The Big Picture
Across all fields, roughly 25 to 30 percent of PhD graduates secure tenure-track faculty positions within 5 years of graduation. That means the majority of PhD recipients — in every field — end up working outside academia. This is not a failure condition. In STEM fields especially, non-academic careers typically offer higher salaries, faster advancement, and comparable intellectual challenge.
The more useful question is not “do PhD graduates get jobs” — they almost always do — but “what kinds of jobs, in which fields, at what salaries?” The table below gives that breakdown.
PhD Placement Rates by Field
| Field | % Tenure-Track | % Industry | % Gov/NGO | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 15–25% | 65–75% | 5–10% | $130,000–$200,000 |
| Electrical Engineering | 15–20% | 70–80% | 5–10% | $115,000–$170,000 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 15–25% | 60–70% | 10–15% | $100,000–$150,000 |
| Chemistry | 10–20% | 65–75% | 10–15% | $90,000–$140,000 |
| Economics | 25–35% | 35–45% | 20–30% | $110,000–$175,000 |
| Public Health | 20–30% | 15–25% | 45–55% | $75,000–$120,000 |
| Psychology (research) | 20–30% | 20–30% | 30–40% | $80,000–$120,000 |
| Political Science | 25–35% | 10–20% | 35–45% | $70,000–$110,000 |
| History | 25–35% | 10–20% | 20–30% | $55,000–$90,000 |
| English / Literature | 20–30% | 15–25% | 15–25% | $50,000–$85,000 |
Placement rates are approximate and represent reported outcomes within 5 years of graduation. Data compiled from NSF Survey of Earned Doctorates, individual program placement reports, and NCES, 2022–2026. Salary ranges reflect industry and government roles; academic salaries vary significantly by institution type.
Non-Academic Careers: The Majority Path
In STEM fields, industry research and development absorbs the largest share of PhD graduates — particularly in biotech, pharmaceuticals, technology, and consulting. Salaries in these roles often exceed what research faculty positions pay at most institutions, and career growth is faster outside tenure timelines.
In social sciences, government agencies (the Federal Reserve, CBO, Census Bureau, NIH, CDC), think tanks, and NGOs are major employers. An economics or public health PhD is a strong credential in these sectors. In humanities, careers in publishing, journalism, higher education administration, foundations, and consulting are common.
Non-academic career outcomes have improved significantly in the past decade as PhD programs have invested in professional development and alumni networks across sectors. The stigma of “going to industry” has largely disappeared in most fields.
Postdoc vs. Industry: A Decision Framework
A postdoctoral fellowship is a temporary research position — typically 1 to 3 years — between a PhD and a permanent job. Postdocs are nearly required for faculty positions in biology, chemistry, and most basic sciences. They are optional in engineering and computer science, where most PhDs go directly to industry.
Use this framework to decide:
- Goal is research faculty (R1 university): A postdoc is almost always required. Plan for 1 to 3 years of postdoctoral training and choose a postdoc advisor with a strong track record of placing students into faculty positions.
- Goal is industry research: A postdoc is optional in STEM. Many PhDs go directly from graduate school to industry research roles at higher starting salaries than postdocs pay. In pharma and biotech, postdocs are sometimes preferred for senior research roles.
- Goal is government, policy, or NGO: Postdocs are rarely required. A public sector job search can begin during the final year of the PhD.
- Undecided: A postdoc in a strong lab buys time and publications. The cost is 1 to 3 years at postdoc salary ($50,000–$70,000 in most fields) versus entering the workforce immediately.
For the full debt picture by field, see PhD Debt by Field. For stipend ranges by discipline, see PhD Stipend by Field.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of PhD graduates get academic jobs?
Across all fields, approximately 25 to 30 percent of PhD graduates secure tenure-track faculty positions within 5 years of graduation. The rate varies significantly by field: STEM fields (chemistry, biology, engineering) place 15 to 25 percent in tenure-track positions. Humanities place 30 to 40 percent in tenure-track positions among those who remain in the academic job market, though a larger share leave academia entirely.
What do most PhD graduates do if not in academia?
The majority of PhD graduates work outside academia. In STEM, industry research and development (biotech, pharma, tech, consulting) absorbs the largest share. In social sciences, government agencies, think tanks, and NGOs are major employers. Humanities PhDs pursue careers in publishing, journalism, higher education administration, consulting, and the nonprofit sector. Non-academic career outcomes have improved significantly in the past decade.
Which PhD fields have the best job prospects?
Computer science, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, and data science consistently show strong job placement in both academia and industry. Health sciences (nursing, public health, epidemiology) have strong non-academic demand. Economics PhD holders are highly sought in government, finance, and policy. Humanities and fine arts have the most challenging academic job markets.
How long does it take to find a job after a PhD?
Most graduates begin the job search 12 to 18 months before their expected graduation. Academic job markets operate on a September through January cycle. Industry hiring is year-round. Many PhD graduates secure positions before or within 3 months of graduation. Those entering the academic job market may spend 1 to 2 years in postdoctoral positions before securing a faculty role.
Do employers outside academia value a PhD?
In STEM and quantitative fields, yes — PhDs command salary premiums of $20,000 to $50,000 over master’s-level candidates for research roles in industry. In humanities and social sciences, employer value outside academia is more role-specific. A PhD in economics is highly valued in policy and finance. A PhD in literature is less valued in most non-academic roles unless it is specifically relevant.
What is a postdoc and should I do one?
A postdoctoral fellowship (postdoc) is a temporary research position, typically 1 to 3 years, between a PhD and a permanent job. In biology, chemistry, and most basic sciences, postdocs are nearly required for faculty positions. In engineering and computer science, postdocs are optional — many PhDs go directly to industry. If your goal is a research faculty position in a competitive field, plan for 1 to 3 years of postdoctoral training.