Pay and Benefits

How Much Are UCSF Postdocs Paid?

At UCSF, postdocs must be hired – at minimum – at the salary level on the UC scale (see below) that is appropriate for their experience, in accordance with the agreement between the University of California and UAW, the union representing postdocs in the UC system.

While salary increments are based on the steps of the NIH/NRSA scale, the bottom of the UC postdoc salary scale (level 0) is the same as level 2 on the NIH scale. "Experience level" means a postdoc's previous experience as a postdoc, including postdoctoral appointments at UC and/or other institutions.

There are five types of postdocs, designated by the following "title codes" in the University personnel system and determined by how you are paid. The same standard for compensation applies to all types; however, it is important to know what kind of postdoc you are, as this may affect your retirement benefits and how you pay your taxes. Note that a postdoc may be appointed under more than one title code, since there may be more than one source of funding for an appointment.

Postdoctoral Scholar - Employee (003252)

An appointment is made in this title when the agency funding the salary requires or permits the appointee to be an employee of the University, or when general funds, opportunity funds or other University discretionary funds are used to support the position.

Postdoctoral Scholar - Fellow (003253)

An appointment is made in this title when the postdoc has been awarded a fellowship or traineeship for postdoctoral study by an extramural agency and the fellowship or traineeship is paid through the University.

Postdoctoral Scholar - Paid Direct (003254)

An appointment is made in this title when the postdoc is funded by an external agency and the agency pays the salary directly to the postdoc, such that the funding does not flow through the University.

Postdoctoral Scholar - Part-time (003255)

An appointment is made in this title when, based on the percentage of the appointment, the prorated weekly salary does not meet the FLSA salary level test.

Postdoctoral Scholar - Interim (003256)

An appointment is made in this title when a UCSF graduate student who recently obtained their PhD degree or equivalent needs a short-term appointment to complete an existing project from their graduate educational programs before moving on to other employment.

Familiarize yourself with the bargaining agreement between the University of California and UAW.

Annual Postdoc Salary Scale

Appointment Step and Experience LevelEffective 5/1/2022Effective 4/1/2023Effective 10/1/2023Effective 10/1/2024Effective 10/1/2025Effective 10/1/2026
Level 0 (0-11 mos.)$55,632$60,000$64,480$66,737$69,073$71,491
Level 1 (12-23 mos.)$57,852$62,220$66,868$69,209$71,632$74,140
Level 2 (24-35 mos.)$59,784$64,522$69,342$71,769$74,281$76,881
Level 3 (36-47 mos.)$61,992$66,909$71,908$74,425$77,030$79,727
Level 4 (48-59 mos.)$64,296$69,385$74,569$77,179$79,881$82,677
Level 5 (60-71 mos.)$66,600$71,952$77,327$80,034$82,836$85,736

Mandatory Annual Increases 
Annual pay increases for all postdocs are mandatory. Postdocs who are already paid higher than scale, must still get at least a 3.5% increase beginning October 1, 2024, October 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026. For complete information on the required increases, please refer to the article on compensation in the union contract.

Supplements to Base Pay
Some postdocs may receive a supplement in addition to salary. Such supplements are not considered part of the postdoc's salary and may be granted temporarily or withdrawn at the discretion of the PI or the unit providing the funding. People Connect tickets should use the Earn Code: “SPD Stipend (PDS Postdoc).”

Although there is no maximum salary for postdocs, departments are encouraged to take into account equity considerations in determining salary when possible. Learn more about the supplemental pay policy.

Continue to information about your benefits or taxes.

Looking for information about how to fund your research?