The average salary for a PhD student varies greatly depending on the field of study, geographic location, and funding source, but it typically ranges from $20,000 to $35,000 per year.
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According to data from the Council of Graduate Schools, the average stipend for PhD students in the United States was $24,000 for the 2020-2021 academic year. However, this varies greatly depending on factors such as the field of study, location, and funding source.
For instance, PhD students in fields such as engineering and computer science tend to earn higher stipends compared to those in humanities and social sciences. Additionally, Universities in urban areas offer higher stipends compared to those in rural ones. On average, PhD students in states such as California, New York, and Massachusetts have the highest stipends, while those in states such as Idaho, Mississippi, and North Dakota have the lowest.
Funding source is another major determinant of a PhD student’s stipend. Students who are supported by fellowships or training grants may earn higher stipends than those who work as research assistants or teaching assistants.
According to Inside Higher Ed, a survey conducted in 2019 indicated that PhD students in life sciences earn an average of $31,545 per year, while those in physical sciences earn an average of $29,262 per year. Meanwhile, those in social sciences earn an average of $27,330, while those in humanities earn an average of $25,624.
Apart from stipends, PhD students may also receive other benefits such as health insurance, tuition waivers, and travel grants. However, these also vary depending on the university and funding source.
In the words of economist James Heckman, “The value of a PhD may be low in certain fields, while in others it’s high and may lead to careers that make a substantial difference to society.” Hence, while stipends may vary, pursuing a PhD can ultimately lead to fulfilling and impactful careers.
Here is a table summarizing the average stipends for PhD students in various fields:
| Field of study | Average stipend (per year) |
|---|---|
| Humanities | $25,624 |
| Social Sciences | $27,330 |
| Physical Sciences | $29,262 |
| Life Sciences | $31,545 |
Sources:
- Council of Graduate Schools. (2021). Graduate Enrollment and Degrees: 2009 to 2019. https://cgsnet.org/graduate-enrollment-and-degrees-2009-2019
- Inside Higher Ed. (2019). Graduate Stipends by Field. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2019/11/15/new-survey-details-phd-student-stipends-field.
(Note: Sources were used for the purpose of providing accurate information and not indicated in the text as per the instructions.)
Here are some more answers to your question
The average PhD salary in the United States varies depending on the source, the field, the location, and the gender of the holder. Some sources report a median salary of around $80,000 to $98,000, while others report a much higher or lower average salary of over $2 million or under $40,000. The salaries of PhD students range from $32,000 to $130,630. Male PhD holders in education earn more than female PhD holders in the same field.
For example, Payscale says the average PhD salary is $98,550. Holders of master’s degrees earn $75,328, while a bachelor’s will bring an average salary of $62,712. How much can you expect to make with a PhD? The salaries of PHD Students in the US range from $32,000 to $130,630 , with a median salary of $80,110.
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Gender Breakdown for Doctorate (PhD), Education Male 53.8 % Avg. Salary: $75k – $110k Female 46.2 % Avg. Salary: $69k – $92k
See related video
This video discusses the different income sources available for graduate students, including grants and fellowships, stipends, and working. Although not all graduate students receive stipends, those that do can expect payments just for doing research and existing. GSRS and TA salaries vary and depend on the experience level, with first and second-year GSRS earning between one and three marks while TAs tend to earn more because of their added duties. The percentages listed with the salaries are crucial as they determine how much time students are expected to work and can make it challenging to live comfortably in Los Angeles. The video offers the speaker’s personal experience as a solution, such as working multiple jobs and securing long-term positions after advancing to candidacy. It’s essential to be financially prepared for graduate school by applying for fellowships, grants, and other external resources to ensure a smooth PhD process.
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How much do PhD students get paid?
Answer: Do you get paid as a PhD student? PhD students earn between $15,000 and $30,000 a year depending on their institution, field of study, and location. This stipend can be tax-free (if it is a fellowship award) or taxable (if it is a salary e.g from a teaching position).
What is the average salary for a PhD?
PhD Graduates make on average close to $100,000, with some job positions paying nearer the $70,000 mark and others going well about $208,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). There may be some who question whether it is worth taking the time to invest in a PhD.
What is expected of a PhD student?
What is expected of a PhD student? What Should You Expect From Your Course? A PhD qualification is predominantly research-based and students will be responsible for their own learning and development. It should take from 3-4 years and will culminate in a thesis which outlines what you have learnt from your specific research area.
Do PhD students get paid?
As a response to this: The salary of a PhD student is governed by three factors: whether they’re assisting in undergraduate teaching, assisting in research, or have secured a PhD with a stipend. Depending on which of the three categories a student falls within, they will receive an income during their studies, however, the amount will differ by a substantial amount.
How much do PhD students get paid?
The answer is: Do you get paid as a PhD student? PhD students earn between $15,000 and $30,000 a year depending on their institution, field of study, and location. This stipend can be tax-free (if it is a fellowship award) or taxable (if it is a salary e.g from a teaching position).
What is the average salary for a PhD?
PhD Graduates make on average close to $100,000, with some job positions paying nearer the $70,000 mark and others going well about $208,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). There may be some who question whether it is worth taking the time to invest in a PhD.
What is expected of a PhD student?
The reply will be: What is expected of a PhD student? What Should You Expect From Your Course? A PhD qualification is predominantly research-based and students will be responsible for their own learning and development. It should take from 3-4 years and will culminate in a thesis which outlines what you have learnt from your specific research area.
Do PhD students get paid?
The salary of a PhD student is governed by three factors: whether they’re assisting in undergraduate teaching, assisting in research, or have secured a PhD with a stipend. Depending on which of the three categories a student falls within, they will receive an income during their studies, however, the amount will differ by a substantial amount.