New Minimum Stipend Levels for Postdoctoral Researchers for FY2025
The new minimum stipend levels established by Penn for postdoctoral researchers, fellows, and NRSA fellows, effective July 1, 2024 (FY2025) are shown below. These levels are set annually by the Vice Provost for Research in consultation with the Provost’s Council on Research, representing all the schools of the University.
Starting FY2025, the new minimum stipend levels at Penn will be:
| Years of Experience | Penn Minimum Stipend | NIH Minimum Stipend |
| 0 | $66,300 | $61,008 |
| 1 | $66,810 | $61,428 |
| 2 | $67,320 | $61,884 |
| 3 | $67,830 | $64,356 |
| 4 | $68,340 | $66,492 |
The new stipend levels will be effective starting July 1, 2024. Departmental and school administrators must ensure that stipends are adjusted accordingly upon hire or reappointment dates.
These increases align the University with the NIH’s strategy to raise the minimum stipend level to begin at $70,000 for the first year of postdoctoral training over the next 3-5 years, as recommended by the NIH Advisory Committee to the Director.
Please note the following:
- Postdocs currently being paid the minimum stipend level for their years of experience will typically receive an average 2.77% increase in their stipend amount when reappointed.
- Additional increases to stipend amounts can be negotiated at the discretion of the PI or mentor.
- Prior experience as a postdoc at another institution should be included when determining the appropriate stipend level for a new appointee at Penn.
- In cases where a funding sponsor mandates stipend levels higher than the University minimum, mentors are obligated to pay the higher amount.
We are committed to providing a supportive environment that promotes the success and well-being of our postdoctoral researchers.