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Compensation

Update June 2026: Effective Sept. 1, the University will set the minimum salary for postdoctoral scholars upon hire to match the minimum postdoctoral salary set by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This means that effective Sept. 1, 2026, newly hired postdoctoral scholars must receive a minimum annual salary of $63,480. For postdoctoral scholars who are paid below the minimum level as of Sept. 1, 2026, their salaries will be adjusted to meet the new minimum level of $63,480 upon a position reappointment. 

Negotiations between the University and the Northwestern University Postdoctoral Union over the terms of the parties’ initial collective bargaining agreement are ongoing and will include further discussions over wages and other terms and conditions of employment for those postdoctoral scholars in the bargaining unit. See the full announcement from the Office of the Provost here.

Postdoc titles covered by this policy include:

  • Postdoctoral Scholar
  • NRSA Postdoctoral Fellow (See NRSA Postdoctoral Stipend levels).
  • Postdoctoral Fellow-Direct Fellowship

Visiting Postdoctoral Fellows are not subject to the minimum salary requirements. Postdoctoral appointments supported by sponsored awards with a salary level above the Northwestern minimum should abide by the policies, requirements, and compensation levels outlined by the sponsored funding organization.

Questions regarding University compensation requirements should be directed to the Office of Human Resources.