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Stipend Levels

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Description

Minimum stipend 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 minimum stipend levels established by Penn for postdoctoral researchers, fellows, and NRSA fellows, effective July 1, 2024 (FY2025) are shown below.

Years of ExperiencePenn Minimum Stipend
0$66,300
1$66,810
2$67,320
3$67,830
4$68,340

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 Penn’s 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.

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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