Ibrahim Gardner
PhD students are paid in a variety of ways, and the amount they earn varies depending on their location, university, discipline, and research interests. While some PhD programs do not offer any form of funding, most provide financial support to their students in the form of stipends, tuition remission, fellowships, or assistantships. On average, a PhD student in the United States earns $29,554 annually or $14.21 hourly. However, there are opportunities to earn more in certain cities and through specific jobs related to the PhD student category. Pursuing a PhD involves significant financial considerations, and individuals must weigh the potential for higher earnings after obtaining a doctoral degree against the opportunity cost of forgone earnings during their studies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average hourly pay for a Ph.D. student in the United States | $14.21 |
| Hourly wages as high as | $16.11 |
| Hourly wages as low as | $8.17 |
| Average pay range | $13.46 - $15.14 |
| Average yearly pay | $29,554 |
| Average yearly stipend | $20,000 - $30,000 |
| Average lifetime earnings with a doctoral degree | $3.3 million |
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PhD student stipends
Stipends for PhD students typically range from $20,000 to $30,000 per year, with the average hourly pay in the United States being $14.21 as of August 2025. However, this can vary across locations, with some cities like Kentville, NS, and Whitehorse, YT, offering significantly higher average salaries for PhD students.
Fellowships are another source of financial support for PhD students, often covering tuition fees and sometimes providing additional funding for scholarly activities. These are usually merit-based and highly competitive. Additionally, assistantships in research or teaching can be a way for PhD students to receive financial support, either through faculty research grants or university arrangements.
It is worth noting that pursuing a PhD can have opportunity costs, as it may involve forgoing full-time employment and potential career advancements. However, a doctoral degree is generally associated with higher earning potential over an individual's lifetime.
While stipend amounts can vary, it is important for prospective PhD students to carefully consider their financial situation and explore the specific funding opportunities offered by their chosen program and university.
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PhD student jobs
The average hourly pay for a PhD student in the United States is $14.21, with the majority of wages ranging between $13.46 (25th percentile) and $15.14 (75th percentile). The average yearly salary for a PhD student is $29,554, though this varies across locations. For example, Carcross, YT beats the national average by 122.4%, while Kentville, NS beats it by 123.9%.
PhD students are typically paid through stipends, which are fixed sums of money paid as salaries to cover living expenses and tuition costs. Stipends vary depending on the university and can range from $20,000 to $30,000 per year. Some PhD programs may also offer tuition remission or assistantships in research or teaching. Assistantships are often contingent on external funding sources, such as research grants from outside organizations.
Fellowships are another source of financial support for PhD students, which can be merit-based and highly competitive. While fellowships typically cover tuition fees, some may also fund extracurricular activities related to the PhD.
It is uncommon for PhD candidates to have additional employment during their studies due to the full-time nature of their programs. However, some students may take on flexible, low-demand jobs like freelance writing or tutoring to supplement their income.
Pursuing a PhD involves a significant financial commitment, and it is essential to consider the opportunity cost of foregone earnings during the program's duration. Some individuals choose to work for a few years before starting their PhD to build savings and gain industry experience, which can enhance their research productivity.
Despite the financial considerations, advanced education levels, such as doctoral degrees, are generally associated with higher salaries over an individual's lifetime. According to a study by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, individuals with graduate degrees earned 38.3% more than those with bachelor's degrees in the same field.
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Fellowships
While there is no standard rate for PhD students, many universities offer fellowships, assistantships, or stipends to support their doctoral students. A graduate fellow's salary typically falls between $25,877 and $69,479 per year, with the average being $60,507. The highest-paying states for graduate fellows are Washington, Maine, and New Mexico, while the lowest are Colorado, Iowa, and Missouri. The highest-paying cities are Germantown (MD), Portage (IN), and Chicago (IL).
New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development provides a funding package to full-time PhD students that includes an annual stipend of $34,883 for the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition coverage, and health insurance for five years. Stanford University's Graduate School of Education offers a similar package, including a fellowship stipend, assistantship salary, tuition aid, and coverage of the standard cost of attendance.
The University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business provides full funding to admitted PhD students, which includes tuition and fees, an annual stipend, and comprehensive health insurance. Cornell University's chemical engineering PhD program also offers full funding in the form of a teaching or research assistantship, fellowship, or stipend, along with health insurance.
Research fellowships, in particular, offer competitive salaries. As of May 2025, the average annual pay for a research fellowship in the United States is $69,188. While salaries can vary widely, with a range of $16,500 to $121,000, most research fellowship salaries fall between $40,000 and $81,500. Postdoctoral research fellow positions typically offer higher salaries, with an average of $85,062 per year.
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Assistantships
While there is no basic stipend that all PhD students are entitled to, many receive some form of compensation through assistantships, fellowships, or tuition remission. Assistantships, in particular, can take the form of Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Research Assistantships (RAs).
The pay for assistantships varies depending on the university, location, and cost of living. For example, at Cornell University, funded students at the Cornell Tech campus receive a higher stipend linked to the high cost of living in the NYC area. The maximum academic-year stipend a graduate student may receive at Cornell is $52,026. At another university, a student reported earning $16,000 for the fall and spring semesters combined, with an additional $3,500 for a summer semester.
The hourly rate for assistantships can range from $10.50 to $16 per hour, depending on the local job market. For example, if the local barista earns $12 per hour, a graduate assistant can ask for a similar rate or more. In Canada, the pay for TA/RA PhD students is $24 per hour, and they receive $40 per hour to teach a class.
It is important to note that assistantships may not always provide a living wage, and some PhD students take on side jobs or additional employment to supplement their income. The availability of assistantships also depends on the needs of the university and the number of doctoral students requiring funding.
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Cost of living
The cost of living as a PhD student varies depending on factors such as location, with stipends traditionally being higher in areas with a higher cost of living. For example, in the US, the average stipend for PhD students ranges from $20,000 to $45,000 per year, with some programs paying $40,000 to $50,000 per year or more. However, in high-cost cities like New York, rent averages $1,488, while in Montana, rent can be as low as $800 for an apartment. International students in the US are not allowed to receive outside income, so they must rely solely on their stipends.
In Europe, the average PhD stipend varies by country. In Denmark, the average stipend is around $53,436 per year, while in Norway, it is approximately $50,268. Switzerland and Sweden are also known for their high quality of life and academic excellence, making them attractive prospects for PhD students. PhD students in New Zealand receive an average of $17,000 per year, while in Austria, the average salary is $104,000.
The cost of living as a PhD student also depends on personal factors such as accommodation and transportation choices. Some students may choose to live in cheaper areas or share apartments to save money, while others may need to budget for a car. Additionally, PhD students may have to pay for other expenses such as food, utilities, and personal items.
To manage the cost of living, PhD students can look for opportunities to increase their income, such as research assistantships or grants and scholarships. Many universities offer research assistant positions that provide hands-on experience and additional income. Scholarships and grants can also help cover the cost of tuition and other expenses.
Overall, while the cost of living as a PhD student can vary widely depending on location and personal circumstances, careful budgeting and seeking out additional income opportunities can help students manage their finances during their studies.
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Frequently asked questions
The average yearly salary for a PhD student in the United States is $29,554. The average hourly pay is $14.21.
Yes, the pay for a PhD student varies depending on the location. For example, the average salary in Kentville, NS, is $29,554, while in Whitehorse, YT, and Carcross, YT, it is $36,165 and $36,625, respectively.
PhD students may receive additional benefits such as health insurance and fellowships. Fellowships can provide financial support and cover tuition fees and other expenses.
The pay for a PhD student is typically lower than that of other career routes. However, advanced education levels are generally associated with higher salaries in the long term.
There are limited opportunities for increased pay as a PhD student, even with several years of experience. However, some related jobs, such as Computer Science New Grad or Contract Physicist, may offer higher salaries.
