The Graduate College requires that the salaries of newly appointed Postdoctoral Research Scholars (FP01) and Postdoctoral Research Fellows (FP02) are determined by the NIH/NRSA salary guidelines regardless of the source of funds. The college advocates for equity among postdoctoral scholars and fellows and encourages departments to bring their current postdocs into alignment with new hires. As of July 1, 2023, all current and new postdoctoral research scholars and fellows' salaries must meet or exceed the 2023-2024 NIH minimum for 0 years of experience ($56,484). College administration and individual principal investigators may pay beyond the NIH minimum, if their funding allows, to recruit and retain outstanding postdocs. It is also allowable to make salary adjustments, whenever possible, for exceptional performance. The NIH minimum is adjusted each year.  For budget planning purposes, investigators are encouraged to budget for annual salary increases of 3% in order to maintain postdoctoral salaries in alignment with the NIH minimum. John C. Keller, Associate Provost for Graduate & Professional Education and Graduate College Dean, announced the amended salary guidelines on October 30, 2017.

As of February 3, 2023, NIH recommends the following salaries determined by years of experience for FY 2023.

Current NIH stipend schedule

A sound estimate of the new stipend levels, if submitting a grant before the recommendations are released at the beginning of each calendar year, is to project an annual 3% increase in postdoctoral salaries.

If you have salary questions regarding Postdoctoral Research Scholars or Postdoctoral Research Fellows, please contact Interim Senior Human Resources Director Tanesha Herman.