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Highest Paying Doctorate Degrees [2024 Guide]

We’ve identified the 25 highest paying doctorate degrees. Compare salaries and job prospects.

Completing a PhD may open up doors in terms of career advancement. Plus, it may not take as long as you think to complete if you enroll in the shortest doctoral programs.

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The following list contains the highest paying doctorate degrees along with career outlook and job growth statistics.

25 Highest Paying Doctorate Degrees

All career statistics and salary data are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Click on the area of study you’re interested in to jump to that section.

Aerospace Engineering

Chemical engineering, pharmacology, business administration, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, data science, biochemistry, information security assurance, biomedical engineering, information technology and computer science, occupational therapy, criminal justice, engineering, organic chemistry.

While all of these industries are growing, some provide better job prospects than others.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $208,000
• Job Growth: 4%

One of the more specialized high paying doctorate programs is in immunology. Immunology is the study of disease prevention and immunity. Due to the specialized nature of the study here, jobs are typically well paid and much more specific.

A person who has studied immunology may be expected to work in research or academia but is also likely to land high-paying roles within the medical industry and at hospitals. The demand for this area of expertise is also rising faster than the average job growth, meaning there should be plenty of opportunities for graduates.

A PhD in immunology is a lot of hard work and is, therefore, suited to someone who already has considerable experience working in the medical industry. Those with an academic background in medicine should consider applying for an immunology program.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $129,850
• Job Growth: 7%

Of the three main sciences, physics can be the one that is the most fruitful for taking a doctorate. People who take a PhD in physics are likely to land themselves a position as either a researcher or a professor.

There are also several other high paying positions that are possible for someone who takes this career path, including more specialized roles or becoming lead physicists and consultants.

Physics is also one of the job markets that is predicted to see a considerable amount of growth for the next 10 years. Pursuing a physics doctorate can be perfect for someone who already has experience in physics or someone who already has either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the subject combined with some practical experience.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $118,610
• Job Growth: 3%

Aerospace engineering is a field that would likely attract those who already have a background in either science or engineering. It is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, and demand for jobs is expected to increase as the years roll by. So the length it takes to get a PhD should be taken into consideration so you can quickly enter this field during its booming growth.

The doctorate focuses on the engineering of various different types of spacecraft and can be incredibly demanding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary potential for this field is as high as $171,220.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $110,860

Math may not be the glamorous subject to study at doctorate level, but it can open up a wide range of potentially lucrative career options.

Math can allow students to work in various sectors of the economy and business, and they may also work in research or as a math lecturer or professor at a top university.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $109,760
• Job Growth: 5%

Taking a doctorate in management can be a logical step in the career of someone who has a history of working in business, project management, or the economy as well as several other sectors.

Earning this doctorate can open up chief executive roles within companies and roles like chief operations officer and supply chain management. It may also lead to regional and national management roles.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $108,540

Another engineering-based field that presents doctorate students with some big money career options is chemical engineering. The field combines a number of different disciplines, including all of the sciences, math, and statistics, as well as engineering.

It is a complex doctorate to take, but the rewards may be worth the effort, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing salaries up to $168,960 available in this field.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $108,350
• Job Growth: 14%

One of the most popular PhDs to take is in economics. Economics is a social science that studies and theories about the production and consumption of goods and the effect that this has on society and the economy.

Taking a PhD in economics may open up a lot of doors. Working in the financial sector is usually lucrative, and a doctorate in economics can help give you an edge over competitors in what is a notoriously feisty industry. Top earners can make around $198,230 per year.

Economics analysis is a skill that is highly sought after, especially in the medical, legal, and education sectors.

While on the face of it, some people may believe that studying economics leaves you consigned to an office for the majority of your working life, the reality is that it can open up a lot of doors in a lot of different sectors. It may also provide you with a lot of travel opportunities and chances to meet new people.

A doctorate in economics may be perfect for someone who already has some experience in the field or for someone who has studied economics, math, finance, or business to a higher level and wants to take the next step in their academic and professional career.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $107,270
• Job Growth: 6%

Pharmacology is big business these days, and taking a doctorate in the subject may lead to some lucrative opportunities. It is expected that someone who wants to study pharmacology will have a background in the subject with a master’s degree being heavily preferred.

There are a lot of pre-requisites for getting onto a pharmacology doctorate program, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics is showing salaries going as high as $164,980.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $103,650

Getting a doctorate in business administration can open up a lot of doors. Students who end up taking their doctorate in business administration often end up working as leading and chief executives as well as entrepreneurs and financial advisors.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for someone with a doctorate in this field can be as high as $208,000. It can be ideal for someone who has a background in business or economics who wants to take the next step in their career.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $103,590
• Job Growth: 31%

As the world of IT continues to grow, so does the demand for more and more cybersecurity. The field is one of the fastest-growing in the world, and getting a doctorate in the subject may land you a range of different high paying jobs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roles like IT managers can offer doctorates a salary of up to $208,000. This sector is also constantly growing, and as such, the demand and the salaries should continue to grow as time passes.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $100,830

When it comes to job demand, electrical engineering is one of the safest career paths to go down. Electrical engineering has a huge impact on our day-to-day lives.

Most of our day-to-day electrical appliances exist as a result of electrical engineering, and taking a doctorate in the field may open the door to some pretty lucrative research and project management positions. It is advised that someone who takes a PhD in electrical engineering already have practical experience in the field.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $98,490

A doctorate in education can open up a lot of different career options in that sector. A lot of doctors of education end up working in either research or in top positions at schools as principals and superintendents.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for someone working in education administration with a doctorate is around the $199,400 mark. A number of doctor of education programs do not require a dissertation .

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $98,230

Data is quickly becoming the most valuable commodity on the planet, and as such, the demand for data specialists and researchers is growing at an impressive rate.

Data science doctorates offer a gateway into these positions, and they usually come with some pretty high salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, salary for a data scientist can go as high as $165,230, and with this field ever-expanding, the demand for these positions should continue to increase.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $94,270

Biochemists study the chemical and physical makeup of living organisms. Due to the specialized nature of the subject, research positions in this sector typically pay incredibly well.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, biochemist doctorates can start out at around $67,710 but can increase up to $169,860 or more. This doctorate may suit someone with a background in chemistry or some other science discipline.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $92,870

Information assurance is a new discipline that has been created as a result of the times we live in. Information assurance is effectively another type of cybersecurity that is designed to protect people’s data from third parties and other potentially dangerous sources.

A background in any sort of computer or data-related field can be ideal for getting onto an information assurance course. Due to the increasing demand for data protection, jobs in this sector can be particularly lucrative, and the demand for these jobs is expected to increase as time rolls on.

The demand for experts in this industry is very high and is only predicted to grow over the next decade.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $92,620

Biomedical engineering is becoming an incredibly popular field of research. It is an ever-growing and developing industry, and as such, the demand for expertise in the area is on the rise.

Getting a PhD in biomedical engineering is likely to secure you a lucrative research job for a university or a job in a hospital or the medical industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average salary in this field for a senior position ranges from $127,980 to $169,860.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $92,270
• Job Growth: 35%

Statistics is one of the most versatile doctorates available today. Statistics are used in a wide range of different sectors, including finance, research, business, health care, government, and many others.

A doctorate in statistics can be ideal for someone who has a background in math or business. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top salary for someone working in statistics can be as high as $150,840.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $91,250
• Job Growth: 11%

The world of IT is constantly growing, and as it does, the demand for experts grows with it. Getting a doctorate in information technology and computer science can be an incredibly lucrative career move, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing top earners taking home as high as $208,00.

The jobs that can be accessed, such as chief technology officers or research roles within the industry, tend to be incredibly well-paid. This doctorate attracts people who have backgrounds in IT-related fields, such as computer science or computer programming.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $86,280
• Job Growth: 16%

For someone who already has experience working in occupational therapy, earning a doctorate in the field can be a huge benefit. Not only can it open the door for them to move up in the industry, but it can also expand their knowledge of the subject area.

It can provide them with theory-based research while also working on their leadership and management skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists holding a doctorate degree may reach a salary as high as $122,670.

The job growth for this doctorate is also incredibly high, which means it may be an excellent career path to enter in terms of job security.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $86,110

The number of career options that are available to someone who has a doctorate in criminal justice is typically vast. Working as a criminologist, a criminal justice researcher, or a federal law agency admin can earn graduates a lot of money.

This course of study is best suited for someone who already has real-world experience working in the criminal justice or law sector.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $83,160

Engineering jobs are almost always in demand, and while there are a lot of high paying jobs available for those who have an undergraduate or master’s degree, taking a doctorate in the field can really help you advance your career.

An engineering degree is already one of the highest paying associate degrees, highest paying bachelor degrees, as well as one of the highest paying masters degrees, but the doctorate can be perfect for someone who already has experience working in engineering and wants to take that next step in their career.

A director of engineering job title and other project management positions may offer some very high salaries, about $208,000 or more, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $82,180

With the stigma around mental health finally disappearing, the demand for jobs in psychology is on the rise. While a normal degree or masters in psychology may allow you to get jobs as a psychiatrist or a psychologist, higher-paying positions can become available following a doctorate.

It may also open up roles in research and as a university lecturer in the subject. The doctorate is suited to someone who already has their masters in psychology or who has a significant amount of experience working in the field.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $80,790
• Job Growth: 9%

Getting a degree in philosophy can potentially lead to a surprisingly lucrative career in research or working as a lecturer. The doctorate is suited for someone who wants to work in research and who has a background in philosophy or religious studies.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries in this field are around $80,790 per year working in a research role, and up to $180,360 for college professors.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $79,300

Organic chemistry, perhaps more than any of the other sciences, can open up a lot of different career options for doctorates. As well as research and academic positions, someone who studies organic chemistry may be able to land a job in a number of different areas, including geology, the pharmaceutical industry, and engineering.

Organic chemistry is a notoriously difficult subject to study, though, so it is vital that you have a solid background in chemistry and some work experience before attempting to join the program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries can go as high as $139,650 in this field.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $69,000
• Job Growth: 2%

A doctorate in English can open a range of different academic doors for potential students. A PhD in English may be perfect for someone who already has an academic background in the subject and can also be perfect for qualified teachers and writers looking to take the next step in their career.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a doctorate in English may qualify you for a potential career in a lecturing position with salaries as high as $180,360, as well as positions within the publishing industry.

What Are the Different Types of Doctorate Degrees?

There are six common types of terminal degrees.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) – Traditionally reserved for those who want to remain in the world of academia, Ph.D. degrees focus on maximizing your ability to impart this advanced knowledge to incoming students. Outside of teaching, Ph.D. candidates also focus on pushing the limits of research and theoretical study within their chosen fields.
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) – The DBA experience is all about turning your terminal research in the areas of finance, marketing, accounting, and other related fields into applicable real-world skills. DBA graduates traditionally work in the corporate sector as executive officers and other ranking members of various managerial teams.
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) – PsyD students aim to provide clinical services within a wide range of settings, including group, familial, medical, scholastic, and even corporate environments. Earning this degree can give you the power to serve as a practicing clinician or specialized counselor.
• Doctor of Education (EdD) – Capturing an EdD degree is the first step toward a leadership role within the corporate and administrative side of the education field. Working as a principal, district supervisor, or even regional superintendent all fit into the professional path of this degree.
• Doctor of Social Work (DSW) – If you’re interested in educating others on the best practices and leading theories of modern social work and community interaction, then a DSW program could be your option. Holders of this degree research and educate others in the social work field via hands-on training in the classroom and the office, as well as provide answers and guidance in unique or exceptional social issue cases.
• Doctor of Public Health (DPH) – Like most of the other degrees in this review, earning a DPH is all about the desire to lead others in a chosen workplace environment. In this case, that means maintaining residency as an administrator or public health coordinator at a hospital or a similar clinical setting.

The type of doctorate degree you will want to earn depends on your career goals and primarily whether you want to teach the subject or continue working in your field.

Campus or Online: Which One Is Right for You?

It’s no big secret that whichever doctorate route you choose, you will most likely be rewarded for your hard work and research via ample compensation. However, you can make this process a little easier on yourself by focusing on a path – either online or on-campus – that suits your unique needs and daily requirements.

While the appeal of the traditional college experience is the major selling point for the on-campus approach, working on your degree from home is a flexible alternative that can shape and mold itself to your current personal and professional schedule by allowing you to work on your research and coursework at your own pace.

Adding in that these doctorate programs often waive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) minimum scores based on your GPA, as well as reduce or completely remove residency requirements, is further proof that this approach is at least worth your consideration as you plan out your academic future.

Questions Related to Earning a Doctorate

Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have.

How Much Do PhD Graduates Earn?

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. Doctorate programs require a lot of time and effort, but studies suggest that PhD students typically earn more and find it easier to attract higher-paying jobs than those with just an undergraduate or a master’s degree.

What Are the Highest Paying Degrees?

A lot of degrees can lead to well-paying jobs. The more specialized a degree is in a certain field, the higher the chances are that it will be well paying. These degrees currently tend to be those in the engineering sector, as these are the ones that offer the most in-demand jobs.

What Is the Highest Paying PhD Degrees?

Once again, this one will depend on how specialized your PhD is and how in-demand that expertise is at a given time. Engineering PhDs tend to be evergreen, while there is an increasing demand for those with PhDs and knowledge in computer science and other IT related subjects.

PhDs usually provide those who have them with a lot of the highest paying jobs opportunities.

Are There Any Degrees Higher than a PhD?

No, there are no higher degrees than a PhD.

A PhD, also regularly referred to as just a doctorate, is as high as you can go academically. It is a specialized research doctorate that demonstrates a high level of expertise in a field. Most people who obtain their PhD tend to stay on at universities as either a member of a research team or as a lecturer.

Do you need a masters to get a PhD ? While many PhD programs require you to earn a masters first, it is possible to earn your PhD without having earned a masters. These are the direct entry bachelor’s to PhD programs offered by some universities.

Getting Your Doctorate Degree

It is important that you take the time to do your research into what doctorate will help your career the most. Once you have done this, you can begin to find the right university and program for you and begin the next step in your academic and professional career.

Now that you understand your career prospects and doctorate opportunities, it’s time to lay out the blueprint for a successful future.

Outside of conducting research on each of the areas that interest you, feel free to use the search tool below to find accredited universities that offer online doctoral programs in your chosen field.

When paired up with the rest of what you’ve learned here, there’s nothing that can stop you from finding the right school – and program of study – to fit your personal and professional goals moving forward.

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PhD Salaries and Lifetime Earnings

PhDs employed across job sectors show impressive earning potential:

“…[T]here is strong evidence that advanced education levels continue to be associated with higher salaries. A study by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce showed that across the fields examined, individuals with a graduate degree earned an average of 38.3% more than those with a bachelor’s degree in the same field. The expected lifetime earnings for someone without a high school degree is $973,000; with a high school diploma, $1.3 million; with a bachelor’s degree, $2.3 million; with a master’s degree, $2.7 million; and with a doctoral degree (excluding professional degrees), $3.3 million. Other data indicate that the overall unemployment rate for individuals who hold graduate degrees is far lower than for those who hold just an undergraduate degree.” - Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers , Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and Educational Testing Service (ETS), pg. 3.

Average salaries by educational level and degree (data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2009-2011, courtesy of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce):

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports higher earnings and lower unemployment rates for doctoral degree holders in comparison to those with master’s and bachelor’s degrees:

According to national studies, more education translates not only to higher earnings, but also higher levels of job success and job satisfaction:

“Educational attainment – the number of years a person spends in school – strongly predicts adult earnings, and also predicts health and civic engagement. Moreover, individuals with higher levels of education appear to gain more knowledge and skills on the job than do those with lower levels of education and they are able, to some extent, to transfer what they learn across occupations.” - Education for Life and Work (2012), National Research Council of the National Academies, pg. 66.

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Top 10 Highest Paying PhD Degrees in 2024

The highest possible degree you can get in any field is a doctorate or a PhD. Obtaining a doctoral degree can help to greatly further your career, but unfortunately, PhDs aren’t always that easy to earn. The average time a doctoral candidate spends to receive their PhD is anywhere from seven to ten years, and during this time, it also becomes a balancing act.

However, if you manage to earn your PhD, you stand to increase your salary by a significant amount. Chances are, you might also find more opportunities in the future.

The best doctorate degrees are always the ones that you’re passionate about. But, if you find yourself asking, “what should I get my PhD in?,” this list of the highest paying PhDs might just help you out if you’re looking to have a lucrative career.

Looking to get a master’s instead? Check out: Highest Paying Master’s Degrees You Can Get in 2024

Table of Contents

What’s the Best PhD to Get?

If you’re trying to figure out the best-paid PhD, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 fields with the highest earning potential.

Here are some quick facts:

• The PhD with the highest mid-career salary is in Chemical Engineering , with an average salary of $146,000 . This field also has a pretty good early career, with the average salary sitting at $96,100 .
• When it comes to the highest early career earnings, a PhD in Computer Science  is your best bet since the average salary is $118,000 . This field also has one of the highest $145,000 .

It’s worth noting that your earning potential in any given field can also depend on your location. For example, a doctorate in computer science might earn you more money in San Francisco or other similar tech hubs. The best PhD degrees, at least for earning potential, can depend on where you intend to work.

Here are the best PhD degrees by salary, ranked from lowest to highest.

Of course, the best doctorate degree for you depends on your particular situation. When answering the question “what should I get my PhD in?,” consider your preferences and interests as well as what you want to do in the future.

Top 10 Highest Paying PhD Degrees

The salary figures of the highest-paid PhD degrees depicted in this article were taken from PayScale and BLS.gov , based on data of those with PhDs.

10) Statistics

Salary in Early Career: $105,000

Salary in Mid Career: $131,000

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: 33%, much faster than average

Statisticians collect and analyze data via various statistical methods. They help various businesses, organizations, and even the healthcare industry collect and interpret data so they can solve problems, strategize, and plan ahead.

If you want a career as a statistician, you’ll need to have an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree at a minimum. Having a PhD in Statistics can help increase your earning potential by giving you an advantage over your peers.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) has the job outlook for mathematicians and statisticians growing by a projected 33% rate throughout 2020-2030. According to their website , this is a much faster growth rate than the average growth other fields are experiencing. It appears that statistics  qualifies for the most in-demand PhD degree — on this list, at least. Therefore we can suggest it as the best PhD for jobs, since it’ll be pretty easy to find one once you graduate.

9) Biomedical Engineering

Salary in Early Career: $88,100

Salary in Mid Career: $133,000

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: 6%, on the low end of average

In simple terms, biomedical engineering is the fusion of engineering, medicine, and biology. In particular, in this field, problem-solving techniques and principles used by engineering are applied to the fields of biology and medicine for healthcare. It’s an interdisciplinary field that is growing in popularity over time.

Biomedical engineering is continually evolving thanks to the constant pursuit of knowledge. Because of this, the field continues to grow and can always use people who know theory and are well versed in the life sciences.

Getting a PhD in this field can open up opportunities for you in a variety of areas. You can work in research, at universities, in manufacturing, and even in hospitals. A doctorate is required if you want to work in research or at universities.

The BLS  states that jobs in the biomedical engineering field are projected to grow at a 6% rate over the following seven years.

Salary in Early Career: $93,700

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: 7%, about average

If you’re interested in becoming a physicist, you’ll definitely need a PhD . Most careers for physicists, particularly in research and academia, require you to have a doctoral degree in the field. You can become a research advisor, a physics professor, a (lead) physicist, or a researcher.

According to the BLS , the job outlook for physicists is looking good. The projections are positive, sitting at a 7% increase until 2024, and this rate is on par with the average national growth rate for most occupations.

7) Engineering

Salary in Early Career: $93,600

Salary in Mid Career: $137,000

The world always needs engineers. However, a doctoral degree is not always necessary if you want to work as an engineer — unless, of course, you want to work in research. Research opportunities in the engineering field are only given to PhD candidates or graduates.

You can choose to go for a general track or a specialty such as materials science, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, and chemical engineering. If you have a PhD in engineering , you can take positions like project manager, engineering director, and specialty positions like aerospace engineer or chemical engineer.

6) Physical Chemistry

Salary in Early Career: $73,600

Salary in Mid Career: $138,000

Although the early career salary for PhD graduates of physical chemistry is one of the lowest on this list, it ramps up and is one of the highest-earning on this list in the mid-career.

But what exactly is physical chemistry?

Physical chemistry is a branch of chemistry that applies the theories and techniques of physics to chemical systems (or the study thereof). It’s the study of the behavior of matter on the atomic and molecular levels. Alongside this, physical chemistry is also the study of chemical reactions.

As a physical chemist, you’ll most likely work in labs and research facilities. These research opportunities are awarded only to those with PhDs, and a PhD can also open the door for even more lucrative careers in high-tech or materials science.

The job growth and outlook for physical chemists are below average. However, the average annual wage makes it one of the most profitable ones.

5) Pharmacology

Salary in Early Career: $75,400

Salary in Mid Career: $141,000

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: -2% decline

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and drug actions, or how drugs work within the body. It’s a branch of biology, medicine, and the pharmaceutical sciences. Having a PhD in pharmacology can help you find careers in research.

PhD programs  in this field often build upon other areas, such as biochemistry, molecular bio, cell bio, physiology, and neuroscience. Depending on the track you choose, you can become a researcher in a particular field.

Pharmacology can also lead you to a career as a pharmacist.

The average early career wages for pharmacists are low because it can depend on location or position. For example, pharmacists who work at grocery stores or drug stores often earn less than their entry-level researcher counterparts.

Unfortunately, the current rate of growth for this field is -2%  from 2020-2030. So while there will still be opportunities, it may be harder to find a job.

4) Electrical Engineering

Salary in Early Career: $103,000

Salary in Mid Career: $144,000

If you have a PhD in electrical engineering, you stand to earn quite a good amount of money. Electrical engineering has one of the highest average early-career salaries and one of the highest mid-career to boot.

Electrical Engineering is the application and study of mathematics  and physics combined with electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity. This discipline deals with the research and design of systems, equipment, and devices that use electricity. The results of electrical engineering are seen in day-to-day life. The advances humanity has made in the field have resulted in modern-day staples like the radio and the television.

A doctorate in engineering can help you go into research. If you are more of an idea generator, you can pursue a career in invention and product development. This discipline had plenty of opportunities in various fields such as transportation, computing, manufacturing, and aviation.

3) Computer Science

Salary in Early Career: $118,000

Salary in Mid Career: $145,000

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: 22%, much faster than average

Computer Science is one of the highest-paying fields, both in early and mid-career salary averages. A doctorate in this field allows graduates to become experts in certain computer science subfields. If you want to get a PhD in this field, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree or a master’s in computer science .

If you choose to research in this field, you’ll need a doctorate to qualify for research opportunities. You can also find non-academic careers as an information research scientist, a hardware engineer, programming, and even robotics. It truly comes as no surprise that Computer Science is one of the best-paid PhD programs considering technology continues to progress over the years.

The job outlook for this field is expected to grow by 22%  until 2030, making it one of the best and most in-demand PhDs on this list

2) Organic Chemistry

Salary in Early Career: $83,400

Salary in Mid Career: $146,000

Organic chemistry shares a spot with #1 for the highest-paying PhD, at least for mid-career salaries. However, early wages are lower, which earns this field its #2 spot on this list.

If you want to pursue a career in organic chemistry, earning a PhD in this field can get you a research position, and you may even find yourself leading a research team. However, to qualify for advanced research positions, you’ll need a PhD in the field from an accredited institution whose programs are approved by the ACS or the American Chemical Society.

You may also find jobs in academia as a professor.

1) Chemical Engineering

Salary in Early Career: $96,100

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: 9%, on the high end of average

Sitting at number one on this list is chemical engineering. This branch of engineering combines various fields into one, and you’ll see physics, chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, and math . This interdisciplinary field helps solve problems related to fuel, food, chemicals, or drugs.

If you earn a PhD in chemical engineering, you may find yourself prepared with expert-level knowledge of the current research findings, practices, and the core fundamentals of the field. After you graduate, you may find opportunities in research and academia and find jobs in areas like biotechnology.

Paying for Your PhD

One obstacle that many doctoral candidates run into is the cost of earning a PhD. If you find yourself wondering how you can afford to pay for your PhD, there are a few common ways you can ease the financial load.

• Student loans  – Many PhD candidates take out student loans to help them afford the tuition and living expenses while working on their doctorate full (or even part) time. You can choose to take out a loan for the full tuition plus living costs, or you can take a smaller loan to cover only a part of the expenses.
• Scholarships, grants, and fellowships  – Savvy PhD candidates seek out scholarships, grants, and fellowship opportunities to help them pay off their tuition and living expenses more easily.

Related: Graduate School Scholarships Guide

• Seek financial support from your employer – Some employers help support their employees’ education by offering partial or full scholarships as they seek higher education. This option may not always be possible, of course, as it depends on the field you are pursuing and whether it has any relation to your current place of employment.
• Teach where you are studying  – One of the most common ways doctoral students earn extra financial support for their studies is through teaching — particularly at the school in which they are studying. Teaching can help students cut down on tuition costs as many educational institutions may offer lower rates for their studies. Some colleges and universities will even offer teaching assistant positions that offer flexibility and enough compensation to cover part of the tuition costs.

Already decided on going to grad school? Here’s everything you need to apply .

Frequently Asked Questions

Which phd has the highest salary.

According to this list of the highest paying PhD degrees, the current most lucrative PhD is Organic Chemistry.

Can PhDs make a lot of money?

Yes, but the road there can be long and winding. There are also many factors that can affect how much you earn, such as your location, industry, position, and even your employer. Additionally, “a lot of money” is relative — what do you consider a lot of money? It may benefit you to check out salary information on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website or on websites like PayScale or Salary.com. Check if the average earnings meet your expectations before making your decision on your PhD.

Is a PhD worth it for salary increases?

The BLS says that in 2020, those with a PhD earned median weekly salaries more than 20%  more than those with just a bachelor’s degree. It can depend on the field and the position, but this does appear to be the case generally. Data also shows that doctorate holders can earn significantly more over their lifetimes. For example, male PhDs earn as much as $1.5 million more  compared to high school graduates. Female PhDs earn $1.1 million more on average.

Do PhDs get paid more than master’s degree holders?

Yes. According to the World Education Services ( WES ), doctorate holders do earn more than those with master’s degrees. However, how much more they earn depends on their field. For example, engineering PhDs only earn 7% more than master’s degree holders in the field. However, in the field of psychology, you can earn up to 33% more if you have a PhD rather than a master’s.

Does job location matter when considering the highest paying doctorate degrees?

In any form of employment, your location matters. In fact, aside from your field or line of work, your location may be the next biggest determinant of your salary. The same is true even if you don’t have a PhD. For example, if you work in the field of information technology or computer science, you’ll most likely have a higher salary in places like San Francisco or Seattle.

You’ll likely find plenty of PhDs in some of the most lucrative industries in a certain city or state. IT and Computer Science PhD holders will often find the highest-paying opportunities in tech hubs  around the country. Geologists will find the highest-paying work in areas rich in natural resources. Researchers, on the other hand, will likely find the best-paying work in areas with research universities and institutions.

Many of the highest-earning jobs for PhDs are located in cities or states where their specific industry is highly supported.

Are there any degrees higher than a PhD?

Nope! The PhD, also known as the doctorate or doctoral degree, is the highest possible academic degree you can earn. PhDs are specialized degrees often earned through research. They demonstrate an extremely high level of understanding of the subject and expertise in your field. A lot of people who earn their PhD usually go on to stay in academia to teach or continue their research.

Choosing the Best Doctoral Degrees

It’s not always about answering the question, “What’s the highest paying PhD?” In the end, choosing the best doctoral degree for you comes down to a matter of preference and interest.

Earning a PhD is seldom easy — but with hard work, you can set yourself up for a bright future ahead with a lucrative yet fulfilling career.

Chriselle Sy

Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications.  When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.

• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ When to Apply for Grad School: Easy Monthly Timeline [2025-2026]
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Unlocking PhD Salaries and Opportunities

The pursuit of a PhD represents a pinnacle of academic achievement, epitomizing years of rigorous study, research, and expertise in a specific field. For many, this educational journey is a labour of love, driven by a passion for knowledge and a desire to contribute to the global pool of understanding. However, as one nears the end of this formidable academic odyssey, questions about what lies beyond the ivory tower become increasingly pertinent.

Among the myriad concerns that occupy the mind of a PhD candidate nearing graduation, one that often looms large is the financial aspect. What can one expect in terms of compensation and career opportunities after investing so much in education and research? Understanding the salary landscape for PhD holders is crucial not only for financial planning but also for making informed decisions about the direction of one’s career.

PhD salaries encompass a wide spectrum of earnings based on fields, regions, and industry choices. In academia, postdocs start at around $40,000 while tenured professors can earn $90,000 and above. Private sector salaries often range from $70,000 to well over $150,000, influenced by specialization and experience.

In this article, we delve into the multifaceted world of post-PhD salaries, exploring the diverse factors that influence earnings. From the impact of one’s field of study and geographic location to the varying opportunities within academia, private industry, and public sectors, we aim to provide insights that can assist both current PhD candidates and those navigating their early careers post-doctorate.

Join us on this exploration as we unravel the intricacies of salary expectations for those who have achieved the esteemed PhD, shedding light on the possibilities that await beyond the academic threshold. Through comprehensive analysis and a global perspective, we endeavour to empower individuals to navigate their professional journey with clarity and confidence.

Introduction

How different fields influence phd salary expectations:, how cost of living and job demand in specific regions impact salaries:, variations in phd salary based on working in academia, private sector, government, or non-profit organizations:, typical salary range for postdocs in various fields:, salary expectations for entry-level faculty positions:, salaries increase with experience and tenure:, phd salary ranges in private companies related to different fields of study:, potential salaries in public service or non-profit organizations:, comparing salaries in different countries and regions for phd holders:.

• International Factors Affect PhD Salary - Exchange Rates and Cost of Living:

Salary Comparison Table for PhD Holders

Importance of networking for better job opportunities and salaries:, encouraging ongoing skill development to stay competitive in the job market:, advice on negotiating salaries and benefits effectively:.

• Before We Conclude....

Embarking on the path of a PhD is a significant intellectual and academic commitment, representing a scholarly voyage of deep exploration and expertise acquisition in a specialized area of knowledge. It is a journey marked by tireless research, critical analysis, and the creation of original contributions to the academic community. Graduating with a PhD is a hallmark moment, but it also raises important questions about the practical implications of this significant achievement.

Take, for instance, Dr. Sarah, who recently completed her PhD in Environmental Science. After years of devoted research on sustainable agricultural practices, climate change, and environmental policy, she now finds herself standing at the crossroads of academic and professional life. Like many PhD holders, Sarah is eager to apply her expertise and make a tangible difference in her field, but she is also keenly aware of the financial considerations that come with this next step.

This article seeks to address the crucial and often intricate matter of post-PhD salaries. It aims to unravel the enigma surrounding the financial aspect of life after the doctorate, a subject that is of paramount importance to those who have invested years in pursuit of advanced education. The purpose here is to shed light on the salary expectations that individuals with a PhD can anticipate across various sectors, fields of study, and global locations.

Just like Sarah, countless PhD graduates stand on the verge of a new phase in their careers. Understanding the earning potential, salary ranges, and factors that influence compensation is instrumental in making informed decisions. This article endeavours to provide a comprehensive guide, offering insights into the diverse avenues available for Ph.D. holders, and empowering them to navigate the professional landscape with foresight and financial prudence.

Factors Influencing PhD Salary

The field of study significantly impacts post-PhD salaries. For instance, a PhD holder in Computer Science might find higher-paying opportunities compared to someone in Sociology. This is due to the demand for specific skill sets and expertise in the job market. Let’s consider Dr. Alex, a PhD holder in Artificial Intelligence. As the tech industry continues to expand rapidly, professionals with expertise in AI are in high demand, often commanding lucrative salaries in both academia and the private sector.

Geographical location plays a pivotal role in determining PhD salaries. The cost of living, job demand, and regional economic conditions all influence compensation levels. For example, Dr. Emily, a PhD holder in Economics, might find higher-paying opportunities in urban centres like New York City or London due to the higher cost of living and increased demand for economists in financial hubs.

The industry or sector in which a PhD graduate works also heavily impacts their salary. Those in academia, while contributing to knowledge and education, may generally have different salary expectations compared to their counterparts in the private sector. For instance, Dr. Michael, with a PhD in Business Administration, may choose to work in a corporate role, often leading to higher remuneration and additional benefits compared to a position in a non-profit organization focused on social impact.

PhD Salaries in Academia

Postdoctoral positions are a common starting point for many PhD holders aiming for an academic career. Salaries can vary based on the field and location. For example, Dr. Ahmed, who completed his PhD in Biology and secured a postdoc position at a research institution, can expect a salary range of approximately $40,000 to $60,000 per year. However, in specialized fields like biomedical research, postdocs may earn higher, sometimes up to $70,000 annually.

As a PhD graduate progresses to an assistant professor position, the salary range increases. For instance, Dr. Sarah, who recently transitioned to an assistant professor role in Psychology at a reputable university, could expect a salary between $60,000 to $90,000 annually. This range may vary based on factors such as the university’s prestige, geographic location, and the demand for expertise in the field.

As faculty members gain experience and achieve tenure, their salaries typically increase. Dr. Johnson, who has been a tenured professor in Computer Science for over a decade, might earn a salary ranging from $90,000 to well over $150,000 annually, depending on the university’s profile and the region’s cost of living. Full professors, having extensive experience and research contributions, may even earn higher, especially in renowned institutions or in high-cost-of-living areas.

PhD Salaries Outside Academia

In the private sector, salaries for PhD holders can vary widely based on the industry and field of study. For example, Dr. Michael, who holds a PhD in Data Science, might secure a position in a tech company and command a salary ranging from $90,000 to $120,000 per year, given the high demand for data science expertise. On the other hand, Dr. Laura, with a PhD in Marketing, might find positions in consumer research or advertising agencies, earning a comparable salary range in a different industry.

PhD graduates often find fulfilling opportunities in government agencies or non-profit organizations. In these sectors, salaries may vary based on the role, responsibilities, and level of experience.

For instance, Dr. Patel, with a PhD in Public Health, might join a government health department and earn a salary ranging from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on the specific position and location. Similarly, Dr. Nguyen, with a PhD in Education, could work for a non-profit focused on educational development, earning a salary in the range of $50,000 to $80,000 per year.

International Perspective

Salaries for PhD holders can vary significantly on a global scale. For instance, a PhD holder in Computer Science in the United States might earn an annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $150,000. In contrast, in India, a PhD holder in a similar field may earn a range of approximately $10,000 to $30,000 per year. The variation is influenced by factors such as the country’s economic development, demand for specialized skills, and cost of living.

International Factors Affect PhD Salary – Exchange Rates and Cost of Living:

Exchange rates and cost of living are crucial factors affecting salaries for PhD holders in different countries. Consider Dr. Anderson, a PhD holder in Environmental Engineering. If she relocates from the United Kingdom, where she earns £50,000 annually, to Switzerland, a country with a higher cost of living and strong currency, her equivalent salary might be around CHF 80,000. However, despite the seemingly higher salary, the increased cost of living might offset the apparent financial advantage.

Approximate salary comparison table for PhD holders based on working in academia, private sector, government, or non-profit organizations:

Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on several factors including location, experience, specific organization, and field of study.

Tips for Maximizing Salary Potential

Networking is paramount for advancing in any career. Dr. Rodriguez, a PhD holder in Finance, attended industry conferences, where she met professionals and academics. Through these connections, she was introduced to job openings that weren’t publicly advertised. Networking helped her secure a position as a financial consultant with a significantly higher salary than she initially anticipated.

Continuous learning and skill development are essential to stay competitive. Dr. Chen, a PhD holder in Artificial Intelligence, regularly took online courses to enhance his programming and machine learning skills. His dedication to staying updated with the latest technologies made him an attractive candidate for a leading tech company, and he was able to negotiate a higher salary based on his specialized expertise.

Dr. Davis, a PhD holder in Business Administration, stressed the importance of negotiation. When offered a position as a senior researcher in a biotech company, he researched industry salary standards and prepared a compelling case for a higher salary and additional benefits. Through effective negotiation, he secured a salary 15% higher than the initial offer, along with flexible work hours.

Before We Conclude….

Please visit my article category RESEARCH CAREERS for various career opportunities for PhD candidates before and after completion of PhD.

Here’s a tabular format listing prominent companies across various domains along with their respective URLs for PhD related career opportunities:

Please note that URLs and job opportunities may change over time, so it’s advisable to visit the respective company websites for the most up-to-date information on job openings and careers.

In this comprehensive exploration, we have dissected the various dimensions of salary expectations after obtaining a PhD. We started by understanding the factors influencing salaries, both within academia and beyond. From field of study and location to industry choice, these factors play a crucial role in determining one’s earning potential. We then examined the diverse salary landscapes in academia, private industry, government, and non-profit sectors. Furthermore, we emphasized the international perspective, shedding light on how salaries differ on a global scale. Lastly, we provided valuable tips on maximizing salary potential through networking, skill development, and effective negotiation.

Armed with the insights presented in this article, we encourage all aspiring and current PhD candidates to delve deeper into the salary landscapes of their respective fields. Further research, consultations with career advisors, and networking within their communities can provide a clearer picture of what to expect post-PhD. Knowledge is the cornerstone of success, and by acquiring a comprehensive understanding of salary expectations, individuals can confidently steer their career paths towards prosperity and fulfilment.

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Ph.D.s That Pay: The 15 Highest Paying Doctoral Degrees

Phd program rankings.

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• Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
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• Criminology (D.Crim.)
• Economics (DEc)
• Health Science (D.H.S./D.H.Sci)
• Library Science (D.L.S.)
• Molecular Biology (Phd Mol Biol)
• Occupational Safety and Health (D.O.S.H.)
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What are the highest paying doctoral degrees ? Despite stories of candidates being “overqualified” for job openings, or potential employers passing over applicants with “useless” degrees, Ph.D. holders have the lowest average unemployment rate of any level of educational attainment.

Generally speaking, gaining more years of higher education is almost always good for your earnings potential!

Short of professional degrees (which include Doctors of Medicine and Juris Doctors, or lawyers), Ph.D.’s also earn the most over their lifetime when compared to other degree types. Take a look at the highest-paying doctoral degrees!

Additional Resources: America’s Most Popular PhD Degrees

The Highest Paying Doctoral Degrees

Now that we’ve covered the important factors that affect Ph.D. earnings (including industry and location of employment), let’s take a look at what specific highest-paying doctoral degrees are available on a national level.

We’ve looked at over 50 of the most common doctoral degree programs in terms of early career earnings, mid-career salaries, and “maximum” earnings. While there are obviously outliers with Ph.D. programs in many of these fields, “maximum” career earnings were taken by noting the earnings of the top 10% of earners with the degree in question, or the average salary for degree holders with the degree in a single city, whichever is greater.

Below we’ve ranked the highest paying doctoral degrees by their “maximum” salaries.

Ph.D. in Statistics

Statisticians utilize statistical analysis to aid in decision-making and product development in a wide range of industries. Commonly employed in business, health care, government roles, think tanks, technology, and non-profits, statisticians are in high demand among organizations that intake enough data to require statistical analysis.

Most statistician jobs require a master’s degree, so obtaining a doctoral degree in statistics helps statisticians to stand out even more in this sought-after profession. It’s noteworthy that doctorate degrees in statistics have one of the highest starting salaries of doctorate degrees surveyed. Their “maximum” salary, however, is slightly lower than the remaining professions in our ranking.

• Average Early Career Salary: $58,310
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $67,230
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $78,760

SEE : DOCTOR OF STATISTICS (PH.D. STAT.) SALARY AND INFORMATION

Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering

As populations age and health care becomes more reliant on big data and technology, Biomedical Engineering stands to play a more and more central role in healthcare solutions.

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that Biomedical Engineering roles are expected to increase by more than 5% in the next seven years. Presently a doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering stands as the primary way to become involved with research in biomedical research.

Often paired with an M.D., some medical device makers who also practice as medical doctors make substantially more than the maximum salary listed below. Just looking at the Ph.D. in the subject, however, the most common job description includes designing, studying, or improving biomedical devices.

Common locations of employment for biomedical engineering include hospitals, consulting firms, research groups, university settings, and manufacturing companies. It’s worth noting that while early-career average earnings are on the lower end of our list, by mid-career, Ph.D.’s in biomedical research are farther into the pack.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $62,647
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $70,619
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $88,164

SEE: DOCTOR OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING (BME PH.D.) SALARY AND INFORMATION

Ph . d. in im munology.

Immunologists are medical researchers (and for those with M.D.s, practicing physicians) who focus on disease immunity. For those holding Ph.D.s in Immunology, common work settings include teaching in universities, research in universities or hospitals, policy-related roles, or research in public and private labs.

While dual M.D.s and Ph.D.s are often required to pursue research on your own as an immunologist, just one of these two degrees focused on immunology is required to obtain a position in public and private research settings.

Since 2004, there has been a widespread shortage of immunologists across the nation. This has led to 10%+ additional vacancies in job openings each year over the last decade. This has been reflected in the rising income of immunologists.

When looking at early, mid, and maximum salaries for immunologists, it’s of note that those holding both Ph.D.s and M.D.s stand to make substantially more than those with “just” a Ph.D. in the discipline.

• Average Early Career Salary: $248,453
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $276,843
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $368,422

SEE: DOCTOR OF IMMUNOLOGY SALARY AND INFORMATION

Ph.d. in pharmacology.

Pharmaceuticals are big business, and pharmaceutical researchers are on both the front line with patients in need and scientific endeavors expanding the field. Those who pursue Ph.D. in pharmacology (a distinct degree from a Pharm.D.) are expected to have a master’s degree in related material.

Doctor of Pharmacy degrees, on the other hand, are shorter programs requiring 60-90 credit hours of prerequisites at the undergraduate level.

Pharm.D. programs prepare students for being pharmacists, while Ph.D.’s in pharmacology prepare students for research and instruction roles. While entry-level earnings are lower for Ph.D.s than Pharm.D’s, Ph.D.s can earn significantly more in research roles by their mid and late-career.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $112,065
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $118,979
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $133,394

SEE: BEST ONLINE SCHOOLS FOR DOCTOR OF PHARMACY (PHARM.D.)

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers are some of the most versatile engineering types, finding employment in aviation, consumer goods, technology, transportation, logistics, and a wide range of other industries. While most forms of electrical engineering already provide a steady and well-compensated gig for life, Ph.D.s in electrical engineering are highly sought after.

While a Ph.D. in electrical engineering may still do some engineering work (some will work exclusively on topics they have specialized in) many hold advanced degrees in engineering instead of supervising teams.

For roles like chief technology officer, head of product, staff research engineer, project expert, and director of research and development, having a doctorate degree in electrical engineering may help candidates to stand out in extremely competitive fields. Additionally, moving up the corporate ladder that far increases pay far beyond that of “run-of-the-mill” engineers.

For the top 10% of earners holding a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, over $78,000 in compensation is the norm, often ranging much higher depending on the role performed.

• Average Early Career Salary: $73,027
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $77,006
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $88,708

SEE: DOCTOR OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING (D.E.E.) SALARY AND INFORMATION

Ph.d. in clinical psychology.

Ph.D.s in clinical psychology have a wide range of career paths to choose from. For those looking to practice clinical psychology, a 1-year externship program is often required, where students obtain experience working with patients. Ph.D.s will also often specialize in one area. Common areas include health psychology, child psychology, and neuropsychology.

Additionally, Ph.D.s in clinical psychology may elect to work in case management roles, as supervisors in treatment centers, in hospital settings, in education, in corporations, or in research settings.

This wide range of occupational settings creates quite a disparity between early-career earnings and the earnings of the upper 10th percentile of clinical psychologists, as one can see below. With this range of roles one can pursue with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, however, comes great freedom.

This versatile degree can help those in need, advance the study of the human mind, enhance corporate efficiency, or help in the education of the next generation of psychologists.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $46,400
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $79,800
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $138,600

SEE: DOCTOR OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (CLINPSYD) SALARY AND INFORMATION

Ph.d. in aerospace engineering.

Ph.D.s in Aerospace Engineering is one of the few sub-discipline degrees among doctoral engineering choices. While there are many Ph.D.s that may help you advance in aerospace engineering fields (physics, other engineering degrees, natural sciences, and so forth), aerospace engineering Ph.D.s often spend additional time diving into research on one subsystem of aerospace technologies.

For example, sensors, payload analysis, failure analysis, and so forth. With that said, a Ph.D. in any engineering discipline often provides a framework through which recipients can address any engineering problem.

And — even if not initially — many Ph.D.s in aerospace engineering find themselves working in other engineering fields, running their own companies, or moving into management. As one may expect, aerospace can be quite a lucrative field and includes employers such as NASA, defense contractors, branches of the military, airlines, vehicle manufacturers, telecommunications companies, and research opportunities at universities.

• Average Early Career Salary: $67,093
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $74,236
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $84,112

SEE: Doctor of Aerospace Engineering (Ph.D. AE) Career Guide: Salary and Degree Info

Ph.d. in engineering.

Ph.D.s in engineering are research-based degrees that focus on engineering at a theoretical level and prepare the recipient for either a role as a researcher or university instructor or industry work.

A similar doctorate of engineering degree is also a research degree (unique among professional degrees) and is similar in many ways to Ph.D. in engineering save for a higher focus on industry applications.

Ph.D.’s in engineering are some of the most versatile engineering degrees at the doctoral level. However, they may require time for the recipient to gather domain-specific knowledge (say, engineering related to wind tunnels, power plants, or aircraft).

This is evidenced by the growth in salary from entry-level through the highest 10% of earners in which engineering Ph.D.’s can nearly double their salary.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $69,140
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $121,830
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $174,530

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering is a multidisciplinary field utilizing physics, chemistry, economics, engineering, and math to resolve problems related to producing, using, transforming, and transporting chemicals.

Chemical engineers are routinely involved with all manner of consumer and business-facing production environments, from creating new materials for diapers to hazard assessments to large manufacturing plants.

Almost any consumer product produced on a large scale likely had a chemical engineer involved with some portion of manufacturing. So one can imagine the demand for chemical engineers is high. In fact, around 8% more chemical engineering manufacturing jobs are expected to be open in the next seven years.

For those with Ph.D.s in the discipline, employment opportunities also exist in research, academia, consulting roles, and entrepreneurship.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $75,633
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $83,381
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $99,727

SEE: Doctor of Chemical Engineering (PhD CE) Career Guide: Salary and Info

Ph.d. in physics.

Physics is the study of matter and the behavior of matter through space and time. When many think of physicists, they think of the cosmos. But many of the hardest engineering problems are also related to physics.

Those with Ph.D.s in physics will likely have specialized in one or more subject matter areas including optics, the physics of sound, atomic physics, nuclear physics, and gravitational physics, among many others. This often leads to important research roles in private industry or university settings.

From cars to spacecraft to telescopes, physicists have played integral roles in advancing products. With that said, even if Ph.D.s in physics have previously specialized in one area of science, physics helps to prepare scientists with the ability to think about a wide range of problems.

For this reason, many Ph.D.s in physics may find themselves in demand in a wide variety of industries throughout their career. And many talented physicists will find themselves well compensated.

• Average Early Career Salary: $65,995
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $71,659
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $114,248

SEE: Doctor of Physics (Ph.D. Physics) Career Guide: Salary and Info

Ph.d. in organic chemistry.

Chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, and reactions between compounds and materials. Organic chemistry utilizes the same research methods to focus on organic matter.

The good news is that this collection of compounds and materials (those that contain carbon) comprise a majority of known chemicals. Furthermore, all living matter is the study of organic chemistry. This means that applications for analysis through organic chemistry are veritable and limitless.

From pharmaceuticals to natural resources and geology to chemical engineering, the results of organic chemistry are all around us. Unfortunately (or fortunately if this is not the case for you), organic chemistry is known by many as one of the “hardest” subjects taught in higher education. For those who can excel in the subject matter, a wide range of career opportunities and compensations are available.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $59,968
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $67,470
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $84,061

Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Biochemistry is the scientific study of chemical processes related to or within living organisms. Molecular biology is an approach to studying biological mechanisms from a molecular level.

Together these fields of study offer a uniquely fine-grained way of studying living systems. While Ph.D.s in biochemistry and molecular biology are highly specialized, they find employment in a surprisingly wide range of settings.

From state crime labs to pharmaceutical development projects, biochemists and molecular biologists are often some of the most crucial specialists for ascertaining what goes on in our body at a molecular and chemical level.

Additionally, Ph.D. programs in these disciplines may, of course, find employment in research and instruction in university settings.

With this wide range of employment settings, there is also a wide range of compensation for biochemists. For the top 10% of earners, however, the field can be quite lucrative, making it our 4th highest-paying doctoral degree for 2022 and 2023.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $67,506
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $73,701
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $82,048

SEE:  Doctor of Molecular Biology (PhD Mol Biol) Career Guide: Salary and Info

Ph.d. in computer science.

Computer science is the study of the theory of computation as well as the design of computational systems. Computer science as a field of study has nearly as many sub-disciplines are there are forms of computing technology.

Though many Ph.D. recipients in the field will have specialized in a handful of technologies or theoretical components related to computing, computer science is also an approach to problem-solving that lends itself to the solving of many engineering situations.

While many with computer science degrees will find themselves in roles such as software developers early in their career, gaining a doctoral degree in the discipline can help workers quickly advance to positions such as systems architect, researcher, or development positions in subdisciplines of computer science.

Particularly highly compensated subdisciplines within computer science include information assurance, machine learning, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, virtualization, and many others.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $117,667
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $130,949
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $149,109

SEE: Best Online Doctor of Computer Science Degree Programs

Ph.d. in economics.

Economics is the social science that is intent on studying the production, consumption, and distribution of services and goods. Economic analysis often falls into a variety of categories that a Ph.D. candidate in economics could choose to focus on.

Broadly, these segments of economic analysis include micro and macroeconomics, theoretical analysis and applied analysis, normative and positive economics, and rational and behavioral economics.

As with all social sciences, each competing school of thought offers its own insights, and many are highly sought after in many domains of industry and public life. Economic analysis is particularly sought after in fields such as education, health care, criminology, and finance, among others.

A Ph.D. in economics can, of course, also elect to work in research or academic settings depending on their skill set. While early-career earnings are quite solid for those with Ph.D.s in economics, those moving into consulting roles or finance can command much higher salaries.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $78,124
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $93,369
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $106,848

SEE:  Doctor of Economics (DEc) Career Guide: Salary and Info

Ph.d. in information assurance.

Information Assurance is a discipline just recently brought to prominence by the massive amount of data and information held in computing devices and networks. With the rise in prominence of the internet and connected devices, many corporations and public entities have been unable to keep up with cybersecurity demands.

As of 2019, over 1 million cybersecurity openings will be unfilled nationwide. Additionally, the average age of those currently working in cybersecurity is approaching 50, meaning a lack of younger talent.

Though they will still need hands-on experience at lower levels, Ph.D.s in information assurance are great candidates for being the go-to resource on cybersecurity for organizations. As such, being a Ph.D. in information assurance in many organizations could put you on a shortlist for advanced positions such as chief information security officer.

While the average early and mid-career salaries of information assurance Ph.D.s are quite strong, many C-Level information assurance roles can bring in $300,000+.

The top 10% of jobs for the highest-paying Ph.D. in Information Assurance bring in over $100,000 a year or more, making information assurance the highest-paying Ph.D. surveyed in this year’s ranking.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $86,682
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $96,249
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $106,915

SEE:  Doctor of Information Assurance (Ph.D. IA) Career Guide: Salary and Info

What is a ph.d..

First, we should clarify exactly what degrees we’re talking about. A Ph.D. is an abbreviation for Doctorate of Philosophy. Ph.D. holders obtain Doctorate of Philosophy degrees in some subjects. Though “Philosophy” is in the title, this is largely a historical artifact from when the study of philosophy encompassed most of the traditional arts and sciences.

Today, someone holding a Doctorate of Philosophy in Statistics will have mainly studied statistics and supporting disciplines within their course of study. The underlying spirit of the degree still applies, however.

“Philosophy” means “lover of wisdom,” while a doctorate is the highest degree in a university. Therefore, a doctorate of philosophy is the highest degree awarded to a “lover of wisdom” within the university system.

Typically this means that Ph.D. graduates have endeavored upon unique and substantial research in their field of choice and have attempted to advance their field of study.

While there is a range of common doctorate degrees, many are not Ph.D.s.

This usage of the term Ph.D.– though technically correct — is contrary to the common usage of the term. In ordinary conversation, Ph.D. and “Doctorate” are often used interchangeably. The main exception to this rule is that many people do distinguish between common professional degrees (including medicine and law) and more research-centered Ph.D.s.

In our investigation, we’re looking specifically at Ph.D.s, and not professional doctoral degrees. Though in many of the most lucrative Ph.D.s listed below, we do discuss the differences and similarities between Ph.D.s and professional degrees in the same subject.

Does job location matter when considering the highest-paying doctorate degrees?

In employment, location matters. In fact, along with your line of work, the location may be the single most significant determinant of compensation.

After all, the minimum wage in some cities approaches the average wage of earners in some states. The average hourly wage in America as a whole more than triples in a handful of the most populous cities.

In short, no conversation about payment of Ph.D. is complete without reference to where the said Ph.D. is working. While looking at the earnings of the entire population in locations is a good indicator of whether or not Ph.D.s may make more in an area, Ph.D.s tend to occupy a disproportionately high degree of jobs in the most lucrative fields in a region.

In a region rich with natural resource extraction, many Ph.D.’s are likely employed in geology or natural resources. In an area rich with information technology organizations, more Ph.D.s in computer science are probably employed.

This is partially accounted for by the trend of universities with large research presences in a field helping to foster entrepreneurship in a given field throughout the region. High concentrations of researchers and university funding help to create more business opportunities. In turn, this draws more talent to the universities in the region.

This is to say that average earnings within a region are at times not directly tied to Ph.D. earnings. Rather, an average salary in a region may be quite low, while opportunities for Ph.D. holders may be centered around the most well-supported industries specific to the region. With that said, many of the highest-earning cities and states in the nation are also the centers of highest compensation for Ph.D. graduates with doctoral degrees.

Does the industry matter when considering the highest-paying doctorate degrees?

The industry employing a Ph.D. holder is equally important (and often tied) to the location in which doctoral workers work when talking of compensation. While many top universities have highly regarded programs in many disciplines, many universities are known for just a handful of programs are the graduate level. This leads to geographic clusters of Ph.D.s in very different industries.

An example of the above may be seen in the following. The University of Iowa and the University of Mississippi are both well-known for their graduate programs in creative writing. A disproportionately high number of graduate degree holders in the vicinity of both universities are writers or writing instructors.

Even Ph.D.-level graduates in English literature don’t lead to as high of an income as say, chemical engineering. This industry discrepancy (among others) leads to great clusters of highest-paying doctoral degrees in California’s Bay Area, or Minnesota’s Twin Cities region (both of which are home to top-ranked chemical engineering schools).

Along with location, the industry in which a Ph.D. works is integrally tied to earning power. Below is a sampling of average earnings for the highest-paying doctoral degree by industry.

See also: Top Free (or Cheap!) Online Ph.D. Level Courses

Check this out for more information: Jobs That Require a Ph.D. or Doctorate Degree

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PhD in USA: Fees 2024, Top Colleges, Placements & Salaries

Jasmine Grover

Content Strategy Manager | Updated On - Apr 30, 2024

You must show your English proficiency by submitting scores for IELTS (7 to 7.5) and TOEFL (90 to 100).  When pursuing your PhD in USA, you've got 10 years to wrap up your thesis even though the program is 6 years. The cost of a PhD in the USA can vary quite a bit, ranging from USD 24,800 to 80,390 (INR 20.6 Lakhs to 66.9 Lakhs) . Though it can be costly, a PhD in USA offers a great return on investment as you can earn salaries ranging from USD 59,506 to USD 92,179 .

Some  top universities to aim for your PhD in the USA are MIT, Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley. With a doctorate in hand, you can easily get a job at top-notch companies like Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and more. 

PhD in USA: Program Highlights

Top Universities for PhD in USA

When it comes to pursuing a PhD in USA, there's no shortage of top-notch universities to choose from. Here are a few universities that consistently rank high and offer exceptional programs:

Why study PhD in USA?

Studying for a PhD in the USA is a top choice for many aspiring scholars. Here's why pursuing your doctoral studies in USA might be the best choice:

• PhD in USA is offered by well-ranked and globally accredited universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. 
• You don't need to spend years working on a master's degree before you can pursue PhD in USA. Some universities in USA offer admission to the PhD program right after bachelor's.
• USA universities offer PhD students generous stipends, scholarships, and fellowships, covering tuition fees and living costs.
• The USA boasts a lower unemployment rate of only 3.9% compared to many other countries.
• Over 280 universities in USA offer PhD programs for engineering, business, arts, or sciences.

The USA is a global innovation, technology, finance, and entertainment powerhouse. Whether you dream of working in Silicon Valley, Wall Street, or Hollywood, studying in the US puts you right in the middle of some of the world's most exciting hubs of opportunity.

So, if you're ready to take your academic journey to the next level and set yourself up for success, a PhD in the USA could be the right choice.

Popular PhD in USA Programs for Indian Students

Some popular programs of PhD in USA for Indian students:-

Course Curriculum

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in USA is a popular degree sought after by many international students. It is considered the highest academic achievement in most fields of study. The PhD program in the USA consists of three main phases:

• Coursework Phase: Involves advanced courses over 1 to 3 years to build foundational knowledge and research skills.
• Preliminary Examination : Assess students' breadth of knowledge in their field after completing coursework.
• Dissertation Phase : Lasts 2 to 8 years for independent research, culminating in a written dissertation.

The duration of the PhD program varies depending on the field of study and the student's academic background. On average, it takes 4 to 8 years to complete a PhD program after obtaining a bachelor's degree. However, students who already hold a master's degree may complete the program in a year or two less, depending on their prior coursework and research experience.

PhD in USA Admission

Admission to most universities in the USA remains open during December and January. Students must submit applications before the deadlines are passed. You can go through the sections below to check the eligibility criteria and other requirements for PhD in USA.

PhD in USA: Eligibility Criteria

As the entry requirements vary within the field of study, it becomes very difficult to group this data into a piece of the overall information. However, the following eligibility criteria are followed by a majority PhD universities in USA:-

• 4-year Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree
• A minimum GPA of 3 out of 4.
• 2 academic and 1 professional Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• A 500-750 word Statement of Purpose (SoP)
• Updated Resume or CV
• A valid passport
• F-1 or J-1 US Student Visa
• Valid Passport
• Student Visa

PhD in USA: University Requirements

To get admission to PhD programs in the USA, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 to 3.9 based on various universities. Students must also have English language proficiency scores of IELTSand TOEFL. The various requirements for PhD admission in USA in some of the popular universities are tabulated as follows:-

Cost of PhD in USA

Students who wish to get admission to PhD courses in the USA must have enough funds to support their studies in the USA. Based on various top universities offering PhD courses, the total cost of study in the USA is around USD 70,573 to 1,26,163 (INR 58.47 lakhs to 10.45 million) including tuition fees and living costs.

PhD in USA Tuition Fee

The cost of PhD in USA varies with the specialisation or the preferred field of study. However, on average, the annual tuition fees range from USD 24,800 to 80,390 (INR 2.05 to 66.66 lakhs). The following table presents the university-wise distribution of the average tuition costs for opting PhD in USA:-

Cost of Living in USA

USA is the most popular as well as the costliest study abroad destination for PhD in USA as well as other programs. This corresponds to the quality of education, safety, ambience, and health services the country offers. Based on some of the top universities in the USA, students admitted to PhD courses will face an average living cost of USD 45,773 (INR 37.92 lakhs) based on various parameters mentioned below.

PhD in USA with Scholarship

At Universities in the USA, students are offered various scholarships and fellowships allowing students to ease their financial burden. You can check various fellowships offered by US universities in the table below.

Also Check : Education Loans to Study in USA

PhD in USA Placements

After completing the Ph.D. program at Universities in the USA, students are offered various job profiles based on their field of study and research. The average salary offered for various job profiles listed below ranges from USD 59,506 to 92,179 (INR 49.29 to 76.36 lakhs).

PhD in USA: Return on Investment

After completing the PhD programs in the USA, students are placed in various sectors. Graduates from US Universities receive an annual average salary ranging from USD 65,070 to 1,75,090 based on various top universities as mentioned below.

The availability of stipends, scholarships, and fellowships allows students to pursue a PhD in USA without any financial pressure. With an unemployability rate of just 3.9%, the USA allows graduates to work in their core fields after completing the Ph.D. programs. Companies like Apple, Amazon, CISCO, Microsoft, etc. offer students a salary range of USD 59,506 to 92,179 (INR 49.29 to 76.36 lakhs) based on different job profiles. 

Ques. How much does PhD cost in USA?

Ans. The cost of studying PhD in USA includes tuition costs and living costs as mentioned below.

• Tuition cost for PhD in USA ranges from USD 24,800 to 80,390 (INR 2.05 to 66.66 lakhs)
• Living costs for PhD in USA is around USD 45,773 (INR 37.92 lakhs).

Ques. How many years is PhD in USA?

Ans. Students enrolled in US universities have 10 years to complete their doctoral thesis, even though the course duration is 6 years .

Ques. What is the eligibility for PhD in USA?

Ans. To pursue PhD in USA, you must fulfil the below requirements.

• Students must have a bachelors or masters degree in relevant field.
• Students must have secured a GPA 2.7 to 3.9 on a scale of 4 (80-94%).
• Students must have valid scores of IELTS 7.0-7.5, TOEFL 90-100, etc.

Furthermore, for some of the specialisations, candidates will be required to submit GMAT or GRE scores.

Ques. Can I work while pursuing a PhD in USA?

Ans. Individuals pursuing a PhD in USA are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week on a part-time basis. They may start full-time working during vacations or holidays.

Ques. What are the top PhD programs to study in USA?

Ans. The following are some of the popular streams for pursuing a PhD in USA:-

• Engineering
• Biological Sciences

Ques. What can I do after completing a PhD in USA?

Ans. After pursuing a Ph.D. program in USA candidates may work under the following job profiles:-

• Research Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Assistant Research Engineer
• Teaching Assistant Professor
• Field Biologist
• Economist, etc.

Ques. Is post graduation necessary for pursuing PhD in USA?

Ans. For a majority of institutions, post graduation or a Master’s degree is not required for studying PhD in USA. Only an undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA (85%) is sufficient for applying to these colleges.

Ques. What is the salary after PhD in USA?

Ans. Graduates of PhD programs in USA can earn an impressive average annual salary ranging from USD 55,200 to USD 101,100 (INR 45.5 Lakhs to INR 83.4 Lakhs).

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10 Highest Paying PhD Degrees 2024

Find your perfect school.

What are the highest paying Ph.D. degrees? Some of the answers might surprise you.

Key Takeaways :

• The top two highest-paying Ph.D. degrees are Ph.D. in Computer Science (#1) and Ph.D. in Economics (#2).
• The ranking considered the median earnings of the top 10% of wage earners in each field associated with the Ph.D.
• Computer science Ph.D. holders work in cutting-edge research areas like artificial intelligence, data science, and quantum computing.

For this ranking we only considered the highest paying Ph.D./ Doctoral level programs. This means you won’t find lawyers or doctors on this list, because M.D. and law degrees are different from Ph.D.s; while you can earn a Ph.D. in law, it’s not required in order to work in any position at the highest-paying levels of the field. There are, however, areas of the medical field that don’t require M.D. degrees and instead require other kinds of doctoral degrees; these areas were included. For this ranking, we looked at the median earnings of the top 10% of wage earners in each field associated with the Ph.D. in question. While the ranking includes information about job growth rate and the number of jobs projected to be added over the next ten years, the top 10% salary is the only determining factor when deciding the position of each Ph.D. in the ranking. We hope this ranking of the top ten highest paying Ph.D. degrees will help you determine whether or not earning a Ph.D. in one of these fields is the right step for your career.

Featured Programs

Detailing the highest paying doctorate degrees, #1. ph.d. in computer science.

You will often find computer science Ph.D. holders working in cutting-edge computer science research in artificial intelligence, data science, quantum computing, cryptography, programming languages, and robotics. Most people are aware of programmers and roughly what their job entails. Computer science researchers create the languages that programmers use to develop applications. At the core, computer science researchers tend to be devoted to understanding how to solve very specific, complex problems that involving technology and how we use it to automate tasks. You can find high-level computer science researchers running their own companies, working for the government in a variety of contexts, working for private corporations, and teaching and conducting research at just about every major university in the United States. In many cases, they do more than one of those things at the same time.

• Top 10% Salary: $189,780
• 2018-2028 Projected Job Growth Rate: 16%
• 2018-2028 Job Number Projected Growth: 5,200

#2. Ph.D. in Economics

Economics is one of the most ambitious fields of study. It attempts to combine the elements of behavioral science, statistics and probability, game theory, and ethics to understand human behavior, make predictions about market trends, and make recommendations about economic policy in order to solve economic problems. It’s not an easy job. Most of economics involves analyzing historical economics and using that information to create theories which explain the observed behavior, devising experiments to determine whether or not such behavior is reproducible, factoring in issues of cultural differences, and overall, attempting to determine what actions the government can take or not take to improve the economic well-being of society and the individual. Most economists focus on one specific area of economics and collaborate with people who focus on other areas, because the subject is too big for one person to study broadly.

• Top 10% Salary: $185,020
• 2018-2028 Projected Job Growth Rate: 8%
• 2018-2028 Job Number Projected Growth: 1,700

#3. Ph.D. in Nursing

Nursing as a field has continued to grow and expand greatly over the past century or so since modern nursing practices were first established. The two highest-paid types of nurses are nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists. Nurse practitioners serve as primary care providers and are very similar in the way they function to doctors. They assess patients, develop treatments, prescribe medications, and order labs, all while working independently. Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia for surgical procedures, and provide patient care at all stages of the surgical process, essentially functioning the same as an anesthesiologist. For these advanced positions you might want to consider one of the affordable online DNP programs we feature in this ranking .

• Top 10% Salary: $184,180
• 2018-2028 Projected Job Growth Rate: 26%
• 2018-2028 Job Number Projected Growth: 62,000

#4. Ph.D. in Pharmacology (Doctor of Pharmacy)

It’s not easy to become a pharmacist. Once you earn your Ph.D., you have to pass the state licensure and law exams. It’s also not a commonly available degree. Out of over 5,000 colleges and universities in the United States, there were only 128 fully accredited Pharm.D. programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. It’s incredibly important to ensure you attend an accredited Pharm.D. program. The Ph.D. typically takes 4 years to finish. However, there are some highly-focused programs that allow high school graduates to earn their bachelor’s and graduate degree/degrees in about six years of intensive full-time study. The most common employers of pharmacists are pharmacies and hospitals, and grocery/retail stores with pharmacies attached or pharmaceuticals departments.

• Top 10% Salary: $162,900
• 2018-2028 Projected Job Growth Rate: 0%
• 2018-2028 Job Number Projected Growth: -100

#5. Chemistry Ph.D.

At its core, chemistry is the study of the substances that make up the world around us. Chemists study, particularly, the interactions of those substances. There are different areas of specialization within chemistry, usually focusing on a specific kind of material or specific applications of materials. These include analytical chemists, forensic chemists, inorganic chemists, medicinal chemists, organic chemists, physical chemists, and theoretical chemists. The work chemists do has an incredible impact on our society, as it is their experimental research that leads to the development of everything from plastics to medicines to pollution control technologies.

• Top 10% Salary: $157,780
• 2018-2028 Projected Job Growth Rate: 4%
• 2018-2028 Job Number Projected Growth: 3,500

#6. Ph.D. in Physics

Most high-level physics jobs are in research, whether in an academic, corporate, or government setting. In many cases, physics research impacts all three of those sectors on some level. In most cases, the practical implications of physics research aren’t clear until years, sometimes decades, or even centuries later. In the case of theoretical physics, it can take decades just to develop the technology required to perform the experiments to test a hypothesis. One of the best examples of the nature of the study of physics is gravity. Sir Isaac Newton developed the theory of gravity centuries ago. And still to this day, little is known about this force. We know it exists, and a little bit about the effects it has on earth and in our solar system. But we know very little about what gravity is, and how and why it works the way it does. There are certainly more concrete areas of physics to focus on than theoretical physics, however. Medical physicists, for instance, tend to work in healthcare, using physics to develop new medical technologies. These technologies vary from radiation therapies to imaging technologies.

• Top 10% Salary: $148,110
• 2018-2028 Projected Job Growth Rate:
• 2018-2028 Job Number Projected Growth:

#7. Engineering Ph.D.

Engineering is certainly one of the highest-paying fields in the world, currently. However in order to prevent this ranking from featuring six or seven engineering degrees, we found data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that combined the relevant numbers for all engineering fields. The five highest-paying engineering specialties are petroleum engineers, computer hardware engineers, aerospace engineers, nuclear engineers, and electronics engineers. People holding an engineering Ph.D. will often be found working at the top levels of the field in research, consulting, and in executive R&D positions.

• Top 10% Salary: $147,000
• 2018-2028 Job Number Projected Growth: 139,300

#8. Mathematics/Statistics Ph.D.

Mathematicians and statisticians work in an incredibly broad range of fields. Of course, many work in academia, developing new mathematical theories, conducting research, and building upon the work of mathematicians past. But you will also find them in finance, on Wall Street, working on high end computer and artificial intelligence research, cryptography, economics, behavioral sciences, and in the data analysis actuarial sciences and risk assessment.

• Top 10% Salary: $146,770
• 2018-2028 Projected Job Growth Rate: 30%
• 2018-2028 Job Number Projected Growth: 14,400

#9. Ph.D. in Immunology

Immunologists are a highly specialized and focused subset of microbiologists. The salary and job growth rate data we used from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is for microbiologists as a whole, as there is no separate category for immunologists specifically. Immunologists focus on the area of microbiology having to do with human immune systems and their interactions with various microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. Immunologists work primarily in research, often in the development of vaccines. Some immunologists also hold medical degrees, but it is only necessary to have both in very specific situations.

• Top 10% Salary: $134,000
• 2018-2028 Projected Job Growth Rate: 5%
• 2018-2028 Job Number Projected Growth: 1,100

#10. Ph.D. in Psychology

Psychology is a broad field encompassing areas like clinical psychology, developmental psychology, forensic psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, rehabilitation psychology, and school psychology. Psychologists, even those who work in academia, tend to specialize and have practiced, and now teach and conduct research in one of these areas of psychology. The vast majority of psychologists are clinical psychologists, making up 162,000 out of 181,700 psychologists. Clinical psychologists are responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders. Clinical psychologists are only permitted to prescribe medication in Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Mexico. In all other states, they tend to work closely with medical professionals to determine appropriate treatment for patients. If you are interested in affordable and convenient programs, we’ve got an article here featuring great online phd in psychology programs .

• Top 10% Salary: $132,070
• 2018-2028 Projected Job Growth Rate: 14%
• 2018-2028 Job Number Projected Growth: 26,100

FAQ on Highest Paying Doctorates

When is a good time to earn my ph.d..

The best answer to this question is when it makes the most sense for you. In many cases, rushing straight through undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs is not the best course of action. It’s often better to earn your master’s or Ph.D. once you have some experience in your field. This is because in many cases, doctoral education is highly individualized. Your learning at this point is mostly driven by where your interests lie, and your research will be determined by questions you want to answer or problems you want to solve. And in many cases, it takes time spent working in a profession for you to determine where your interests lie and what those questions or problems are. For instance, almost every job in engineering can be done by somebody with a master’s degree. Deciding to earn a Ph.D. in engineering should be driven by a specific need or interest.

There are, of course, exceptions, including some of the fields featured in this ranking. Theoretical physicists, economists, and mathematicians, for instance, do highly theoretical work, and the academic setting tends to be the main place they can work to support themselves while conducting their research. Psychologists will often find they want or need a Ph.D. in order to open their own practice.

Does the school I attend for my Ph.D. matter?

It depends. When applying for highly competitive research positions in areas like computer science, physics, economics, or other sciences, a Ph.D. from Stanford or MIT might get you a lot farther than a Ph.D. from a less prestigious school. However, other factors also matter. The quality of your published work, your professional accomplishments, and your aptitude all factor in as well.

For professions like engineering, nursing, and psychology, the quality of the program is still important but the prestige of your university is less of an issue.

How do I pay for my Ph.D.?

There are, generally speaking, three main ways to pay for your Ph.D. program. The first is that the corporation or organization you work for might pay for it. Most companies have tuition assistance programs designed to help employees with the cost of professional development, including earning advanced degrees, especially if the organization you’re working with is conducting research.

The second is to teach at the university where you are earning your degree. Ph.D. students are often also professors. In many cases, this allows them to earn money by teaching while also earning their Ph.D. for either greatly reduced tuition or for free. This is how most people who plan to teach and conduct research in academia pay for their Ph.D. programs.

The third is to pay for it through a combination of institutional and federal financial aid, loans, and out of your own pocket.

Can I do my Ph.D. online?

It depends on the field in which you’re earning your degree. Online Ph.D. programs are pretty rare. They are almost nonexistent in the sciences because earning your Ph.D. in a scientific discipline often requires access to laboratories and specialized equipment in order to conduct your research and practice procedures. Ph.D. programs are more difficult to adapt to the online format because of how highly individualized they tend to be, requiring close collaboration with your advisor. This is one of the reasons they are so rarely offered online. However, online Ph.D. programs are becoming more and more common as colleges and universities find ways to harness technology to solve some of these problems. So if an online Ph.D. is something that interests you, definitely investigate your options thoroughly and you might find one that suits your needs.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Page

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This concludes our ranking of the ten highest paying PhD degrees.

Psychologist - Ph.D. Salary in the United States

Psychologist - ph.d. salary.

How much does a Psychologist - Ph.D. make in the United States? The average Psychologist - Ph.D. salary in the United States is $118,528 as of August 27, 2024, but the range typically falls between $107,500 and $131,573 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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Clinical Psychologist

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LMFT, LCSW, LCPC, Ph.D, Psy.D; Full/Part-time/Flexible Schedule (Fully Licensed)

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AT4K AutismTesting4Kids - HOUSTON, TX

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What skills does a Psychologist - Ph.D. need?

Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.

Leadership: Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.

CPA: A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a trusted financial advisor who helps individuals, businesses, and other organizations plan and reach their financial goals.

Psychological Evaluations: A psychological evaluation may consist of a series of formal or structured psychological or neuropsychological tests as well as clinical interviews designed to identify and describe emotional, behavioral, or learning problems.

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Job Description for Psychologist - Ph.D.

Psychologist - Ph.D. evaluates patients for mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. Diagnoses disorders, including nature and extent, and determines the appropriate course of treatment for the patient. Being a Psychologist - Ph.D. uses talk therapy to treat patient illness or distress, cannot prescribe medication. Requires a PhD in clinical psychology. Additionally, Psychologist - Ph.D. requires a valid state license to practice. Typically reports to a medical director. The Psychologist - Ph.D. works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. To be a Psychologist - Ph.D. typically requires 10+ years of related experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)... View full job description

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• Clinical Psychologist Greenberg & Associates - COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VA Greenberg & Associates LLC is a psychological practice located in the Greater Richmond Region of Virginia. We offer supportive outpatient therapy, testing,... - 4 Months Ago
• LMFT, LCSW, LCPC, Ph.D, Psy.D; Full/Part-time/Flexible Schedule (Fully Licensed) Sierra Sunrise Wellness Group - RENO, NV About Us. Sierra Sunrise Wellness Group* is in the process of expansion, and looking to hire an additional Fully-Licensed mental health practitioner (LMFT,... - 12 Days Ago
• Licensed Clinical Psychologist AT4K AutismTesting4Kids - HOUSTON, TX About Us. ALL WE DO IS AUTISM ASSESSMENTS. AT4K AutismTesting4Kids is determined to reduce the amount of time it takes for children to receive an evaluatio... - 10 Days Ago
• Licensed Clinical Psychologist Melbourne Integrative Psychology - MELBOURNE, FL About us. Melbourne Integrative Psychology is a small business in Melbourne, FL. Our goal is to offer patients an integrative approach to mental health enc... - 11 Days Ago

Career Path for Psychologist - Ph.D.

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Psychologist - Ph.D., the first career path typically progresses to Psychological Services Director.

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What does a psychologist - ph.d. do, are you an hr manager or compensation specialist.

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Psychologist - Ph.D. Pay Difference by Location

Psychologist - Ph.D. salary varies from city to city. Compared with national average salary of Psychologist - Ph.D., the highest Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is in San Francisco, CA, where the Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is 25.0% above. The lowest Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is in Miami, FL, where the Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is 3.5% lower than national average salary.

Level of Education for Psychologist - Ph.D.

Jobs with different levels of education may pay very differently. Check the Psychologist - Ph.D. salary of your education level.

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Psychologist - Ph.D. Salary by State

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Postdoctoral Researcher Salary: Average Salary of Postdocs Explored

Postdocs maybe one of the more natural paths to take after completing Ph.Ds, but like many jobs, salary matters. What is postdoctoral researcher salary like?

Postdoctoral researcher salary vary significantly depending on the country and sector. In the United States, the average postdoc salary is around $72,798 per year. You may earn around $60,000 a year in Canada, or up to 70,000 Euro annually in Europe.

In this post, we break down the average postdoctoral researcher salary, across places around the world. We also explore factors that determine the salary, and how you can land a postdoc position yourself.

Salary Of Postdoc Researcher Salary Per Year

Postdoctoral researcher salary vary significantly depending on the country and sector. In the United States, the average postdoc salary is around $72,798 per year , but this can vary with:

• experience,
• employer. 

For example, researchers in R&D roles within tech or pharmaceutical sectors might earn more than those in academia.

In higher-cost cities like Boston or San Francisco, the compensation is often higher but adjusted for the local cost of living​, so postdoctoral researcher salary in these areas are higher.

In Europe, postdoctoral researcher salary are also influenced by the country and institution. In Germany, postdocs typically earn between €4,253 and €5,951 per month depending on experience and the type of position.which amounts to an annual salary of around €51,000 to €71,000.​

In Switzerland, postdoctoral researcher salary are among the highest in Europe, with postdocs earning approximately CHF 80,000 to CHF 100,000 per year​.

Canada also offers competitive salaries for postdocs, with the average salary being about CAD 60,658 per year​.

Recent policy changes in Canada are aiming to improve postdoctoral researcher salary, especially in high-demand fields like biomedical and AI research.

What Factors Determine A Postdoctoral Researcher Salary?

When it comes to determining postdoctoral researcher salary, a variety of factors are at play.

Job Title & Field Of Work

The first is the job title and the specific field in which you work. Postdoctoral researcher salary in some fields are higher than others.

Postdocs in R&D roles in pharmaceutical companies often command higher salaries compared to those working in academia.

A postdoc in machine learning at a tech company could see an annual salary well above the national average for a postdoctoral researcher. In fields like AI and biomedical research, the postdoctoral researcher salary tend to be higher.

In machine learning or AI, a graduate with extensive industry experience might bypass the traditional PhD route and still get paid postdoc-level salaries. 

The second factor is the funding source.

Some postdoctoral researcher salary are supported through institutional funds, while others rely on fellowships or grants . The latter can make a big difference in your salary range.

In academia, a postdoctoral position funded by a prestigious fellowship might offer a more competitive salary than a standard postdoc position funded by an internal department budget.

Postdoctoral researcher salary with funding by federal grants or private foundations like the NIH or National Science Foundation typically pay more than roles supported by university funds alone.

Location plays a huge role in determining your salary. Postdoctoral researchers in the United States, especially in high-cost living areas such as Boston (Harvard, MIT), New York, or California, tend to make more annually compared to those in other regions.

However, the cost of living in these locations also significantly eats into that higher salary.

A postdoc in the Midwest might earn less per year, but with a much lower cost of living, the actual quality of life could be comparable to their coastal counterparts.

Your PhD Institution & Connections

Your PhD institution and connections can also influence salary. Graduates from prestigious universities often have more leverage in negotiating pay.

Those with high-impact publications or experience in in-demand fields may find themselves in a better position to secure higher salaries.

Alumni networks and career path mentorship also play a pivotal role, helping you land positions with better pay and benefits.

Overall Budget

The employer or hiring organization sets the salary range based on the overall budget, the field’s demand, and the seniority of the position.

Some companies, particularly in the tech or pharmaceutical sectors, offer generous benefits, stock options, and bonuses, in addition to the base postdoc salary.

This makes working outside of academia a lucrative option for many postdoctoral researchers looking to maximize their earnings.

Must All Postdoc Have A PhD?

Not all postdoctoral researchers need a PhD, but in most fields, it’s almost mandatory. 

From my experience in academia, a PhD is essential for a postdoc position, especially if you want to get a job as an assistant professor or move into a full-time research role. The PhD provides the foundation for executing independent research and securing funding.

In the pharmaceutical or tech industries, the situation can be different. While many postdocs in R&D roles still hold PhDs, some companies allow candidates with equivalent experience to take on similar roles.

Fellowships often require a PhD for eligibility. Still, some postdoctoral researchers may take on administrative or project associate roles that don’t require a doctoral degree.

These positions can offer lower salaries but still provide valuable research experience. If you are still stuck on whether to pursue a PhD for a postdoc, consider your long-term career path.

Tech companies may offer higher salaries without a PhD, but academic careers nearly always demand it.

How To Get A Postdoc Position?

Getting a postdoc position starts with finding the right job search strategies. You need to identify positions that align with your research interests, whether it’s in academia, industry, or R&D.

Job and researchers’ websites usually advertises available postdoctoral positions, like:

• National Postdoctoral Association, or
• Specific university job sites.

If you’re aiming for high-paying postdoc roles in the pharmaceutical industry or tech, look for positions with job titles in AI, machine learning, or biomedical research.

Networking plays a pivotal role. Connecting with mentors, attending academic conferences, or participating in webinars can lead to valuable insights on upcoming positions.

A postdoc in machine learning might learn about roles at tech companies directly through a former PhD advisor or industry connections.

Universities like Harvard or MIT may have exclusive job boards or connections to top employers.

Your CV and cover letter should emphasize not just your PhD, but also your publications, grants, and any research that aligns with the postdoc’s requirements.

Employers in academia typically look for strong publication records, while those in industry may prioritize specific project experience.

Funding is another important factor. Some postdoc positions are supported by fellowships, while others depend on institutional funds. A fellowship can offer higher salaries and more independence.

Remember that location impacts salary too. Postdocs in the United States, especially in high-cost cities, may earn more per year, but the cost of living should factor into your decision.

With persistence and the right connections, you can land a postdoc that suits your long-term career goals.

What Are The Benefits For Postdoctoral Researchers?

As a postdoctoral researcher, the benefits you receive go beyond your salary. Although postdocs are considered temporary roles, many employers offer comprehensive benefits packages.

In academia, government research labs, and the private sector, these benefits can significantly enhance your overall compensation.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is a common benefit, especially for full-time postdoc positions. In countries like the United States, postdoctoral researchers working at universities or large research institutions often receive:

• dental, and
• vision coverage.

The type and extent of the coverage depend on the employer and the job title, but it is generally aligned with the university or institution’s benefits for other full-time employees.

Pharmaceutical companies and tech firms offering postdoc positions often include top-tier health benefits, making industry roles particularly appealing.

Retirement Benefits

Retirement benefits can also be part of your package. While postdoctoral roles are typically short-term, many institutions still offer retirement savings plans, such as:

• 401(k) matching programs in the U.S.,
• Superannuation programs in Australia, or
• Pension contributions in Europe. 

This adds long-term value to your overall compensation, even if you’re only staying in the position for a few years.

Professional Development 

Professional development opportunities are another key benefit for postdocs. You may get paid to:

• attend conferences,
• present research, and
• access exclusive training. 

These opportunities not only enhance your CV but also offer valuable networking chances. Many postdocs also have the chance to publish as lead authors, boosting their career profile.

Fellowships

Fellowships may come with extra perks.

A prestigious fellowship might offer additional research funds or travel allowances, allowing you to attend international conferences or collaborate with researchers abroad.

Some postdocs also receive relocation assistance, making it easier to move for a new position, whether in academia or industry.

Stock Options and Bonuses

Postdocs working in high-demand fields like IT , AI or biomedical research might even receive stock options or bonuses in private-sector roles.

While this is less common in academia, tech companies and R&D labs often offer these benefits to attract top talent.

Many postdoctoral researcher salaries, especially in these sectors, include performance-based bonuses and access to company shares.

Postdoctoral Researcher Salary:  Get Paid Properly

Postdoctoral researchers’ salaries vary significantly depending on the country, institution, and field of study. Additional factors such as funding sources, experience, and cost of living influence pay.

Despite the relatively modest salary, postdocs are critical contributors to scientific advancement and academic research, often working long hours to further their expertise and career prospects.

How Much Is Postdoctoral Researcher Salary In The US?

In the United States, the average postdoc salary is around $72,798 per year

Location, job title, funding, your PhD, workload

Not necessarily, but most Postdoc position requires a PhD.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

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IEEE-USA Releases 2024 Salary & Benefits Report

Salaries increase ahead of inflation; engineers with ph.d.s, mbas and in management show significant salary bump by paul lief rosengren.

IEEE-USA Salary & Benefits Survey Report – 2024 Edition

Ieee members: $125.00 non-members: $225.00.

The report noted that “the variance in earned income is significant, influenced … by a host of factors.” The report goes into detail on factors such as education level, certification, specialty, experience, and level of responsibility.

The report also reveals salary differences by employer characteristics, such as organization size; and differences between region, state, metropolitan districts and demographic attributes, such as gender and race. The 60-page report is truly a treasure trove of information — especially if you might be considering moving to another part of the country; switching to a new field of engineering; deciding whether to invest in additional education or certification; or just wanting to know where your salary stands in comparison with your peers.

The survey showed a clear advantage of moving into management, stating, “A management job still results in the highest median primary income, with a salary advantage of approximately $31,500 a year for those in technical management, compared to the median for all respondents. General management respondents and those in marketing/sales also do relatively well, compared to the whole.”

When comparing education levels, respondents with Ph.D.s (30 percent of respondents) earned the highest primary income at $193,636. Those with an MBA earned on average $185,000. Those holding an MSEE or MSCE reported a median of $182,500. BSEE or BSCE degree-holders earned a median income of $159,000, in 2023.

Information is broken down across nine areas, and more than 50 Professional Areas of Technical Competence (PATCs), if a large enough sample of respondents was received. The broad areas included Circuits and Devices; Communications Technology; Computers/Software Technology; Electromagnetics and Radiation; Energy and Power Engineering; Engineering and Human Environment; Industrial Applications; Other Technology; Signals and Application; and Systems and Controls. Those specializing in circuits and devices earned the highest median income ($196,614); energy and power engineering earned the lowest ($155,000).

Median income also varies by employment sector. Those respondents working at nonprofit institutions and in private industry (defense and non-defense) earned top primary incomes in 2023; those working in educational institutions, and state or local government, earned the least. Companies with more than 10,000 employees pay the highest median salary; companies with one to 10 employees pay the lowest.

The gap between the median salaries of women and men in engineering continues to grow, even when you take experience level into consideration. The difference in primary median income between men and women, was $30,515, up $3,715, compared to last year’s gap. The gap starts early in careers, with a gap of $25,000 for women and men with less than two years of experience. Women with two to four years of experience actually had a higher median income; but then a gap reappears, and it remains for all other experience levels. (Women constituted roughly nine percent of those included in the results).

Median 2023 primary income is highest among Asian/Pacific Islanders ($178,500) who made up slightly more than 14 percent of respondents, followed by Whites ($176,500), Hispanics ($152,178) and Blacks ($150,000). The gap between Black engineers and the average salary of respondents reached $25,000, $3,500 higher than in the previous year’s report.

In terms of IEEE Regions, those in Region 6 (West) have the highest median salaries. Region 4 (Central) has the lowest, with a gap of nearly $48,500 in median income between the two. The top states for 2023 median income are California, Oregon and Maryland. The bottom states are Arkansas, Nebraska, and South Carolina.

The results from the current survey indicate overall job satisfaction is higher than at any time in the past 10 years. Members are most satisfied with their work being respected by peers; work being meaningful to the company; and the technical challenges of their job. Respondents were least satisfied with advancement opportunities and current compensation. Given this, it is not surprising that increased base salary and new job responsibilities were the reasons most given by the ten percent of respondents who switched employers in 2023.

IEEE issued 84,000 survey invites to IEEE members, with receiving responses from 6,340 (7.5 percent response rate). Responses from part-time workers, the unemployed, retirees, students, or those earning more than 50 percent of their income from consulting, were not included. (A separate report on consultant fees in engineering is available at the IEEE-USA Shop .)

IEEE-USA has conducted compensation surveys of its U.S. members since 1972. The complete, 60-page, IEEE-USA  Salary & Benefits Survey Report – 2024 Edition  is available from the  IEEE-USA shop and the IEEE-USA Salary Service. The member price is $125; non-members pay $225.

In addition to this report, members and non-members using the IEEE-USA Salary Service can access IEEE-USA’s comprehensive salary service tool. The Service provides a choice of two salary calculators, one employing a regression model. A second calculator allows users to select individual filters, calculating compensation directly from the Salary Survey’s raw data. Individual companies can use this tool for benchmarking employee salaries. Individuals can customize it for their own salary benchmarking.

Paul Lief Rosengren

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Michigan cannot fire coach Sherrone Moore for cause for known NCAA violations in sign-stealing case

The University of Michigan and football head coach Sherrone Moore have agreed to a contract under which the university appears to have agreed not to fire Moore for cause based on its current knowledge of Moore’s involvement in the alleged sign-stealing scandal centering on former football staff member Connor Stalions .

The NCAA issued a notice of allegations in case last month. The notice indicated that Moore could face a suspension and a show-cause penalty for allegedly deleting a thread of 52 text messages with Stalions in October 2023, on the same day that the alleged sign-stealing scandal came to light.

The contract -- which USA TODAY Sports obtained Monday under an open-records request – states that Moore can be suspended without pay or fired for cause “if the University determines that the Head Coach has been involved in a violation of the Governing Rules, whether prior to or after the Effective Date of this Agreement.”

That is fairly standard language in college sports coaching contracts.

Moore’s contract goes on to state: “Notwithstanding the foregoing, a violation of the Governing Rules which occurred prior to the Effective Date, to the extent the University had actual knowledge of the facts or alleged facts that are the basis for the violation prior to the execution of this Agreement by all parties, shall not be deemed a basis for termination with cause …”

The contract has a start date of Jan. 27, 2024, but it was signed by Moore and Michigan athletics director Warde Manual on Sept. 6, 2024, and by Michigan President Santa Ono on Sept. 10, 2024.

The full execution of the deal comes nearly eight months after the university promoted Moore to head coach following Jim Harbaugh's departure to become head coach of the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers.

At the time of his hiring as head coach, Moore signed a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, with the university that outlined the basic pay and general provisions of his eventual contract. But the MOU between Michigan and Moore stated that his offer is "contingent upon executing a full employment agreement within 90 days of signing this MOU" − a deadline that passed April 25.

In addition, the MOU did not include some of the important, more detailed language that serve as the cornerstones of head-coaching contracts − particularly when it comes to possible acrimonious situations such as a coach being fired for cause. Moore, who previously worked as Michigan's offensive coordinator, is  facing potential punishment from the NCAA  as part of its investigation into the alleged sign stealing operation.

What is Sherrone Moore's salary and buyout?

The financial terms and the scheduled length of the agreement are as they were outlined in the MOU. The deal is set to run through Jan. 31, 2029, and Moore's basic compensation for this season is $6 million, including the annual $500,000 retention payment Moore would receive if he is Michigan's head coach through Jan. 31, the day of each contract year. The deal also provides for 2% annual increases in his current $500,000 base salary and $5.5 million in what the contract calls "additional compensation."

If Michigan were to fire Moore without cause, the school would owe him an amount equal to 75% of the base salary and "additional compensation" payments left on the agreement, subject to Moore having a duty to find another job and Michigan's payout being offset by his income from that job. At present, the start value of the payout would be close to $19 million.

Sherrone Moore's contract not unprecedented

While the restriction on Michigan's right to terminate Moore for cause is unusual, it is not unprecedented.

Kansas officials and men's basketball coach Bill Self signed a contract in November 2023 that included a similar restriction. That agreement was executed a little less than a month after the NCAA's Independent Resolution Panel announced that Self will not face additional penalties from  an NCAA infractions case that dates to 2017,  finding that Kansas' self-imposed penalties in the 2022-23 basketball season were sufficient.

Kansas won the 2022 NCAA championship while in investigative limbo. At the beginning of the 2022-23 season,  the university self-imposed a four-game suspension for Self and assistant coach Kurtis Townsend,  along with various recruiting restrictions, hoping to head off more significant penalties.

The new contract specifies that the university will not fire Self for cause “due to an infractions matter that arises from the same set of operative facts considered in” the recent IARP decision.

Contributing: Tom Schad and Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY

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Today’s NYT Connections hints and answers are coming right up.

How To Play Connections

Connections is a free, popular New York Times daily word game. You get a new puzzle at midnight every day. You can play on the NYT website or Games app.

You’re presented with a grid of 16 words. Your task is to arrange them into four groups of four by figuring out the links between them. The groups could be things like items you can click, names for research study participants or words preceded by a body part.

There’s only one solution for each puzzle, and you’ll need to be careful when it comes to words that might fit into more than one category. You can shuffle the words to perhaps help you see links between them.

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Each group is color coded. The yellow group is usually the easiest to figure out, blue and green fall in the middle, and the purple group is usually the most difficult one. The purple group often involves wordplay.

Select four words you think go together and press Submit. If you make a guess and you’re incorrect, you’ll lose a life. If you’re close to having a correct group, you might see a message telling you that you’re one word away from getting it right, but you’ll still need to figure out which one to swap.

If you make four mistakes, it’s game over. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen with the help of some hints, and, if you’re really struggling, today’s Connections answers. As with Wordle and other similar games, it’s easy to share results with your friends on social media and group chats.

What Are Today’s Connections Hints?

Scroll slowly! Just after the hints for each of today’s Connections groups, I’ll reveal what the groups are without immediately telling you which words go into them.

Today’s 16 words are...

And the hints for today’s groups are:

• Yellow group — leader or main thing
• Green group — these can be prickly
• Blue group — mawkish movies, perhaps
• Purple group — these have a limit, some might say

What Are Today’s Connections Groups?

Need some extra help?

Be warned: we’re starting to get into spoiler territory.

Today’s groups are...

• Yellow group — foremost
• Green group — spiky things
• Blue group — overly sentimental work
• Purple group — things that are capped

What Are Today’s Connections Answers?

Spoiler alert! Don’t scroll any further down the page until you’re ready to find out today’s Connections answers.

This is your final warning!

Today’s Connections answers are...

• Yellow group — foremost (CHIEF, PREMIER, PRINCIPAL, SUPREME)
• Green group — spiky things (CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, MACE, PINEAPPLE)
• Blue group — overly sentimental work (CHEESE, CORN, MUSH, PAP)
• Purple group — things that are capped (BOTTLE, GRADUATE, MUSHROOM, SALARY)

No perfect game today, but I’m up to back-to-back wins.

The yellows and greens didn’t pose me any problems, but I ran into some trouble with the blues. At first, I thought it was a group of food-related words, so I had three of the correct four words alongside MUSHROOM. I was in guessing mode after that, so I tried SALARY before PAP worked (I’d never heard of that in this context before). That left the purple words for victory.

That’s all there is to it for today’s Connections clues and answers. Be sure to check my blog for hints and the solution for Tuesday’s game if you need them.

P.S. I’ve had this song in my head for the last couple of days so now you can too:

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SIGNED! Sidney Crosby Signs 2-Year Deal

The dollar amount is probably well below market value, just as his current 12-year contract was well below market value. Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby signed a two-year deal Monday with an average annual value of the very same $8.7 million per season that his current deal is paying.

The numerology is important to Crosby, as he was born on Aug. 7, 1987, and wears No. 87 in honor of that, as well. The deal will kick in on July 1, 2025, and run through June 30, 2027.

“There are no words to properly describe what Sidney Crosby means to the game of hockey, the city of Pittsburgh, and the Penguins organization,” said Penguins president of hockey operation/GM Kyle Dubas . “Sidney is the greatest player of his generation and one of the greatest players in the history of the game. His actions today show why he is one of hockey’s greatest winners and leaders. Sid is making a tremendous personal sacrifice in an effort to help the Penguins win, both now and in the future, as he has done for his entire career.”

The deal will take Crosby through his franchise record 21st and 22nd seasons. He has won three Stanley Cups (2009, 2016, 2017), two Hart Trophies, two Rocket Richard trophies (2010, 2017), two Art Ross Trophies, two Conn Smythe Trophies, and three Ted Lindsay Awards as voted by NHL players as the most outstanding player.

The accolades don’t stop there, as Crosby has been the dominant force in the NHL since his rookie season in 2005-06. At age 21, he became the youngest captain to win the Stanley Cup when the Penguins defeated the Detroit Red Wings in 2009. He is also a member of the Triple Gold Club, having won the Stanley Cup, World Championships, and the Olympics. However, Crosby is the only person to captain all three victories.

“Sid’s work ethic, focus, character, and mastery of his craft are the stuff of legends to those inside of hockey. Yet, what makes Sid most special is that he actually surpasses that legend with his daily commitment to his craft and to help the Penguins win,” Dubas said. “His dedication to the Penguins through 2027 ensures that our franchise will have its captain as we go through this phase of our project. Sid’s commitment reiterates our urgency to build a team around him that can return our team to contention and provide our players with Sid’s leadership and example of what it means to be a Pittsburgh Penguin.”

Crosby, 37, has averaged a point per game in 19 straight seasons, a mark he shares with Wayne Gretzky. Crosby also ranks 10th all-time with 1596 points, including 592 goals. He will receive a $9 million signing bonus and a mere $780,000 salary in Year 1, followed by a $6.53 million signing bonus and a $1.09 million salary in Year 2. Pierre LeBrun of TSN was the first to report the salary numbers.

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of course is 8.7 thanks, captain

Glad he had signed to stop the speculation, but as I said here all along Sid ain’t going anywhere.

Play out the final two holes in this spithole then bolt to Colorado, where him and McKinnon (and Makar) can hoist a Stanley together. Whatta way to go out!

You realize that makes zero sense, he just would have signed there at the end of this year… he wouldn’t have tacked on 2 years to the wait. Wake up.

Thank goodness, 1 player that should never ever wear another Jersey! Now let’s focus on Marcus.

Waaaaaaaaaahoooooooooooooo! Simply the Best! Let’s Go Sid. Let’s go Pens!

Fantastic! Now… drop the puck! 🙂

If you didnt see this coming, with that precise AAV…

Predictive analysis just aint your thing I suppose.

Great news! Not at all surprised he signed at 8.7. Go Pens

Absolute Legend….there will never be another like him

Sid is a class act! He deserves double digit money. Glad to see him stay with the Penguins for 2 more years. I wonder if he leaves after the 2 years to chase one more cup. Once 71 hangs them up and 58 moves on. He deserves it! I see him playing until he is 40 or 41.

If he’s not getting money under the table, something is seriously wrong here. But, Sidney Crosby is doing no one any favors by taking less and making life easier for a group of billionaires.

Maybe future ownership %?

I see there are 3 downvotes and there will be more. Fenway Sports Group has a sports empire valued at 12.95 Billion dollars. Are they making life easier on you with ticket prices, food prices, etc?

How does that even make sense? They will spend to the cap…how does this save them money? Its also clearly what Sid wanted.

Hey let’s start this guy at 1C and see what happens

So happy to read this!

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14 sets of twins and one set of triplets graduate from the same high school class

The  graduating class  at this Florida high school will make you do a double — and triple — take.

Fourteen sets of  twins  and one set of triplets gradua t ed June 5 from Cooper City High School in Cooper City, Florida, about 40 minutes outside of Miami.

The group comprised about 6% of the 543 graduates.

“It was very special as they would come across the stage; I would shake their hand and give one a diploma, and then the second one would come over to do the same thing,” Vera Perkovic, the school’s principal, tells TODAY.com.

“It kind of just symbolized they’re their own person, but also, they have been together all these years as twins,” she adds.

Cooper City High School Principal Vera Perkovic referenced the twins and triplets in the class during her speech at graduation.Courtesy Broward County Public Schools

Among the graduates are two sets of identical twins and 12 sets of fraternal twins,  NBC 6, our South Florida station, reported .

Gabrielle and Jocelyn Reed are one such set of identical twins.

“It was a great moment. It was also just bizarre because you raise twins, and everything is two at once,” Gabrielle and Jocelyn’s father, Aaron Reed, tells TODAY.com. “So, on some levels, it was twice as exciting, but it was also twice as chaotic and overwhelming.”

The sisters have attended school together since pre-K. Come August, they will go their separate ways for college.

Gabrielle is headed to Cornell University, while Jocelyn will attend Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

“I’m just really excited to go somewhere separate and be on my own,” Gabrielle says. “Everywhere I go, I’m lumped together with her and not really seen as my own person, so I’m really excited to be able to have my own experiences.”

As the editor of Cooper City High School’s yearbook, Jocelyn was always aware of the number of twins in her class, but it wasn’t until the group was in a room together that she realized just how special it is to have that many multiples.

“When you’re a twin, people treat you as a spectacle,” Jocelyn said. “So, it was crazy to see that it’s so common and that there are so many people that are also twins.”

Cooper City High School’s class of 2024 graduated June 5 at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Vera Perkovic / Courtesy Broward County Public Schools

Broward County Public Schools believes the graduates have set a county record as most sets of twins to simultaneously graduate from one school.

Some of the students even created a slogan to commemorate their unique graduating class: “Twice as nice and triple the fun.”

Amanda is an editorial intern at TODAY.com and was born and raised in Miami, Florida.