Does anyone have any figures about the average starting salary for someone with a PhD in biology working either as a post doc or in industry? Or what the average salary is at the age of 30? Thanks!

Post-doctoral research fellowships typically have a salary range of between 19 to 30k, although (unfortunately!)you should expect to start at the 19K end rather than the 30K :o(

Most post-docs start between 20 and 25000 pa. By age 30 you can expect to be nudging the £30000 pa mark, but it really does depend how good you are and how lucky you are. We've not allowed for inflation so it may be a bit more.

In industry you can expect a better starting salary and a more secure prospects at the start of your career.

PhD in ecological modelling. Paid in last postdoc starting from 19.000 to at the end 24500 at age > 30. Guess it also depends on the kind of biology. :)

Opps just remembered, my external became Reader and was happy to get over 30.000. So I wouldn't hold my breath earning 30.000 so easily.

Moi.... I've just read some of your recent posts on this forum and it seems you do tend to see the negative side of things!! I'm a realist but even I know that it's not all doom and gloom doing a PhD!! Lighten up otherwise you'll come across as being a bit bitter!!