What’s the Average Salary with an Online PhD?

Online schooling makes it possible for you get a degree, even if you have a demanding schedule or need to save money. Did you know that you can even get your PhD online? This is a great option if you want to advance in your career and, of course, make more money. But how much money can you really make with a PhD? Let’s look at the average salary you can except if you go back to school for this type of degree.

PhD Salary

The average salary you can expect with a PhD depends on your field of study. According to Indeed, the average salary you can expect with a PhD across all industries is $72,000. Here are the average salary you can expect in some specific jobs if you have a PhD:

  • Research Scientist: $83,020
  • College Professor: $108,238
  • Senior Pastor: $47,915
  • Clinical Psychologist: $69,776
  • Director of Finance: $140,000
  • Medical Equipment/Supplies Administrator: $133,000
  • Software Engineer: $102,500

This is just a small sampling of some of the jobs you could do with a PhD. In most fields, earning a PhD makes it possible for you to go into research or teaching, but more and more PhD students are going into practical work as well.

Online Students’ Salaries

The above salaries take into account all PhD holders, no matter where they got their degree. What about getting your online degree – is their any difference?

At one time, there was a huge gap between salaries of employees who got degrees online and employees who got degrees at more traditional schools. This gap has since closed almost complete, as employers now realize the value of online education, especially at the doctorate degree level. As long as you attend an online school that is accredited, few employers care where you got your degree. Accreditation ensures that the program you attend upholds a certain standard, so you don’t have to worry about diploma mills (i.e.,  colleges where you essentially pay to receive the degree but aren’t required to actually do any work). While there still are discrepancies with some individual employers, getting a PhD online will lead to just as high of a salary as getting your degree at a brick and mortar school.

Top Online PhD Degree Programs

A PhD is shorthand for Doctor of Philosophy. This degree is the most common type of doctorate degree in the United States, and is offered across a wide variety of subjects, including art, business, healthcare, science, and more. The schools listed below all offer accredited online PhD or other type of doctoral degree programs.


The PhD program in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix helps students develop values that are needed into today's thriving global economy. A PhD in Management develops skills used in managing and developing techniques that motivate personnel to meet evolving organizational needs. The PhD program in MIS enables candidates to successfully apply information theory and principles to address real world business opportunities. The PhD program in Education offered prepares educators to meet the growing educational demands of students. A PhD program in Healthcare Administration covers healthcare procedures and laws in great detail that currently challenge the health care industry.
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A Doctor of Education at Liberty University prepares people that are seeking positions in higher education by developing effective leaders who model high academic standards. A Doctor of Ministry provides students with the opportunity to reinforce and refine their ministry skills. Through this program you will gain a deeper understanding of biblical principles and strategies needed to effectively serve people.
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The PhD program in Counseling at Walden University will enable you to acquire a leadership role in clinical or research settings. The PhD program in education prepares educators to meet the classroom demands of their students. A PhD program in Human Services is offered to prepare students to meet the human needs of diverse and underserved populations. PhD programs are also offered in business, management, psychology, public health, and more.
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The Doctorate Programs in Education from Capella University prepare students for academic or administration leadership. The Doctorate program in IT prepares students to effectively handle business information technologies. A Doctorate program in Management enables candidates to make immediate contributions to their organization. The Doctorate program in Social Work teaches candidates techniques needed to produce positive change in society. The Doctorate program in Business prepares professionals for the paths of business leadership. The Doctorate program in Leadership enhances managerial expertise through real world challenges and opportunities in a structured learning environment.
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A Doctor of Education at Grand Canyon University helps professionals develop the insight and inspiration needed to take academic institutions to the next level of productivity and propensity. You will be taught by renowned leaders in topics reaching beyond areas of general focus by tackling complex topics centered on innovation and ethics.
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