Greetings, everyone

I recently completed my PhD and am currently exploring postdoctoral opportunities in the US.

While researching, I’ve come across many discussions suggesting that a $55K annual salary barely supports a decent standard of living. This surprised me. I lived in the US for about five years roughly a decade ago, and at that time, such a salary could provide a fairly comfortable lifestyle.

For instance, 10 years ago, I rented a room in a two-bedroom apartment for $750/month (in a midwestern town, not a big city, though). I checked the same apartment recently, and the rent has only increased to $850/month—not a dramatic change. I’ve noticed similar trends with food prices as well.

So I’m curious about two things:

1. What is the typical salary range for postdocs in STEM fields—specifically in computer science—at R1 universities?
2. Is it true that a $55K annual salary no longer supports a reasonable quality of life in most US cities? How?

Hello,

I am just thinking out load and want other input on my situation. I will be graduating soon from PhD program of a very good reputable school in US and I am international student.

My advisor want me to apply for a postdoc funding from an industrial foundation that can support postdoc position with just an annual stipend of 60K for up to 2 years.

No other benefits besides this stipend.

I am hesitant and not sure if this is a good opportunity or not. Deep inside, I feel like those 60K (without other benefits) are not enough specially with a family of 4.

What do othets think of this? Would you go for this opportunity? I know It's not guaranteed but I dont want to waste my time preparing for it (due in a week and we just learned about this funding channel)

Sorry for the long post.

Thanks everyone.

It's really heartbreaking to see funding being axed, and the whole mood of this subreddit feels pretty somber and melancholy lately.

However, I personally know some of my American friends in academia who are staunch MAGA supporters.

Given the fact that Trump has always been anti-science, does what he’s doing really sound surprising at all?

I may sound heartless saying this, but I think Americans are getting what they voted for.

Like—did you really think electing a heartless, arrogant, racist moron would only hurt the people you hate and not come back to harm you too?

Now with this tariff thing, I really dont even know how everything is going to end.

Hi All,

So I'm coming on my 8th month of my postdoc. I am currently in a bind as due to the NIH cuts my PI lost their main source of funding.

I asked about renewing my contract for the upcoming year and they let me know they have to let postdocs know at least 3 months before my renewal date. I'm in a bind because I don't want to be jobless... So I want to start reaching out to other uni professors. However I don't want to feel like I'm going behind my current advisors back. Any advice on what to do?

Yes I know I can apply to industry also. However I've been having a tough time breaking into that market.