encompass a wide spectrum of earnings based on fields, regions, and industry choices. In academia, postdocs start at around $40,000 while tenured professors can earn $90,000 and above. Private sector salaries often range from $70,000 to well over $150,000, influenced by specialization and experience.

In this article, we delve into the multifaceted world of post-PhD salaries, exploring the diverse factors that influence earnings. From the impact of one’s field of study and geographic location to the varying opportunities within academia, private industry, and public sectors, we aim to provide insights that can assist both current PhD candidates and those navigating their early careers post-doctorate.

Join us on this exploration as we unravel the intricacies of salary expectations for those who have achieved the esteemed PhD, shedding light on the possibilities that await beyond the academic threshold. Through comprehensive analysis and a global perspective, we endeavour to empower individuals to navigate their professional journey with clarity and confidence.

Introduction

How different fields influence phd salary expectations:, how cost of living and job demand in specific regions impact salaries:, variations in phd salary based on working in academia, private sector, government, or non-profit organizations:, typical salary range for postdocs in various fields:, salary expectations for entry-level faculty positions:, salaries increase with experience and tenure:, phd salary ranges in private companies related to different fields of study:, potential salaries in public service or non-profit organizations:, comparing salaries in different countries and regions for phd holders:.

• International Factors Affect PhD Salary - Exchange Rates and Cost of Living:

Salary Comparison Table for PhD Holders

Importance of networking for better job opportunities and salaries:, encouraging ongoing skill development to stay competitive in the job market:, advice on negotiating salaries and benefits effectively:.

• Before We Conclude....

Embarking on the path of a PhD is a significant intellectual and academic commitment, representing a scholarly voyage of deep exploration and expertise acquisition in a specialized area of knowledge. It is a journey marked by tireless research, critical analysis, and the creation of original contributions to the academic community. Graduating with a PhD is a hallmark moment, but it also raises important questions about the practical implications of this significant achievement.

Take, for instance, Dr. Sarah, who recently completed her PhD in Environmental Science. After years of devoted research on sustainable agricultural practices, climate change, and environmental policy, she now finds herself standing at the crossroads of academic and professional life. Like many PhD holders, Sarah is eager to apply her expertise and make a tangible difference in her field, but she is also keenly aware of the financial considerations that come with this next step.

This article seeks to address the crucial and often intricate matter of post-PhD salaries. It aims to unravel the enigma surrounding the financial aspect of life after the doctorate, a subject that is of paramount importance to those who have invested years in pursuit of advanced education. The purpose here is to shed light on the salary expectations that individuals with a PhD can anticipate across various sectors, fields of study, and global locations.

Just like Sarah, countless PhD graduates stand on the verge of a new phase in their careers. Understanding the earning potential, salary ranges, and factors that influence compensation is instrumental in making informed decisions. This article endeavours to provide a comprehensive guide, offering insights into the diverse avenues available for Ph.D. holders, and empowering them to navigate the professional landscape with foresight and financial prudence.

Factors Influencing PhD Salary

The field of study significantly impacts post-PhD salaries. For instance, a PhD holder in Computer Science might find higher-paying opportunities compared to someone in Sociology. This is due to the demand for specific skill sets and expertise in the job market. Let’s consider Dr. Alex, a PhD holder in Artificial Intelligence. As the tech industry continues to expand rapidly, professionals with expertise in AI are in high demand, often commanding lucrative salaries in both academia and the private sector.

Geographical location plays a pivotal role in determining PhD salaries. The cost of living, job demand, and regional economic conditions all influence compensation levels. For example, Dr. Emily, a PhD holder in Economics, might find higher-paying opportunities in urban centres like New York City or London due to the higher cost of living and increased demand for economists in financial hubs.

The industry or sector in which a PhD graduate works also heavily impacts their salary. Those in academia, while contributing to knowledge and education, may generally have different salary expectations compared to their counterparts in the private sector. For instance, Dr. Michael, with a PhD in Business Administration, may choose to work in a corporate role, often leading to higher remuneration and additional benefits compared to a position in a non-profit organization focused on social impact.

PhD Salaries in Academia

Postdoctoral positions are a common starting point for many PhD holders aiming for an academic career. Salaries can vary based on the field and location. For example, Dr. Ahmed, who completed his PhD in Biology and secured a postdoc position at a research institution, can expect a salary range of approximately $40,000 to $60,000 per year. However, in specialized fields like biomedical research, postdocs may earn higher, sometimes up to $70,000 annually.

As a PhD graduate progresses to an assistant professor position, the salary range increases. For instance, Dr. Sarah, who recently transitioned to an assistant professor role in Psychology at a reputable university, could expect a salary between $60,000 to $90,000 annually. This range may vary based on factors such as the university’s prestige, geographic location, and the demand for expertise in the field.

As faculty members gain experience and achieve tenure, their salaries typically increase. Dr. Johnson, who has been a tenured professor in Computer Science for over a decade, might earn a salary ranging from $90,000 to well over $150,000 annually, depending on the university’s profile and the region’s cost of living. Full professors, having extensive experience and research contributions, may even earn higher, especially in renowned institutions or in high-cost-of-living areas.

PhD Salaries Outside Academia

In the private sector, salaries for PhD holders can vary widely based on the industry and field of study. For example, Dr. Michael, who holds a PhD in Data Science, might secure a position in a tech company and command a salary ranging from $90,000 to $120,000 per year, given the high demand for data science expertise. On the other hand, Dr. Laura, with a PhD in Marketing, might find positions in consumer research or advertising agencies, earning a comparable salary range in a different industry.

PhD graduates often find fulfilling opportunities in government agencies or non-profit organizations. In these sectors, salaries may vary based on the role, responsibilities, and level of experience.

For instance, Dr. Patel, with a PhD in Public Health, might join a government health department and earn a salary ranging from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on the specific position and location. Similarly, Dr. Nguyen, with a PhD in Education, could work for a non-profit focused on educational development, earning a salary in the range of $50,000 to $80,000 per year.

International Perspective

Salaries for PhD holders can vary significantly on a global scale. For instance, a PhD holder in Computer Science in the United States might earn an annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $150,000. In contrast, in India, a PhD holder in a similar field may earn a range of approximately $10,000 to $30,000 per year. The variation is influenced by factors such as the country’s economic development, demand for specialized skills, and cost of living.

International Factors Affect PhD Salary – Exchange Rates and Cost of Living:

Exchange rates and cost of living are crucial factors affecting salaries for PhD holders in different countries. Consider Dr. Anderson, a PhD holder in Environmental Engineering. If she relocates from the United Kingdom, where she earns £50,000 annually, to Switzerland, a country with a higher cost of living and strong currency, her equivalent salary might be around CHF 80,000. However, despite the seemingly higher salary, the increased cost of living might offset the apparent financial advantage.

Approximate salary comparison table for PhD holders based on working in academia, private sector, government, or non-profit organizations:

Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on several factors including location, experience, specific organization, and field of study.

Tips for Maximizing Salary Potential

Networking is paramount for advancing in any career. Dr. Rodriguez, a PhD holder in Finance, attended industry conferences, where she met professionals and academics. Through these connections, she was introduced to job openings that weren’t publicly advertised. Networking helped her secure a position as a financial consultant with a significantly higher salary than she initially anticipated.

Continuous learning and skill development are essential to stay competitive. Dr. Chen, a PhD holder in Artificial Intelligence, regularly took online courses to enhance his programming and machine learning skills. His dedication to staying updated with the latest technologies made him an attractive candidate for a leading tech company, and he was able to negotiate a higher salary based on his specialized expertise.

Dr. Davis, a PhD holder in Business Administration, stressed the importance of negotiation. When offered a position as a senior researcher in a biotech company, he researched industry salary standards and prepared a compelling case for a higher salary and additional benefits. Through effective negotiation, he secured a salary 15% higher than the initial offer, along with flexible work hours.

Before We Conclude….

Please visit my article category RESEARCH CAREERS for various career opportunities for PhD candidates before and after completion of PhD.

Here’s a tabular format listing prominent companies across various domains along with their respective URLs for PhD related career opportunities:

Please note that URLs and job opportunities may change over time, so it’s advisable to visit the respective company websites for the most up-to-date information on job openings and careers.

In this comprehensive exploration, we have dissected the various dimensions of salary expectations after obtaining a PhD. We started by understanding the factors influencing salaries, both within academia and beyond. From field of study and location to industry choice, these factors play a crucial role in determining one’s earning potential. We then examined the diverse salary landscapes in academia, private industry, government, and non-profit sectors. Furthermore, we emphasized the international perspective, shedding light on how salaries differ on a global scale. Lastly, we provided valuable tips on maximizing salary potential through networking, skill development, and effective negotiation.

Armed with the insights presented in this article, we encourage all aspiring and current PhD candidates to delve deeper into the salary landscapes of their respective fields. Further research, consultations with career advisors, and networking within their communities can provide a clearer picture of what to expect post-PhD. Knowledge is the cornerstone of success, and by acquiring a comprehensive understanding of salary expectations, individuals can confidently steer their career paths towards prosperity and fulfilment.

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Top 10 Highest Paying PhD Degrees in 2024

The highest possible degree you can get in any field is a doctorate or a PhD. Obtaining a doctoral degree can help to greatly further your career, but unfortunately, PhDs aren’t always that easy to earn. The average time a doctoral candidate spends to receive their PhD is anywhere from seven to ten years, and during this time, it also becomes a balancing act.

However, if you manage to earn your PhD, you stand to increase your salary by a significant amount. Chances are, you might also find more opportunities in the future.

The best doctorate degrees are always the ones that you’re passionate about. But, if you find yourself asking, “what should I get my PhD in?,” this list of the highest paying PhDs might just help you out if you’re looking to have a lucrative career.

Looking to get a master’s instead? Check out: Highest Paying Master’s Degrees You Can Get in 2024

Table of Contents

What’s the Best PhD to Get?

If you’re trying to figure out the best-paid PhD, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 fields with the highest earning potential.

Here are some quick facts:

• The PhD with the highest mid-career salary is in Chemical Engineering , with an average salary of $146,000 . This field also has a pretty good early career, with the average salary sitting at $96,100 .
• When it comes to the highest early career earnings, a PhD in Computer Science  is your best bet since the average salary is $118,000 . This field also has one of the highest $145,000 .

It’s worth noting that your earning potential in any given field can also depend on your location. For example, a doctorate in computer science might earn you more money in San Francisco or other similar tech hubs. The best PhD degrees, at least for earning potential, can depend on where you intend to work.

Here are the best PhD degrees by salary, ranked from lowest to highest.

Of course, the best doctorate degree for you depends on your particular situation. When answering the question “what should I get my PhD in?,” consider your preferences and interests as well as what you want to do in the future.

Top 10 Highest Paying PhD Degrees

The salary figures of the highest-paid PhD degrees depicted in this article were taken from PayScale and BLS.gov , based on data of those with PhDs.

10) Statistics

Salary in Early Career: $105,000

Salary in Mid Career: $131,000

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: 33%, much faster than average

Statisticians collect and analyze data via various statistical methods. They help various businesses, organizations, and even the healthcare industry collect and interpret data so they can solve problems, strategize, and plan ahead.

If you want a career as a statistician, you’ll need to have an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree at a minimum. Having a PhD in Statistics can help increase your earning potential by giving you an advantage over your peers.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) has the job outlook for mathematicians and statisticians growing by a projected 33% rate throughout 2020-2030. According to their website , this is a much faster growth rate than the average growth other fields are experiencing. It appears that statistics  qualifies for the most in-demand PhD degree — on this list, at least. Therefore we can suggest it as the best PhD for jobs, since it’ll be pretty easy to find one once you graduate.

9) Biomedical Engineering

Salary in Early Career: $88,100

Salary in Mid Career: $133,000

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: 6%, on the low end of average

In simple terms, biomedical engineering is the fusion of engineering, medicine, and biology. In particular, in this field, problem-solving techniques and principles used by engineering are applied to the fields of biology and medicine for healthcare. It’s an interdisciplinary field that is growing in popularity over time.

Biomedical engineering is continually evolving thanks to the constant pursuit of knowledge. Because of this, the field continues to grow and can always use people who know theory and are well versed in the life sciences.

Getting a PhD in this field can open up opportunities for you in a variety of areas. You can work in research, at universities, in manufacturing, and even in hospitals. A doctorate is required if you want to work in research or at universities.

The BLS  states that jobs in the biomedical engineering field are projected to grow at a 6% rate over the following seven years.

Salary in Early Career: $93,700

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: 7%, about average

If you’re interested in becoming a physicist, you’ll definitely need a PhD . Most careers for physicists, particularly in research and academia, require you to have a doctoral degree in the field. You can become a research advisor, a physics professor, a (lead) physicist, or a researcher.

According to the BLS , the job outlook for physicists is looking good. The projections are positive, sitting at a 7% increase until 2024, and this rate is on par with the average national growth rate for most occupations.

7) Engineering

Salary in Early Career: $93,600

Salary in Mid Career: $137,000

The world always needs engineers. However, a doctoral degree is not always necessary if you want to work as an engineer — unless, of course, you want to work in research. Research opportunities in the engineering field are only given to PhD candidates or graduates.

You can choose to go for a general track or a specialty such as materials science, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, and chemical engineering. If you have a PhD in engineering , you can take positions like project manager, engineering director, and specialty positions like aerospace engineer or chemical engineer.

6) Physical Chemistry

Salary in Early Career: $73,600

Salary in Mid Career: $138,000

Although the early career salary for PhD graduates of physical chemistry is one of the lowest on this list, it ramps up and is one of the highest-earning on this list in the mid-career.

But what exactly is physical chemistry?

Physical chemistry is a branch of chemistry that applies the theories and techniques of physics to chemical systems (or the study thereof). It’s the study of the behavior of matter on the atomic and molecular levels. Alongside this, physical chemistry is also the study of chemical reactions.

As a physical chemist, you’ll most likely work in labs and research facilities. These research opportunities are awarded only to those with PhDs, and a PhD can also open the door for even more lucrative careers in high-tech or materials science.

The job growth and outlook for physical chemists are below average. However, the average annual wage makes it one of the most profitable ones.

5) Pharmacology

Salary in Early Career: $75,400

Salary in Mid Career: $141,000

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: -2% decline

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and drug actions, or how drugs work within the body. It’s a branch of biology, medicine, and the pharmaceutical sciences. Having a PhD in pharmacology can help you find careers in research.

PhD programs  in this field often build upon other areas, such as biochemistry, molecular bio, cell bio, physiology, and neuroscience. Depending on the track you choose, you can become a researcher in a particular field.

Pharmacology can also lead you to a career as a pharmacist.

The average early career wages for pharmacists are low because it can depend on location or position. For example, pharmacists who work at grocery stores or drug stores often earn less than their entry-level researcher counterparts.

Unfortunately, the current rate of growth for this field is -2%  from 2020-2030. So while there will still be opportunities, it may be harder to find a job.

4) Electrical Engineering

Salary in Early Career: $103,000

Salary in Mid Career: $144,000

If you have a PhD in electrical engineering, you stand to earn quite a good amount of money. Electrical engineering has one of the highest average early-career salaries and one of the highest mid-career to boot.

Electrical Engineering is the application and study of mathematics  and physics combined with electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity. This discipline deals with the research and design of systems, equipment, and devices that use electricity. The results of electrical engineering are seen in day-to-day life. The advances humanity has made in the field have resulted in modern-day staples like the radio and the television.

A doctorate in engineering can help you go into research. If you are more of an idea generator, you can pursue a career in invention and product development. This discipline had plenty of opportunities in various fields such as transportation, computing, manufacturing, and aviation.

3) Computer Science

Salary in Early Career: $118,000

Salary in Mid Career: $145,000

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: 22%, much faster than average

Computer Science is one of the highest-paying fields, both in early and mid-career salary averages. A doctorate in this field allows graduates to become experts in certain computer science subfields. If you want to get a PhD in this field, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree or a master’s in computer science .

If you choose to research in this field, you’ll need a doctorate to qualify for research opportunities. You can also find non-academic careers as an information research scientist, a hardware engineer, programming, and even robotics. It truly comes as no surprise that Computer Science is one of the best-paid PhD programs considering technology continues to progress over the years.

The job outlook for this field is expected to grow by 22%  until 2030, making it one of the best and most in-demand PhDs on this list

2) Organic Chemistry

Salary in Early Career: $83,400

Salary in Mid Career: $146,000

Organic chemistry shares a spot with #1 for the highest-paying PhD, at least for mid-career salaries. However, early wages are lower, which earns this field its #2 spot on this list.

If you want to pursue a career in organic chemistry, earning a PhD in this field can get you a research position, and you may even find yourself leading a research team. However, to qualify for advanced research positions, you’ll need a PhD in the field from an accredited institution whose programs are approved by the ACS or the American Chemical Society.

You may also find jobs in academia as a professor.

1) Chemical Engineering

Salary in Early Career: $96,100

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: 9%, on the high end of average

Sitting at number one on this list is chemical engineering. This branch of engineering combines various fields into one, and you’ll see physics, chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, and math . This interdisciplinary field helps solve problems related to fuel, food, chemicals, or drugs.

If you earn a PhD in chemical engineering, you may find yourself prepared with expert-level knowledge of the current research findings, practices, and the core fundamentals of the field. After you graduate, you may find opportunities in research and academia and find jobs in areas like biotechnology.

Paying for Your PhD

One obstacle that many doctoral candidates run into is the cost of earning a PhD. If you find yourself wondering how you can afford to pay for your PhD, there are a few common ways you can ease the financial load.

• Student loans  – Many PhD candidates take out student loans to help them afford the tuition and living expenses while working on their doctorate full (or even part) time. You can choose to take out a loan for the full tuition plus living costs, or you can take a smaller loan to cover only a part of the expenses.
• Scholarships, grants, and fellowships  – Savvy PhD candidates seek out scholarships, grants, and fellowship opportunities to help them pay off their tuition and living expenses more easily.

Related: Graduate School Scholarships Guide

• Seek financial support from your employer – Some employers help support their employees’ education by offering partial or full scholarships as they seek higher education. This option may not always be possible, of course, as it depends on the field you are pursuing and whether it has any relation to your current place of employment.
• Teach where you are studying  – One of the most common ways doctoral students earn extra financial support for their studies is through teaching — particularly at the school in which they are studying. Teaching can help students cut down on tuition costs as many educational institutions may offer lower rates for their studies. Some colleges and universities will even offer teaching assistant positions that offer flexibility and enough compensation to cover part of the tuition costs.

Already decided on going to grad school? Here’s everything you need to apply .

Frequently Asked Questions

Which phd has the highest salary.

According to this list of the highest paying PhD degrees, the current most lucrative PhD is Organic Chemistry.

Can PhDs make a lot of money?

Yes, but the road there can be long and winding. There are also many factors that can affect how much you earn, such as your location, industry, position, and even your employer. Additionally, “a lot of money” is relative — what do you consider a lot of money? It may benefit you to check out salary information on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website or on websites like PayScale or Salary.com. Check if the average earnings meet your expectations before making your decision on your PhD.

Is a PhD worth it for salary increases?

The BLS says that in 2020, those with a PhD earned median weekly salaries more than 20%  more than those with just a bachelor’s degree. It can depend on the field and the position, but this does appear to be the case generally. Data also shows that doctorate holders can earn significantly more over their lifetimes. For example, male PhDs earn as much as $1.5 million more  compared to high school graduates. Female PhDs earn $1.1 million more on average.

Do PhDs get paid more than master’s degree holders?

Yes. According to the World Education Services ( WES ), doctorate holders do earn more than those with master’s degrees. However, how much more they earn depends on their field. For example, engineering PhDs only earn 7% more than master’s degree holders in the field. However, in the field of psychology, you can earn up to 33% more if you have a PhD rather than a master’s.

Does job location matter when considering the highest paying doctorate degrees?

In any form of employment, your location matters. In fact, aside from your field or line of work, your location may be the next biggest determinant of your salary. The same is true even if you don’t have a PhD. For example, if you work in the field of information technology or computer science, you’ll most likely have a higher salary in places like San Francisco or Seattle.

You’ll likely find plenty of PhDs in some of the most lucrative industries in a certain city or state. IT and Computer Science PhD holders will often find the highest-paying opportunities in tech hubs  around the country. Geologists will find the highest-paying work in areas rich in natural resources. Researchers, on the other hand, will likely find the best-paying work in areas with research universities and institutions.

Many of the highest-earning jobs for PhDs are located in cities or states where their specific industry is highly supported.

Are there any degrees higher than a PhD?

Nope! The PhD, also known as the doctorate or doctoral degree, is the highest possible academic degree you can earn. PhDs are specialized degrees often earned through research. They demonstrate an extremely high level of understanding of the subject and expertise in your field. A lot of people who earn their PhD usually go on to stay in academia to teach or continue their research.

Choosing the Best Doctoral Degrees

It’s not always about answering the question, “What’s the highest paying PhD?” In the end, choosing the best doctoral degree for you comes down to a matter of preference and interest.

Earning a PhD is seldom easy — but with hard work, you can set yourself up for a bright future ahead with a lucrative yet fulfilling career.

Chriselle Sy

Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications.  When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.

• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ When to Apply for Grad School: Easy Monthly Timeline [2026-2027]
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• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ Graduate Certificate vs Degree: What’s the Difference? [2024 Guide]

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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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How PhD Students Get Paid

The most common questions (and biggest misconceptions) about getting a PhD revolve around money. Maybe you’ve heard that PhD students get paid just to study, or maybe you’ve even heard that PhD students don’t get paid at all.

It makes sense — how you make money as a PhD student is different from most other career routes, and the process can be highly variable depending on your school, discipline and research interests. 

D o PhD students get paid?

Most of the time the answer is yes. PhD programs that don’t offer some form of compensation, like stipends, tuition remission or assistantships, are rare but they do exist. On the other hand, some programs, like a PhD in Economics , are so competitive that unpaid programs are virtually unheard of. 

To help you gain a better understanding of PhD funding and decide if getting a PhD is worth it for you, here are some of the most common examples of how PhD students are paid. 

PhD Stipends

Most PhD programs expect students to study full-time. In exchange, they’re usually offered a stipend — a fixed sum of money paid as a salary — to cover the cost of housing and other living expenses. How much you get as a stipend depends on your university, but a range for the average PhD stipend is usually between $20,000 - $30,000 per year.  

In some cases, your stipend will be contingent upon an assistantship.

Assistantships

A PhD assistantship usually falls into one of two categories: research or teaching. 

For research assistantships , faculty generally determine who and how many assistants they need to complete their research and provide funding for those assistants through their own research grants from outside organizations. 

A teaching assistantship is usually arranged through your university and involves teaching an undergraduate or other class. Assistantships allow graduate students to gain valuable experience leading a classroom, and helps to balance out the university’s stipend costs. 

Fellowships

Fellowships provide financial support for PhD students, usually without the teaching or research requirement of an assistantship. The requirements and conditions vary depending on the discipline, but fellowships are generally merit based and can be highly competitive. Fellowships usually cover at least the cost of your PhD tuition , but some may even pay for scholarly extracurricular activities, like trips, projects or presentations. 

Fellowships can be offered through your university or department as well as outside sources. 

Part-time Employment

PhD candidates don’t commonly have additional employment during their course of study, but it is possible depending on your discipline and the rigor of your program. Flexible, low-demand jobs like freelance writing or tutoring can be a natural fit for many PhD students, and might be flexible enough to balance along with your coursework. 

All in all, it’s fair to say that though the form of payment may be unfamiliar, PhD students do in fact get paid. But keep in mind that while most PhD programs offer some kind of funding for students, it’s not guaranteed. 

Want to know more about how to pay for a PhD ? Explore our Guide to Choosing and Applying for PhD Programs . 

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How are PhD students meant to survive on two-thirds of the minimum wage?

Lecturer in Applied Mathematics and Physics, Griffith University

Associate Dean Learning and Teaching, College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University

Disclosure statement

Nathan Garland has previously received funding from an Australian Postgraduate Award.

Shaun Belward works for James Cook University. He received an Australian Postgraduate Research Award to study a PhD in the 1990s and has also benefitted from federally funded learning and teaching grants.

James Cook University and Griffith University provide funding as members of The Conversation AU.

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Over the decades, supportive parents of Australian students on the cusp of graduating from their undergraduate studies have occasionally been struck by a bewildering decision by their pride and joy. Instead of pursuing an appetising salary in a prestigious company, their student has instead decided to do the unthinkable: they’re going to do a PhD. Where’s the money in that? What will we tell the neighbours?

A PhD program is foremost a training experience. A PhD student works a full-time apprenticeship ( 38 hours a week on average) in their chosen research field, guided by expert mentors along the way. While the choice to enter a PhD program is primarily based on a student wanting to upskill and learn, much like the choice to pursue an undergraduate degree, the starting point, method of study and outputs of a PhD are very different.

In Australia, the standard scheme to fund the living costs of PhD candidates is a tax-free stipend from their university. The university is allocated the funds via the Research Training Program (RTP) .

This stipend is now $28,854 a year (indexed annually against inflation). That’s only two-thirds of the national minimum wage after last week’s increase to $42,246.88 .

Read more: This 5.2% decision on the minimum wage could shift the trajectory for all

In weekly terms an income of $554.88 puts PhD candidates well below the poverty line of $608.96 for a single person if they have to pay for housing. Further, it’s close to an all-time low of 30% as a proportion of average full-time earnings.

In 2017 a sliding scale of stipends was introduced. Looking at the websites of the 39 members of Universities Australia in June 2022, it is encouraging to see a few universities offer higher rates than the required minimum for their PhD programs. However, most universities still mandate the lowest base rate.

A fair shake of the sauce bottle

This funding arrangement has been in place for some time, serving the community reasonably well. However, in the current economic climate of uncertainty, rising costs of living, skyrocketing rents and the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase the minimum wage by 5.2%, it is worth comparing historical stipend rates , dating back to 1959, with other relevant yardsticks of income.

To make a fair comparison, we could scale up historically recorded weekly average , median and minimum wages over a 52-week year, noting that most Australian PhD programs permit 20 days of paid personal leave per year. Below, we see how these annual incomes have evolved over time since the inception of the PhD stipend.

Alternately, we can plot the PhD base rate and minimum wage as proportions of the average full-time income. Also shown is the consumer price index (CPI) as a standard measure of inflation, to give us some context – especially at this time of soaring living costs.

At present, PhD stipends languish far below the minimum wage, even allowing for tax on the minimum wage (take off roughly $4,600 for the new minimum wage). The PhD stipend is at a near historical low when compared to the average full-time annual income.

Clearly, from the historical trends in the above graphs, things weren’t always this bad. The minimum wage and PhD stipend values have been comparable, but now they are well and truly detached.

Read more: Is it a good time to be getting a PhD? We asked those who've done it

Most PhD candidates have already done four or five years of university studies and have advanced, valuable skill sets. Being asked to live far below minimum wage seems a little unfair.

It’s also worth considering the overall benefits and impacts of knowledge generated a PhD student generates. They produce journal articles throughout their PhD project. Being told to survive well below minimum wage, while making valuable contributions to society and the future of Australia, doesn’t sound like a fair go for those who have a go, as a former prime minister once said .

Read more: 1 in 5 PhD students could drop out. Here are some tips for how to keep going

But there is hope

While these trends and current situations don’t make for happy reading, there is hope, and precedent for change. The above graphs show the Rudd-Gillard Labor governments arrested the free-fall in PhD stipend value around 2009. This happened in response to a proposal by the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations after PhD students fell below the poverty line for the first time.

Looking abroad to Europe , countries like the UK, Germany and Italy show us it is possible to value the hard work of research students at universities.

Read more: Australia can get a better return on its investment in PhD graduates

The COVID-19 pandemic allowed us to consider the immediate relevance of cutting-edge science, technology and medical research. As the world waited for an end to lockdowns and uncertainty, PhD students were making vital contributions to help find a way out of our global predicament. Although usually in a supporting capacity, their role required a significantly advanced and niche skill set.

Some of these PhD students across Australia probably could have made a bit more money working fewer hours if they did run off and join the circus instead, but we’re lucky they didn’t.

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8 best PhDs that offer the highest stipends

The best PhDs not only open the gates to knowledge but also offer some of the most generous stipends to help you achieve your dream. These stipends are not just numbers; they are the lifeboat allowing you to dive headfirst into your studies without worrying about the financial tides. 

Think of the great minds that have treaded the PhD path before you – Marie Curie, Albert Einstein and Martin Luther King Jr. The secret to their success wasn’t just their brilliance; it was the support they received during their PhD journeys. 

A stipend can be the catalyst for greatness, allowing you to focus on your research, collaborate with brilliant minds, and turn your academic dreams into reality. 

The best PhDs give you more than just a qualification. It acts as a catalyst to greatness.

Types of PhD stipends

When it comes to stipends, there are two main types: financial and non-financial. Financial stipends are a helping hand for students, given without needing any specific work in return.

They appear as financial assistance on your statement at the end of the year.

On the flip side, there are stipends given in exchange for the work you put in at the university. These aren’t considered financial aid; instead, they’re like salaries 

You might be wondering if your stipend is subject to taxation. Well, it depends on the type. If it’s a financial stipend, it’s generally not taxable. It’s like a gift to help you out.

However, if your stipend is in exchange for your university efforts, like work or research, it’s considered income and is subject to taxation.

The best PhDs have great stipends — which you should treat as a package. Source: AFP

PhD stipends: It’s a package

Your PhD stipend is made up of several important components to support you through your academic journey.

The living stipend is the main part, covering your accommodation, food, transportation and other daily needs.

It’s the primary source of financial support, and how much you get can vary based on factors like location, school, major and cost of living. 

The tuition waiver or fellowship is a significant perk considering the often hefty costs of a PhD education, especially in fields like Chemistry or other STEM subjects.

Health insurance is another crucial part of the package, ensuring you have access to affordable medical care to keep you healthy and productive. 

Then there’s the research grant or funding, providing extra money for things like textbooks, research materials, and conference fees.

As you delve into your academic journey, you might also find yourself as a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA), gaining work experience and building valuable professional connections.

So, your PhD stipend isn’t just about the financial support – it’s a comprehensive package designed to nurture and propel you forward in your academic pursuits.

The most powerful people in the world listen to those with the best PhDs. In this photo, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US First Lady Jill Biden listen to Anchal Sharma, a PhD candidate at the Indian Institute of Technology. Source: AFP

PhD stipends: More than just financial aid  

It’s important to treat your PhD stipend as something more than just scholarship money or salary.

Consider investing in specialised training courses or workshops relevant to your field.

Use your stipend to enrol in programmes that deepen your expertise and introduce you to the latest trends.

Think of it as adding layers to your professional skillset, making you a sought-after expert in your field.

Another useful way to make good use of your PhD stipend is by attending conferences and networking events.

Allocate registration fees, travel and accommodation funds to immerse yourself in a sea of knowledge and connections.

Conferences are like treasure troves of insights, letting you learn from industry leaders and exchange ideas with peers.

Networking at these events can open doors to collaborations, job opportunities and a broader understanding of your field.

Your stipend is a golden ticket, allowing you to actively participate in your professional community and stay updated on cutting-edge developments. 

Salary vs stipend

Your salary is like a regular paycheck you get for your job – it’s consistent, predictable and typically based on the hours you work or the tasks you complete.

It’s your stable income, like a steady river flowing into your bank account.

On the other hand, a stipend is more like a fund for a specific purpose, usually tied to education, research or training.

It’s not your regular 9-to-5 wage. It’s an allowance to support you in certain activities, such as pursuing a degree, researching, or attending professional development opportunities.

While a salary is your everyday bread and butter, a stipend is more like the extra toppings – there for a specific reason and not necessarily a routine.

So, who gets to hop on the stipend train? Usually, it’s candidates who are engaged in specific activities that need a bit of financial backing.

Students diving into research, interns honing their skills, or anyone pursuing specialised training are likely candidates.

Stipends often aim to support learning, growth or projects rather than being your everyday paycheck. It’s like a boost for those dedicating their time and effort to something beyond their regular work.

So, if you’re on a mission to deepen your knowledge, contribute to research or enhance your skills in a particular field, chances are you could receive a stipend.

When it comes to PhD programmes, the pay and stipends can vary . Generally, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) PhD programmes offer higher stipends than other fields.

For example, in the US, institutions like MIT and Stanford are known for generous stipends for STEM candidates. These stipends often cover tuition, living expenses and even healthcare. 

The best PhDs can help you develop valuable transferrable skills which are valuble in the working world. Source: ETX

1. Stanford University

Stanford University is renowned for having the best PhD programmes in the world. This is mainly due to the fact that it offers one of the highest stipends globally, securing its position as a top-tier institution for doctoral candidates. 

In the 2020/2021 academic year, PhD students at Stanford University received a stipend or teaching assistantship of US$45,850 , marking it the world’s highest-paid PhD stipend.

Newly admitted PhD candidates automatically qualify for financial assistance for up to five years, provided they maintain a good academic record and meet the stipend requirements.

This support of fellowship salary, research or teaching assistantship showcases the university’s dedication to offering one of the most competitive PhD stipends.

Stipends are distributed shortly after students meet the minimum enrolment requirements, and any obligatory expenses, such as university housing rent, are deducted before the stipend is issued. 

Earning a PhD can be costly both in terms of time and money, and it may take several years to complete a successful doctoral programme. Source: ETX

2. Princeton University

Embarking on a PhD at Princeton University promises academic excellence — and positions you among recipients of one of the highest-paid stipends in the US. 

In February, The Daily Princetonian reported that the Princeton Graduate Students United (PGSU) has announced that the university will raise some graduate student stipends by US$5,000 in the 2023/24 academic year.

This made the annual stipend rate for this academic year b etween US$47,880 and US$50,400 .  

If you’re a new incoming graduate student, you’ll be paid your first fellowship stipend in full for the month of August .

The best PhDs can help students build relationships with professionals in their field, learn about job opportunities and gain insight into industry trends and best practices. Source: ETX

3. University Of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina is a top institution with one of the best PhD programmes, offering some of the highest stipends to its students. 

From 2022, the university’s minimum total stipend has been US$34,000.

This makes the minimum monthly rate of at least US$3,778 for programmes that operate on a nine-month schedule and US$2,834 for those on a 12-month schedule.

There’s a “Provost Fellowship Top Off” valued at US$2,000, bringing a student’s stipend to at least US$36,000.

The university’s commitment extends to various scholarships, including the IRIX/David L. Coffen Fellowship and the Jerome D. Odom Fellowship, both in the field of chemistry.

The highest-qualified candidates are considered for Presidential Fellowships.

4. Rice University 

Rice University stands out by offering departmental stipends for qualified PhD candidates — amounting up to US$40,000 per year .

Candidates earn this by working as a research/teaching assistant for an assigned faculty member while maintaining full-time student status and continue making satisfactory progress toward their PhD.

The best PhDs will help you learn about yourself, about others and about the world around you. Source: AFP

5. University of Houston

With an annual stipend of US$31,000 annually , the financial support provided at the University of Houston is substantial. 

The Graduate Tuition Fellowship (GTF) further enhances the financial package for eligible students, covering tuition and fees, resulting in a net annual benefit of US$20,800.

Meeting a 3.00 grade point average and working as a graduate assistant are prerequisites for GTF eligibility, proving the university’s dedication to maintaining academic excellence among its doctoral candidates.

The fellowship covers nine semester credit hours (SCH) in the fall and spring semesters and six in the summers. 

6. Ohio University 

Ohio University’s financial support for PhD students is among the most generous in the country –surpassing over 1,000 other universities.

Here, s tipends come in different forms. Examples are teaching assistantships, research assistantships and graduate assistantships. 

At the School of Communication Studies , for example, eight to 12 new students are offered graduate assistantships that provide a full tuition waiver and a stipend of approximately US$16,100 per academic year.

A PhD degree holds high value in the job market as well as in the research world. Source: AFP

7. Boston University 

At Boston University, all PhD students in good standing are guaranteed the following:

• five years of stipend support
• 100% tuition scholarship
• a health insurance credit

How much? That varies by PhD programmes but its website states a range from US$27,318 for eight months to US$40,977 for 12 months for the 2024/25 academic year.

8. Cornell University 

For the 2023/24 academic year, Cornell graduate assistantship and fellowship stipends grew by 8% . 

This made the minimum 12-month assistantship rate US$43,326 and increased the minimum nine-month academic year stipend to US$32,494.

Here, a graduate assistantship refers to “ an academic appointment requiring 15 to 20 hours a week , averaging no more than 15 hours per week for the base stipend as established by the Board of Trustees.” They receive full tuition credit and a stipend.

Meanwhile, a fellowship refers to an “arrangement in which financial support is given to a graduate student to pursue his or her degree without any obligation on the part of the student to engage in teaching and/or research in furtherance of the university’s academic mission.”

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PhD, Postdoc, and Professor Salaries in the Netherlands

Salaries at Dutch universities are set at the national level and listed in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO-NU). An academic’s place on the salary scale   is determined by their position, qualifications, and experience. The salaries listed in this article are pre-tax. Dutch salaries are supplemented by an 8% holiday allowance (paid in May or June) and an 8.3% end-of-year allowance (paid in December). Income tax is high—either 36.5% or 52%—however foreign academics are often eligible for the 30% scheme which allows them to receive the first 30% of their salary tax-free.

Promovendus

A PhD student in the Netherlands is called a promovendus . A Dutch PhD usually takes four years to complete. As PhD candidates are seen as employees rather than students and usually hold the position of Assistant-in-Opleiding (AiO) or Onderzoeker-in-Opleiding (OiO).

A PhD student earns €2,448 to €3,128 per month.

After earning their PhD, many researchers go on to a postdoc often at another university or in another country. A postdoc is a continuation of the researcher’s training that allows them to further specialize in a particular field and learn new skills and techniques. A Dutch postdoc lasts two years.

The salary range for a postdoc is €3,821 to €5,230 per month ( scale 11 ).

Universitair docent

This position is equivalent to the rank of assistant professor and is the first permanent academic position. The initial contract is often for four years at which point the academic is evaluated and their position may become permanent. If the position becomes permanent, it is not uncommon to stay in this position until retirement.

Tenure-track universitair docent positions were initially introduced due to many Dutch academic jobs being temporary and job security being perceived very low. A more experienced candidate with the potential to become a universitair hoofddocent can become a tenure-track universitair docent . After four to six years their performance is evaluated and those who have published and received major grants are promoted to universitair hoofddocent .

The salary scales for a universitair docent ranges from €3,821 to €5,943 per month ( scale 11 and 12 ) depending on qualifications and experience level.

Universitair hoofddocent

A universitair hoofddocent is equivalent in rank to an associate professor. Traditionally to become a universitair hoofddocen t, a universitair docent had to apply for a vacant position. However it is now possible to be promoted to this position based on performance. This is a permanent position and it is not uncommon to remain a universitair hoofddocent until retirement.

The salary scales for a universitair hoofddocent ranges from €5,294 to €7,097 per month ( scale 13 and 14 ) depending on qualifications and experience level.

A hoogleraar is equivalent to a full professor and is at the top of the Dutch professorial hierarchy. They have substantial research accomplishments that have established them as an international or national leader in their field. The position is similar to that of a department chair in that a hoogleraar supervises all the other professors in their department or group. They are also the only ones who can supervise PhD dissertations. Unlike the American tenure system, there is no automatic promotion to hoogleraar . To become one, a universitair hoofddocent has to apply for a vacant position.

The salary scales for a hoogleraar ranges from €5,864 to €10,309 per month ( scale H2 and H1 ) depending on qualifications and experience level.  

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In most countries, a doctoral candidate is considered a student who studies. But in the Netherlands, PhD candidates are traditionally researchers employed by a university to complete a dissertation or thesis. These job vacancies are posted online, and you will need to apply as if you would for any other job. Since these jobs allow you to complete your PhD degree while earning a salary and without paying tuition fees, they are highly competitive. Therefore, you should prepare your application carefully. Once you are hired, your research will be conducted on the topic specified in the vacancy and in conjunction with a faculty, research institute or research school. Most candidates complete their PhD within four years. 

Many graduates find PhD positions through:

• Academic Transfer website  
• research-intensive master’s programmes
• contacting individual faculties directly

Please note that you must either be eligible for employment in the Netherlands or obtain a knowledge worker visa to qualify for a paid PhD position. To learn more about Dutch research and higher education, you can read a Beginner's Guide to Dutch Academia .

Practical matters

In the support section, you can find out more about practical matters, such as:

• accommodation
• visas & work permits
• professional development
• living in Maastricht

  Visit support for PhDs

Working climate according to our PhDs

Maastricht University is a young and dynamic university, and we pride ourselves on our teamwork and collegiality. As a PhD candidate, you will be treated as a colleague, not a student. You will be an integral member of our vibrant academic community. 

Check out the video to hear what our PhDs say about working at Maastricht University.

Overview of PhD vacancies

Below is an overview of some of the PhD vacancies on the Academic Transfer website. Please note that this may not be a full list of the available vacancies. Also, vacancies for English-speaking candidates are sometimes placed on the Dutch section of Academic Transfer , so it is best to check the listings in both languages.  

More vacancies

  View all of Maastricht University's vacancies on Academic Transfer .

Is a PhD In Statistics Worth It?

At face value, a statistics PhD seems like a sound career investment, the ticket to higher paying jobs and career growth.

It’s no surprise, then, that one of the most common questions we hear is: Are statistics PhD programs worth it for data science jobs?

If we’re just looking at PhD in statistics salaries, sure, from a purely financial perspective, a PhD might be a good investment in your data science career. There’s a strong financial case you can make for earning one.

But beyond the great statistics PhD salary data, there are many other variables that make the answer a little less clear. When you think about the time commitment - almost 8 years - and the average salaries between master’s and PhD students in statistics, you’ll see that there are a number of trade-offs and that the bump in earnings isn’t so significant as to be a no-brainer.

That’s not to say there aren’t tons of great benefits of a PhD, because there are. For one, a PhD provides much more specialized knowledge, which can help you land competitive, more senior-level jobs. (It’s a preferred qualification for many Google jobs, in fact.) And of course, the average starting salaries for statistics PhDs are very enticing.

To help answer the question, “Is a PhD worth it?” we took a closer look at salaries for data scientists and statistics PhDs, as well as some of the pros and cons of pursuing a PhD for your data science career.

PhD In Stats: Salary Comparison

It’s probably not all that surprising that a PhD can increase your earnings, often by 2X or 3X. That’s really across the board, in all industries. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median weekly pay for a PhD ($1,885) was 45% higher than bachelor’s ($1,305) in 2020.

When you take a closer look at PhDs by field, though, PhDs in math and statistics have some of the best starting salaries in any industry. According to 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients data , recipients of a PhD in statistics have an average median starting salary of $140,000 (when pursuing a job in industry). That’s better than business administration, economics, and engineering:

A PhD also results in a pretty big bump in salary compared to just earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree. For instance, median salaries for statistics PhD are two times that of bachelor’s recipients and 1.5 times that of master’s of statistics recipients:

In other words, if you’re looking at the question through a purely financial lens, yes, a PhD in statistics is worth it.

But there’s one caveat. The lifetime earnings of a PhD vs a master’s recipient in statistics isn’t all too significant (on average about $3.6 million vs $3.45 million).

PhD in Stats: The Skills Bump

A big reason why starting salaries are so good for statistics PhDs is that your knowledge will be much more specialized.

Master’s in statistics programs tend to provide broad knowledge in the field. You’ll get a strong foundation of the fundamentals, and become well-versed in many different statistical concepts and methodologies. But you likely won’t get the depth of knowledge that you would from a PhD program.

A PhD differs quite a bit, and these programs are built around research. Here’s how it usually works: After completing initial coursework (usually 2 years), you’ll choose an area to focus your research. And then, you’ll spend 3-5 years researching that topic and preparing a dissertation on it.

The difference in focus, therefore, provides you with very specialized knowledge, and that’s a big reason why starting PhD salaries tend to be so high.

Is It Worth It? Delayed Earnings and Career Goals

Of course, the biggest trade-off in getting all this knowledge is the time commitment. PhD candidates in statistics spend nearly a decade – 7.75 years on average – earning the credential.

And that commitment is something you have to consider to really know if it’s worth it to you. Do you want to make this time commitment and spend the next 8 years researching a topic?

As a master’s recipient, you’ll gain a lot of useful professional skills and can jump right into a career. Sure, you might fully understand advanced statistical methodologies, but you will have a strong grasp of the fundamentals. And you can learn a lot to advance your career with professional development and on-the-job training.

Although they spend a lot of time researching a topic, PhDs do have one advantage: They’re often qualified for more senior-level data science jobs. At Google, for example, a PhD is a preferred qualification for many of their data science jobs, and that’s increasingly true for many FAANG companies.

A PhD Is a Good Investment, But With One Caveat

There’s a lot of reasons why you might consider a PhD in statistics. Salaries, for one, are some of the highest in data science , and job growth for statisticians is about 30% year-over-year. You’ll also have a lot of specialized knowledge that will increase your worth and prepare you for senior-level positions.

But here’s the caveat:

Even if you earn a PhD, you’ll still have a skills gaps that you need to fill, especially if you’re interested in a career in data science. There will skills - like coding or machine learning - that you might need to brush up on.

So if you’re expecting that a PhD is a ticket to a FAANG job, it’s not. But the specialized knowledge that it brings is, increasingly, a preferred qualification.

If you want to read more topics that are similar to this one, consider reading more through our blog where we dive into topics such as our PostgreSQL Interview Questions Guide , Machine Learning Case Studies , and even this article on ‘ Is Data Science a Good Career? ’

Learn and grow more by using resources here at Interview Query !

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phd candidate salaries in Switzerland

• Doctoral students in Switzerland receive, as a guideline, between CHF 3,920 and CHF 6,690 gross per month, based on a 100% employment rate.
• The median salary (50% earn more and 50% earn less) is CHF 53,000 gross per year and CHF 4,417 per month.
• Depending on the institution and field of research and depending on how the PhD is funded (SNF-scholarship, assistanceship etc.), the loan can have a wide range. PhD candidates in exact sciences (computer science, mathematics, physics, ...) and medecine are usually better paid than PhD candidates in life sciences, chemistry, arts and humanities. However, the salary and the working conditions depend on the exact contract you have.
• Please consider, that PhD candidates often have only a 50% employment.

Salary comparison

In comparison to a doctoral candidates, a masters graduate who is employed outside the university, earns significantly more:

• The annual gross salary (median) for master graduates at university level (all economic sectors, all positions, all regions), 1 year after graduation in 2020 is: 78’400 CHF
• The annual gross salary (median) for master graduates from universities of applied sciences 1 year after graduation in 2020 is: 84’000 CHF

But a graduated PhD then starts with a higher salary:

• The annual gross salary (median) for PhDs 1 year after graduation in 2020 is: 93’100 CHF

Source: FOS / ETHZ / lohnanalyse.ch

• Usual working time in Switzerland: 42 hours per week.
• Holidays: Legally 4 weeks per year. Some companies give 5 weeks.
• For further information, see our sections PhD in Switzerland , postdoc in Switzerland and professor in Switzerland .
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PhD candidate wins NSF Fellowship Award for Ocean Engineering paper

PhD candidate Kyle Marlantes for his National Science Foundation (NSF) Fellowship Award for the presentation of his work on hybrid force-correcting machine learning methods at the IACM 2023 Mechanic Machine Learning and Digital Engineering for Computational Science Engineering and Technology Conference. The work demonstrated how a force-correcting approach can be used to learn nonlinear damping,…

Nicole Panyard

PhD candidate Kyle Marlantes for his National Science Foundation (NSF) Fellowship Award for the presentation of his work on hybrid force-correcting machine learning methods at the IACM 2023 Mechanic Machine Learning and Digital Engineering for Computational Science Engineering and Technology Conference.

The work demonstrated how a force-correcting approach can be used to learn nonlinear damping, restoring, and added mass terms from roll decay time series data, and in turn, improve the accuracy of predicted roll response amplitude operators (RAOs) which are commonly used by industry to perform seakeeping analysis on vessels. Roll is often the most important motion when it comes to ship operability and safety, but it is also one of the most difficult to predict accurately due to nonlinearity.

Read the paper now published in the Journal of Ocean Engineering. https://bit.ly/3WysTqG

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Tim Walz’s Finances Don’t Look Anything Like a Typical Politician’s

He’s still far below where a 60-year-old should be if they want to retire..

When presidential candidate Kamala Harris announced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her vice president, the internet went wild with clips of him at the state fair with his daughter, throwing out the first pitch at a Minnesota Twins game, and fixing his car .

His policies, personal life, and, of course, his finances also got put under a microscope.

And one of the most surprising things that people discovered? Neither Walz nor his wife, Gwen, own any investments. No stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds. No cryptocurrency, REITs, or even any personal real estate. He sold his house to move into the governor’s mansion—so he technically doesn’t even own a home, just like one-third of Americans. And with home prices and mortgage interest rates remaining high, that American dream may stay unattainable .

And while Walz’s down-home, aw-shucks demeanor has captivated America, it’s also a sharp reminder of how different his finances are from those of the average politician.

With a net worth between $112,003 and $330,000 , Walz sits far below his peers. Research shows that the average net worth for congresspeople and senators is around $1 million.

If we’re estimating that Walz’s net worth is on the high end of that—$330,000—he’s still far below where a typical 60-year-old should be if they want to retire.

And while Walz does not have a 401(k), IRA, or taxable brokerage account, he does have a pension, which seems to be his sole source of retirement funds.

Nowadays, the pension is a relic. Only about 15 percent of private-sector workers have access to a pension, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Teachers—like Walz—and other government workers are the most common types of employees to receive pension benefits. Members of the military—also like Walz, a former member of the National Guard —may also qualify for lifetime pensions.

But a pension isn’t a salve for all your financial problems. Even a government pension may not be enough to cover all your expenses in retirement. You typically have to work in a job for a certain number of years to qualify for a pension. This can result in two scenarios: You work a job you hate to qualify for a pension or you leave early and have to start your retirement savings from scratch.

Even if you do qualify for a pension, the amount you receive may not keep up with inflation. Plus, some states don’t enroll teachers in Social Security because they are covered by a government pension, so they won’t receive those benefits when they get older.

A basic rule of thumb is that you should save between 10 and 15 percent of your income for retirement. If your pension doesn’t meet those standards, then you should beef up your savings with an IRA.

Talking to a financial planner can help you understand your pension better. You can find a qualified financial planner through the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors , which keeps a list of financial planners who have a fiduciary duty to their clients. You can even look for some who specializes in working with people with pensions.

Walz is definitely an outlier when it comes to politicians, many of whom come from wealthy family backgrounds or made a killing before entering politics. That makes him a perfect analog to the average American.

He’s also aware that members of Congress often have special access to insider information that they can use to make profitable stock trades. When he was a member of the House of Representatives, he was a huge proponent of the STOCK Act , which was signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2012 and tries to make congressional investment trades more public to improve transparency.

Worries about Congressional insider trading have also sparked the introduction of more potential legislation, like the ETHICS Act , which would ban congresspeople from owning individual stocks and other types of investments.

So even if Walz doesn’t get into stock trading like many of his fellow politicians, at least he has a chance to keep saving for retirement. The current salary for the vice president is $235,100 .

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A Financial Tale of Two Potential Vice Presidents

JD Vance and Tim Walz both came from modest backgrounds, but they have had very different trajectories when it comes to their personal fortunes.

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By Sharon LaFraniere

After JD Vance was elected to the Senate from Ohio in 2022, he and his wife bought a five-bedroom house — their third home — for $1.6 million in Alexandria, Va., not far from the Capitol. Their real estate agent told a local magazine that the buyers paid in cash.

When Tim Walz was elected governor of Minnesota four years earlier, his family was living in a heavily mortgaged Cape Cod-style house, with one room rented out, about 90 miles from Minneapolis. After moving into the governor’s mansion, they sold the house for $304,000 — less than the asking price.

These real estate transactions are just one example of the vast gulf in wealth between the two vice-presidential candidates. On their tax return for 2023, the Walzes reported $299,000 in income, more than they had declared in years. Mr. Vance, a multimillionaire, had more than that in just his checking accounts the year before, according to his most recent financial disclosure form.

That distinction could come into play in battleground states like Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, where both campaigns are hoping the vice-presidential candidates can present an Everyman appeal to Midwestern and rural voters.

But one running mate is rich and the other far from it — and Mr. Walz, a former teacher, is already emphasizing the difference. Appearing with Vice President Kamala Harris, in Philadelphia on Tuesday, he said Mr. Vance “had his career funded by Silicon Valley millionaires,” adding: “Come on, that’s not what Middle America is.”

Mr. Vance, former President Donald J. Trump’s running mate, has been campaigning this week in the same states as Ms. Harris and Mr. Walz. Luke Schroeder, a spokesman for Mr. Vance, said the senator “earned his own success.” He continued: “Tim Walz knows better. His insult of Senator Vance is an insult to every American who has worked hard to overcome adversity.”

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Harris makes history as first Black woman, Asian American presidential nominee

WASHINGTON − The party votes have been cast: Vice President Kamala Harris is officially the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee − making U.S. history as the first Black woman and first Asian American from a major party to win that designation.

Harris secured the Democratic nomination on Friday afternoon, receiving the majority of votes − at least 2,350 − from her party's delegates, just one day after voting opened. The Democratic National Committee held a livestream video hosted by Biden campaign aides and DNC chairman Jaime Harrison to mark the occasion.

"I am honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States," Harris said moments after she passed the delegate threshold during a Democratic party-sponsored livestream phone call. "Your dedication cannot be overstated. Your dedication to our country. I know we all feel this way so strongly. We love our country, we believe in the promise of America, and that's what this campaign is about."

Harris said she will officially accept the nomination next week, once the virtual voting period concludes on Monday. She added that she's looking forward to the Democratic National Convention that begins Aug. 19 in Chicago to "have an opportunity to celebrate this historic moment together."

Harris, 59, catapulted to the top of the ticket after President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential election on July 21. Harris will go on to face Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump , the 45th president, in November.

Vice President Harris quickly gained the backing of top leaders in her party, including Biden, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She's also been raking in record-breaking donations less than two weeks into her candidacy.

The DNC began a virtual roll call on Thursday at 9 a.m. for delegates to vote for Harris as the party’s candidate. Delegates still have until the deadline on Monday at 6 p.m. ET to return their ballots.

“I am so proud to confirm that Vice President Harris has earned more than a majority of votes from all convention delegates and will be the nominee of the Democratic Party,” Harrison said during the livestream.

He added: “Today, my friends, is special because we can proudly say that we will have the first woman of color at the top of a major party ticket.”

Even before voting opened, Harris had accumulated more than enough delegate support to win the nomination. 

Harris is expected to announce a vice presidential candidate before she is scheduled to appear in Philadelphia on Tuesday with her highly anticipated running mate. Additional stops next week for the duo are planned for western Wisconsin; Detroit; Raleigh, N.C.; Savannah, Ga.; Phoenix; and Las Vegas.

The DNC imposed a Wednesday deadline to virtually confirm the party's presidential and vice presidential nominees ahead of the Democratic National Convention later this month.

With less than 100 days until the election, the race between the two candidates is heating up.

Trump, the Republican nominee, and Harris are in a dead heat in several competitive, battleground states. 

The former president has come out swinging against the Democratic candidate. During a combative interview on Wednesday at the National Association of Black Journalists annual conference, Trump used racist rhetoric toward Harris, questioning her racial identity . Harris, who slammed Trump's remarks, is Black and of South Asian descent.

Harris is facing an uptick in racist and misogynistic attacks after she became the leading candidate for the Democrats.

Trump and GOP allies have labeled Harris as a “DEI candidate” − a talking point using the acronym for diversity, equity and inclusion that conservatives are using to disqualify people of color or women who ascend to positions of power and influence. 

Days after Harris became the Democratic candidate, a video of Sen. JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, resurfaced that implied Harris was among top Democrats who were “childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they’ve made.” 

Vance made those comments during an appearance on Fox News' "Tucker Carlson Tonight" in July 2021 while he was running for Ohio's U.S. Senate seat. He said at the time that “the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children." Harris is the stepmother of two children.

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Regents announce Suresh Garimella as U of A presidential candidate

Suresh Garimella

The Arizona Board of Regents announced today that Suresh Garimella , president of the University of Vermont, is a candidate for the position of 23rd president of the University of Arizona.

As president of the University of Vermont, Garimella more than doubled the university's research enterprise and strengthened state and community relationships. Garimella is a professor of mechanical engineering and a highly cited scholar and researcher, who has continued to focus on teaching and mentoring students as president, annually leading an undergraduate seminar class in civil discourse and continuing to supervise Ph.D. students. 

Prior to his time at UVM, Garimella was executive vice president of research and partnerships and a distinguished professor at Purdue University, where he helped build the university's research enterprise and online footprint and diversified its funding sources.   

The board will interview Garimella on Friday, Aug. 9, from 7-9 a.m. After the interview in executive session, the board may reconvene in public session, which will be  available via livestream and posted on  the board's YouTube channel in the following days. 

"The board and search committee were impressed by the exceptional caliber of prospects aspiring to lead the University of Arizona into a new era of excellence," said ABOR Chair Cecilia Mata, who served on the search committee. "After a thorough search process, Dr. Garimella displays the visionary leadership qualities and a record of distinguished scholarship necessary to lead the U of A into its next chapter."  

The U of A Search Advisory Committee has met numerous times over the last five months, vetting all presidential prospects, informed by feedback provided by the community. Throughout the search, ABOR and the search committee  engaged community members and stakeholders during 19 listening tour sessions, dozens of individual meetings, three public town halls, and through emails and a campuswide survey, resulting in feedback from more than 4,200 students, employees and community members. In addition, search committee members have connected with their networks and constituencies throughout the process.   

"It has been a joy to represent the U of A during the search for our next president, and I'm delighted by the collaboration and consideration of ABOR and my colleagues on the search committee," said presidential search committee   member Joellen Russell , U of A Distinguished Professor of Geosciences. "We ended with a deep pool of amazing prospects, and I'm so pleased Dr. Garimella has accepted an interview with ABOR. As a sitting president of a fellow land-grant university and eminent scholar, his interest in this job means that he sees the potential and strength of this multicultural powerhouse in the desert that is the University of Arizona."  

University President Robert C. Robbins announced in April that he would step down after fulfilling the terms of his current contract, set to end in June 2026, or before that if ABOR were to name a successor sooner. 

Additional information about the U of A presidential search can be found on the ABOR website , and comments on the search may be sent to  [email protected] . 

Additional information:

• Learn more about Garimella
• Presidential search community feedback  
• Presidential Search Advisory Committee
• Arizona Board of Regents YouTube channel

Resources for the Media

ABOR Media Relations [email protected]

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