How Much Did I Get Paid as a PhD Student at UCLA!?!
Grad Advice & Tips
If you’re considering grad school or already in a PhD program, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably: How much do PhD students make?
We all know that graduate school is demanding and, let’s be honest, expensive. Between tuition fees, living costs, and research expenses, it can feel like financial stress is a constant companion.
So today, I am breaking down the most common ways PhD students earn an income and provide you with some real, transparent numbers to give you a better sense of what to expect.
3 Main Ways PhD Students Earn Money
As a PhD student, you typically have three primary income streams:
Grants & Fellowships
Grants and fellowships are often awarded to PhD students based on their research needs, academic achievements, or specific funding sources.These can range from small amounts to substantial financial support, but the payout schedule, eligibility criteria, and overall availability can vary greatly depending on your field, department, and the specific grant/fellowship.
While grants and fellowships are important, they’re less predictable, which is why many students supplement their income with other sources.
Stipends
Stipends are regular payments that graduate students receive to support their education and living expenses.Unlike grants, stipends are typically given with the understanding that you’re a full-time student, and they may be provided without additional work requirements (other than staying in good academic standing).
The amount varies, but it can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to around $30,000 per year.
The exact stipend you receive largely depends on your university and department’s budget, as well as whether you’re attending a private or public institution.
Keep in mind that many PhD students rely heavily on stipends as a core part of their income.
Work/Jobs
Working as a student employee is one of the most consistent ways PhD students earn money.This can include positions like teaching assistantships (TAs), graduate student researcher positions (GSRs), or even roles outside of academia, such as working in food services or administrative support.
These jobs typically offer a more predictable income, and depending on your university, these positions can also provide benefits like health insurance.
While they may not provide the same financial relief as a full-time job, they are still essential in helping students make ends meet.
A Closer Look at Stipends & Salaries
Let’s dive into what you can expect to make based on these common income sources.
At most universities (including UCLA, where I did my PhD), stipends are generally not enough to live on in high-cost areas like Los Angeles, even though they’re meant to help students cover their living expenses.
The stipend may be enough to cover rent, food, and basic necessities, but many students supplement this with other jobs, fellowships, or grants.
The salaries for academic student employees—such as Teaching Assistants (TAs) or Graduate Student Researchers (GSRs)—also vary based on experience and department funding. But, unlike stipends, these salaries are more predictable, making it easier to plan your finances. For example:
A TA (Teaching Assistant) in their first year at UCLA in 2018 might have earned about $1,291 per month if working 25% of a full-time schedule. That’s enough to cover some expenses, but likely not enough for all the costs of living in an expensive city.
A GSR (Graduate Student Researcher) at UCLA may earn slightly less or more depending on the university, but the pay is similarly structured, with increases in salary as you advance through your program or earn more experience.
Real Numbers: My Experience as a Grad Student
To give you a more personal perspective, I’m sharing my actual pay stubs from my first few years in grad school. This will give you a clearer picture of how these figures play out in practice:
First Year: As a full-time student working two jobs at 75% time (around 30 hours a week), I earned about $2,688 per month. It wasn’t a huge amount, but it was enough to cover rent and necessities. I also had a roommate to help with costs.
Second Year: I continued working at 75% time, but I managed to secure two salaried positions—one as a TA and the other as a GSR—which bumped my monthly earnings to $2,847.
Third Year: By this time, I was able to secure two TA positions, bringing my total monthly pay to $3,587. This significantly helped with living expenses in Los Angeles, allowing me to live more comfortably without relying on roommates.
These real numbers highlight how PhD students can make ends meet—sometimes by juggling multiple jobs, applying for additional funding, and adjusting their living situations.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead and Stay Informed
Grad school is tough, and the financial side of it can make things even more stressful. But understanding how graduate funding works—whether through stipends, salaries, or external grants—can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.
If you’re going to be a grad student, it’s crucial to be prepared for the financial realities of the journey.
Make sure to stay informed, apply for fellowships and grants, and be ready to work multiple jobs if necessary to make your finances work. It’s tough, but with the right preparation, you can make it through.
If you want more details about how to navigate grad school funding, including information on grants, fellowships, and external resources, be sure to check out my Grad Funding Playlist.
Also,, Watch this video next to understand PhD Funding a little bit more!
I’ve gathered everything you need to know to make your grad school experience as financially manageable as possible.
Thank you for reading, and best of luck on your academic journey!
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