Increase to minimum postdoctoral associate salary

From: The Office of Research and Innovation and Human Resources

Effective July 1, 2026, the minimum salary for all newly hired postdoctoral associates will be increased to $51,000.

Recognizing the current funding environment and the potential impact on the existing grants and budgets, a two-year transition period will be provided for current postdoctoral appointments that are below that salary level. 

All current postdoctoral associate salaries must be brought into compliance with the new minimum by June 30, 2028. For proposals submitted on or after July 1, 2026, postdoctoral associate salaries may not be budgeted below the $51,000 minimum.

This adjustment reflects both internal salary trends, external benchmarking against peer institutions, and the evolving funding and talent landscape.The university will continue to follow a regular review cycle for postdoctoral minimum salaries with periodic assessments and adjustments as needed.

Minimum salary is not intended to serve as a standard starting salary. Colleges and units should continue to determine starting compensation based on the scope of research, required expertise, and market conditions within their disciplines or specializations. Units or senior management areas that have established postdoctoral minimum salary above the university minimum should continue to maintain their existing higher minimums.

This recommendation has been reviewed and endorsed by the Associate Deans of Research, the Research and Innovation Council, Faculty Affairs, and the Division of Human Resources.