Postdoc Salary & Stipend

Salary/Stipend Guidelines

CWRU uses the current year National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Research Service Award (NRSA) scale as the minimum salary/stipend guidelines for all Postdoc Scholar and Postdoc Fellow positions. These guidelines apply regardless of funding source. The new stipend levels take effective for all new postdocs starting after July 1st. All current postdocs will be renewed at the new stipend level during their renewal, not on July 1st. 

The minimum annual salary/stipend amount required for hiring a new postdoc is the current year 0 level amount listed on the NIH scale. It is strongly recommended that postdocs with prior experience receive a higher starting salary, based on years of experience, listed on the NIH scale. 

Raises

Raises are to be provided yearly at reappointment. Per the NIH, annual raise increments should be stair-stepped to the next year and the next level of experience (postdocs should not remain on the scale which they come in on). 

Example: Postdoc hired during the FY 2022-23 at $54,840. Renewed after one year at $56,880. Renewed after two years at $61,884.

NIH Stair Step

Paydays

Postdocs are paid on the last business day of the month. For information and questions on payroll, please visit the Controller's Office or view the Payroll Calendar to determine each pay date.

** NEW INTERNATIONAL POSTDOCS: There could be delays with receiving your SSN which will delay your first paycheck (you cannot receive a paycheck form CWRU until your SSN has been issued). Please take this into account and try to have 1-2 months pay saved up as a buffer.

Setting Up Direct Deposit in HCM

Follow the instructions to set up Direct Deposit in HCM. 

Taxes

Find information about taxation and filing taxes for postdoctoral researchers.