Starting a postdoctoral position is an exciting step in an academic career, but understanding the financial landscape can be just as important as the research itself. Let’s dive into what postdoc salaries look like across the USA and explore some factors that can influence how much you actually take home.
In the USA, postdoctoral researchers, often referred to simply as postdocs, typically earn between $47,000 to $65,000 per year in 2024. This range, however, can vary based on multiple factors, including the institution where you’re working, the location, and the type of funding supporting your position.
While this salary might seem modest given the years of training and education required, it is essential to recognize that postdoc positions are usually temporary, often lasting between two to four years, and are designed to further one’s training and research skills.
Here’s the detailed breakdown of postdoc salaries, living expenses, and cost of living for all 50 US states:
1. Alabama
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $45,000 – $58,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $700 – $1,200
- 2BHK: $900 – $1,500
- 3BHK: $1,100 – $1,800
- Groceries: $300 – $500
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $250 – $400
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,400 – $3,200
- Cost of Living: Low
2. Alaska
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $50,000 – $65,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,000 – $1,800
- 2BHK: $1,200 – $2,200
- 3BHK: $1,500 – $2,700
- Groceries: $400 – $600
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,000 – $4,350
- Cost of Living: High
3. Arizona
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $48,000 – $63,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,100 – $1,700
- 2BHK: $1,300 – $2,000
- 3BHK: $1,500 – $2,400
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,900 – $3,900
- Cost of Living: Moderate
4. Arkansas
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $45,000 – $60,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $800 – $1,400
- 2BHK: $1,000 – $1,600
- 3BHK: $1,200 – $2,000
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $250 – $400
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,500 – $3,650
- Cost of Living: Low
5. California
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $55,000 – $70,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $2,500 – $3,500
- 2BHK: $3,000 – $4,500
- 3BHK: $3,500 – $5,500
- Groceries: $400 – $600
- Transportation: $250 – $400
- Other Essentials: $400 – $600
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $3,700 – $10,100
- Cost of Living: Very High
6. Colorado
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $50,000 – $65,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,400 – $2,200
- 2BHK: $1,700 – $2,700
- 3BHK: $2,000 – $3,200
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $350 – $500
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,300 – $6,700
- Cost of Living: High
7. Connecticut
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $52,000 – $67,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,200 – $1,800
- 2BHK: $1,500 – $2,300
- 3BHK: $1,800 – $2,800
- Groceries: $350 – $550
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $350 – $500
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,100 – $5,150
- Cost of Living: High
8. Delaware
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $50,000 – $65,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,100 – $1,700
- 2BHK: $1,400 – $2,100
- 3BHK: $1,700 – $2,500
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,900 – $4,900
- Cost of Living: Moderate
9. Florida
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $47,000 – $62,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,100 – $1,700
- 2BHK: $1,400 – $2,200
- 3BHK: $1,700 – $2,800
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,900 – $5,250
- Cost of Living: Moderate
10. Georgia
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $46,000 – $61,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,000 – $1,600
- 2BHK: $1,300 – $2,000
- 3BHK: $1,600 – $2,500
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,750 – $4,800
- Cost of Living: Moderate
11. Hawaii
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $50,000 – $65,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,800 – $2,800
- 2BHK: $2,200 – $3,500
- 3BHK: $2,500 – $4,000
- Groceries: $450 – $600
- Transportation: $250 – $400
- Other Essentials: $350 – $500
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,850 – $8,300
- Cost of Living: Very High
12. Idaho
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $46,000 – $61,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $800 – $1,400
- 2BHK: $1,000 – $1,700
- 3BHK: $1,200 – $2,100
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $250 – $400
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,500 – $4,150
- Cost of Living: Low
13. Illinois
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $48,000 – $63,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,100 – $1,700
- 2BHK: $1,400 – $2,100
- 3BHK: $1,700 – $2,600
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $350 – $500
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,000 – $5,100
- Cost of Living: Moderate
14. Indiana
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $46,000 – $61,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $800 – $1,400
- 2BHK: $1,000 – $1,700
- 3BHK: $1,200 – $2,100
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $250 – $400
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,500 – $4,150
- Cost of Living: Low
15. Iowa
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $45,000 – $60,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $700 – $1,200
- 2BHK: $900 – $1,500
- 3BHK: $1,100 – $1,800
- Groceries: $250 – $400
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,350 – $3,850
- Cost of Living: Low
16. Kansas
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $46,000 – $61,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $800 – $1,400
- 2BHK: $1,000 – $1,700
- 3BHK: $1,200 – $2,100
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $250 – $400
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,500 – $4,150
- Cost of Living: Low
17. Kentucky
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $45,000 – $60,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $800 – $1,400
- 2BHK: $1,000 – $1,700
- 3BHK: $1,200 – $2,100
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $250 – $400
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,500 – $4,150
- Cost of Living: Low
18. Louisiana
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $45,000 – $60,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $800 – $1,400
- 2BHK: $1,000 – $1,700
- 3BHK: $1,200 – $2,100
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $250 – $400
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,500 – $4,150
- Cost of Living: Low
19. Maine
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $46,000 – $61,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $900 – $1,500
- 2BHK: $1,100 – $1,800
- 3BHK: $1,300 – $2,300
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,800 – $4,550
- Cost of Living: Moderate
20. Maryland
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $53,000 – $68,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,800 – $2,800
- 2BHK: $2,200 – $3,500
- 3BHK: $2,500 – $4,000
- Groceries: $400 – $600
- Transportation: $250 – $400
- Other Essentials: $350 – $500
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,850 – $8,300
- Cost of Living: High
21. Massachusetts
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $53,000 – $68,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $2,200 – $3,200
- 2BHK: $2,500 – $3,800
- 3BHK: $3,000 – $4,500
- Groceries: $400 – $600
- Transportation: $250 – $400
- Other Essentials: $400 – $600
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $3,300 – $9,300
- Cost of Living: Very High
22. Michigan
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $48,000 – $62,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $900 – $1,500
- 2BHK: $1,100 – $1,800
- 3BHK: $1,300 – $2,300
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,750 – $4,550
- Cost of Living: Moderate
23. Minnesota
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $50,000 – $65,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,000 – $1,600
- 2BHK: $1,300 – $2,000
- 3BHK: $1,600 – $2,500
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,850 – $4,850
- Cost of Living: Moderate
24. Mississippi
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $44,000 – $58,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $600 – $1,100
- 2BHK: $800 – $1,400
- 3BHK: $1,000 – $1,800
- Groceries: $250 – $400
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $200 – $350
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,200 – $3,700
- Cost of Living: Low
25. Missouri
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $46,000 – $61,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $900 – $1,500
- 2BHK: $1,100 – $1,800
- 3BHK: $1,300 – $2,300
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,750 – $4,550
- Cost of Living: Moderate
26. Montana
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $45,000 – $60,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $800 – $1,400
- 2BHK: $1,000 – $1,700
- 3BHK: $1,200 – $2,100
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $250 – $400
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,500 – $4,150
- Cost of Living: Low
27. Nebraska
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $46,000 – $61,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $800 – $1,400
- 2BHK: $1,000 – $1,700
- 3BHK: $1,200 – $2,100
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $250 – $400
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,500 – $4,150
- Cost of Living: Low
28. Nevada
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $48,000 – $63,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,100 – $1,700
- 2BHK: $1,300 – $2,000
- 3BHK: $1,500 – $2,400
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,900 – $4,900
- Cost of Living: Moderate
29. New Hampshire
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $50,000 – $65,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,200 – $1,800
- 2BHK: $1,500 – $2,300
- 3BHK: $1,800 – $2,800
- Groceries: $350 – $550
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $350 – $500
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,100 – $5,150
- Cost of Living: High
30. New Jersey
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $52,000 – $67,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,200 – $1,800
- 2BHK: $1,500 – $2,300
- 3BHK: $1,800 – $2,800
- Groceries: $350 – $550
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $350 – $500
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,100 – $5,150
- Cost of Living: High
31. New Mexico
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $47,000 – $62,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,200 – $1,800
- 2BHK: $1,500 – $2,300
- 3BHK: $1,800 – $2,800
- Groceries: $350 – $550
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $350 – $500
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,100 – $5,150
- Cost of Living: High
32. New York
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $50,000 – $65,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $2,300 – $3,300
- 2BHK: $2,800 – $4,000
- 3BHK: $3,500 – $5,000
- Groceries: $400 – $600
- Transportation: $300 – $450
- Other Essentials: $400 – $600
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $3,500 – $9,350
- Cost of Living: Very High
33. North Carolina
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $46,000 – $60,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,000 – $1,600
- 2BHK: $1,300 – $2,000
- 3BHK: $1,600 – $2,500
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,750 – $4,800
- Cost of Living: Moderate
34. North Dakota
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $46,000 – $61,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $800 – $1,400
- 2BHK: $1,000 – $1,700
- 3BHK: $1,200 – $2,100
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $250 – $400
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,500 – $4,150
- Cost of Living: Low
35. Ohio
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $48,000 – $63,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $800 – $1,400
- 2BHK: $1,000 – $1,700
- 3BHK: $1,200 – $2,100
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $250 – $400
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,500 – $4,150
- Cost of Living: Low
36. Oklahoma
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $45,000 – $60,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $700 – $1,200
- 2BHK: $900 – $1,500
- 3BHK: $1,100 – $1,800
- Groceries: $250 – $400
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $250 – $400
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,350 – $3,850
- Cost of Living: Low
37. Oregon
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $50,000 – $65,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,200 – $1,800
- 2BHK: $1,500 – $2,300
- 3BHK: $1,800 – $2,800
- Groceries: $350 – $550
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $350 – $500
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,100 – $5,150
- Cost of Living: High
38. Pennsylvania
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $48,000 – $63,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,100 – $1,700
- 2BHK: $1,400 – $2,100
- 3BHK: $1,700 – $2,600
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $350 – $500
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,000 – $5,100
- Cost of Living: Moderate
39. Rhode Island
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $50,000 – $65,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,100 – $1,700
- 2BHK: $1,400 – $2,100
- 3BHK: $1,700 – $2,600
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $350 – $500
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,000 – $5,100
- Cost of Living: Moderate
40. South Carolina
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $46,000 – $61,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,000 – $1,600
- 2BHK: $1,300 – $2,000
- 3BHK: $1,600 – $2,500
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,750 – $4,800
- Cost of Living: Moderate
41. South Dakota
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $45,000 – $60,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $800 – $1,400
- 2BHK: $1,000 – $1,700
- 3BHK: $1,200 – $2,100
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $250 – $400
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,500 – $4,150
- Cost of Living: Low
42. Tennessee
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $47,000 – $62,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $900 – $1,500
- 2BHK: $1,100 – $1,800
- 3BHK: $1,300 – $2,300
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,750 – $4,550
- Cost of Living: Moderate
43. Texas
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $47,000 – $60,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,200 – $1,800
- 2BHK: $1,400 – $2,200
- 3BHK: $1,600 – $2,600
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,100 – $5,550
- Cost of Living: High
44. Utah
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $46,000 – $61,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,000 – $1,600
- 2BHK: $1,300 – $2,000
- 3BHK: $1,600 – $2,500
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,750 – $4,800
- Cost of Living: Moderate
45. Vermont
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $50,000 – $65,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,200 – $1,800
- 2BHK: $1,500 – $2,300
- 3BHK: $1,800 – $2,800
- Groceries: $350 – $550
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $350 – $500
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,100 – $5,150
- Cost of Living: High
46. Virginia
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $50,000 – $65,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,200 – $1,800
- 2BHK: $1,500 – $2,300
- 3BHK: $1,800 – $2,800
- Groceries: $350 – $550
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $350 – $500
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,100 – $5,150
- Cost of Living: High
47. Washington
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $52,000 – $67,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $1,400 – $2,200
- 2BHK: $1,700 – $2,700
- 3BHK: $2,000 – $3,200
- Groceries: $350 – $550
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $350 – $500
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,300 – $6,700
- Cost of Living: High
48. West Virginia
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $47,000 – $60,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $800 – $1,400
- 2BHK: $1,000 – $1,700
- 3BHK: $1,200 – $2,100
- Groceries: $300 – $450
- Transportation: $150 – $250
- Other Essentials: $250 – $400
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,500 – $4,150
- Cost of Living: Low
49. Wisconsin
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $48,000 – $63,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $900 – $1,500
- 2BHK: $1,100 – $1,800
- 3BHK: $1,300 – $2,300
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,750 – $4,550
- Cost of Living: Moderate
50. Wyoming
- Average Postdoc Salary (Annual): $47,000 – $62,000
- Average Monthly Rent:
- 1BHK: $900 – $1,500
- 2BHK: $1,100 – $1,800
- 3BHK: $1,300 – $2,300
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Transportation: $200 – $300
- Other Essentials: $300 – $450
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,750 – $4,550
- Cost of Living: Moderate
1. Best for High Salaries and Prestigious Institutions
- California: High salaries (up to $70,000) with access to top research institutions like Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Caltech. However, the cost of living is very high.
- Massachusetts: High salaries (up to $68,000) with institutions like MIT and Harvard. The cost of living is also very high, especially in the Boston area.
2. Best for Balancing Salary with Cost of Living
- North Carolina: Moderate salaries ($46,000 – $60,000) with a relatively low cost of living, particularly outside urban centers. Home to research hubs like the Research Triangle Park.
- Texas: Good salary ranges ($47,000 – $60,000) and a reasonable cost of living, especially in cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas, which are growing tech and research hubs.
- Colorado: Competitive salaries ($50,000 – $65,000) with a moderate to high cost of living, but with excellent quality of life in cities like Boulder and Denver.
3. Best for Low Cost of Living
- Alabama: Lower salaries ($45,000 – $58,000) but with a very low cost of living, allowing your salary to stretch further.
- Mississippi: Similar to Alabama, with low salaries ($44,000 – $58,000) but extremely low living costs, making it an affordable option.
- Indiana: Offers a good balance with lower salaries ($46,000 – $61,000) but low living expenses, particularly outside Indianapolis.
4. Best for Research Opportunities and Networking
- Maryland: Proximity to Washington, D.C., with competitive salaries ($53,000 – $68,000) and a moderate to high cost of living. Ideal for those interested in government research or biotech.
- New York: High salaries ($50,000 – $65,000) with access to top institutions like Columbia and NYU. The cost of living is very high, especially in NYC, but offers unmatched networking and research opportunities.
5. Best for Quality of Life
- Colorado: Known for outdoor activities and a strong research community. The balance of salary, cost of living, and quality of life makes it a top choice.
- Oregon: Offers a moderate salary range ($50,000 – $65,000) with a focus on quality of life in cities like Portland. The cost of living is high but offset by the lifestyle.