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Stipend Levels

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Description

The new minimum stipend levels established by Penn for postdoctoral researchers, fellows, and NRSA fellows, effective July 1, 2025 (FY2026), 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.

The new stipend levels take effect starting July 1, 2025. Departmental and school administrators must ensure that stipends are adjusted for hire or reappointment dates occurring on or after July 1, 2025.

Starting FY2026, the new minimum stipend levels at Penn will be:

Years of ExperienceFY 26 Penn Minimum StipendFY 25 Penn Minimum Stipend
0$67,000$66,300
1$68,289$66,810
2$68,814$67,320
3$69,339$67,830
4$69,864$68,340

These increases coordinate the strategy of the University with the NIH to raise the minimum stipend level for the first year of postdoctoral training to begin at $70,000 over the next 2-4 years, as recommended by the NIH Advisory Committee to the director. Postdocs currently paid the minimum stipend level for their years of experience will receive a 3% increase if reappointed and adjusted to the next stipend level. 

Please note the following:

  • Additional increases to stipend amounts can be negotiated at the discretion of the PI or mentor.
  • Prior years of 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 must pay the higher amount.

Stipend Levels from Previous Fiscal Years

For stipend levels from previous fiscal years, please see below:

Related FAQs

Am I eligible for the Penn merit plan?

Postdocs are not eligible for the Penn employee merit increase program. A faculty PI or mentor is allowed to increase the postdoc’s stipend for merit purposes. Those decisions are made at the discretion of the PI or faculty mentor.

How should I address stipend and salary issues?

The minimum compensation level for postdocs at Penn is published on annual basis by the OVPR, in consultation with the Provost’s Council on Research, representing all of the schools of the University. When a funding sponsor mandates stipend levels higher than the University minimum, mentors are obligated to pay the higher amount. Postdocs with prior postdoctoral experience at another institution should receive compensation that reflects their expertise and prior years of experience.

I have more than four years of experience, what will my stipend be?

For postdocs with more than four years of experience, any stipend increase is at the discretion of the PI or faculty mentor.

What does “minimum stipend level” mean?

It means all postdocs have to be paid a minimum stipend amount based on their total postdoctoral years of experience. Postdocs and PIs or faculty mentors can negotiate a higher stipend amount but the total stipend amount needs to meet or exceed the minimum stipend level established by Penn.

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