# Does a PhD Pay Off?

DevFeed: [Does a PhD Pay Off?](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/does-a-phd-pay-off-29417.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://lemire.me/blog/2026/07/24/does-a-phd-pay-off/>)

Author: Daniel Lemire

Published: 2026-07-24T20:13:57Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Daniel Lemire](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/daniel-lemire.md>)

Topics: [Learning](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/learning.md>), [Machine learning](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/machine-learning.md>)

Tags: [career](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/career.md>), [career-progression](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/career-progression.md>), [cost](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/cost.md>), [experience](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/experience.md>), [industry](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/industry.md>), [jobs](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/jobs.md>), [learning](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/learning.md>), [machine-learning](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/machine-learning.md>), [tech-industry](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/tech-industry.md>), [university](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/university.md>), [work](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/work.md>)

## AI overview

This opinion examines whether pursuing a PhD pays off financially and professionally. It argues that the historical earnings advantage is concentrated among people who become professors, while delayed earnings and career progression create substantial opportunity costs. It notes that machine learning may be an exception because PhDs are often expected for some industry roles.

## Source excerpt

Every week, I discuss with people who want to get a PhD. For years, I have been advising people not to pursue a PhD. It may come as a surprise to some. You would expect people with a PhD to earn more money. Individuals who complete doctorates tend to have higher cognitive abilities and greater ... Continue reading Does a PhD Pay Off?