Hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar

Frequently Asked Questions about Hiring Postdoctoral Scholars

What is a typical salary for postdoctoral scholars at SDSU?

Postdoctoral salaries vary depending on their discipline and years of experience. Minimum salary levels, however, are set by the SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF), in accordance with California labor laws. Effective January 1, 2026, the minimum wage for exempt employees will change from $68,640 to $70,304 per year. The San Diego County minimum wage for non-exempt hourly employees will remain at $17.25 per hour.

Ask your Development Specialist (Login with SDSU ID required) more about budgeting for postdoctoral scholar salaries.

What is Scholar Exempt?

Scholar Exempt (SE) is a special benefits classification given to academic training positions such as Postdoctoral Scholar, Research Scientist and Visiting Scholar classifications. The fringe rate for SE employees is 27% which covers paid employee-only health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Scholars may also participate in the health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs), elect the Hartford Voluntary Benefits and contribute income toward retirement through SDSU Research Foundation’s Voluntary Retirement Savings Program. Scholars are also eligible for paid time off benefits including sick, vacation, and holiday time. For more information, visit the SDSURF Employee Benefits website.

Does DRI provide any postdoctoral fellowships?

In some years, funds are available to support Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (RSCA) at SDSU and SDSU Imperial Valley. The purpose of this program is to provide support to faculty RSCA efforts that will have significant long-term impacts on the research, scholarship, and creative activities of our campuses. DRI provides funds to support Postdoctoral Fellowships (with faculty matching) for a period of two years.

Can DRI help me with the hiring process?

Depending on whether the position is funded through stateside or SDSU Research Foundation funding, you will work with a different HR staff member. DRI staff can also provide support in helping you craft job announcements, management plans, and for some fields, can provide access to candidate pools.