Yale University updates its postdoctoral compensation minimums annually, effective from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Compensation adjustments are made on the appointee’s annual reappointment date, in accordance with university policy.
Policy details are available in the FY26 Annual Compensation Policy Memo. Postdoctoral associates and fellows are paid monthly, on the last business day of each month. Salary increases, when applicable, are provided at the time of reappointment, and compensation discussions are held with the faculty mentor during the reappointment process. Additional compensation for teaching assignments is outlined in the Postdoc Teaching Policies. Postdoctoral appointees may also be eligible to defer student loans during their appointment.
Postdoctoral Compensation Minimums July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 (FY26)
| Year | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $68,500 |
| Year 2 | $69,000 |
| Year 3 | $69,500 |
| Year 4 | $70,000 |
| Year 5 | $71,000 |
| Year 6 | $72,400 |
Postdoctoral Fellow Guidance on Sponsored Payments of Compensation, Augmentation of Stipends, and the NIH Grants Policy Statement on stipend supplement and compensation for Kirschstein-NRSA F32 Fellows and T32 Training Grants.
Compensation Above Salary
Compensation above salary (“extra comp”) for postdoctoral fellows and associates is expected to be rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances. Requests for compensation above salary must be made in advance to the Office for Postdoctoral Affairs. Please review the university policies on extra compensation prior to making a request.
Send all requests and documentation (preferably as PDF attachments) to postdoc.affairs@yale.edu in advance of the monthly payroll deadline:
- Faculty supervisor approval.
- Visa holders, contact your OISS advisor. This may not be allowable under their visa, or it may require an update to their documents.
- Confirmation of funding approval for both the regular compensation and compensation above salary.
- For Postdoctoral Fellows, see above guidance on Sponsored Payments of Compensation, Augmentation of Stipends, and review the funder’s policy for compliance.
- For Postdoctoral Associates, compliance with federal funds and effort reporting is covered in OSP policies 1315, 1316, and 1403. Provide confirmation of approval from the grants administrator or OSP as appropriate.
- Provide the amount and hours worked in the month. Confirm the standard hourly rate or confirm that others doing similar work are paid the same rate.
Relocation expenses must follow the controller’s office policies. Ensure that they are reviewed by your business office and/or Lead Admin prior to being included in the offer/invitation letter to the candidate.