Hi everyone! What is the realistic salary range in the USA for a recent PhD graduate (2023–2026) in Computational Biophysics with strong skills in Data Science, AI/ML, Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD), and AI-Driven Drug Discovery (AIDD)? My preference is to work in industry, such as biotech, pharma, or AI drug discovery companies, rather than academia.

What would be the worst-case, typical, and best-case starting salary for such a profile, considering base salary and total compensation? Which roles and locations offer the best opportunities, and how competitive is the current job market for fresh PhD graduates without prior industry experience? Insights from recent graduates and industry professionals would be greatly appreciated!