SDR LONGITUDINAL DATA ILLUSTRATE RETIREMENT PATTERNS FOR U.S.-TRAINED DOCTORATE HOLDERS IN SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND HEALTH: 2015–19

Hover over the vertical bars or flows to see more statistics for each work status trajectory.

While most U.S.-trained science, engineering, and health (SEH) doctorate holders in their mid-50s continuously worked from 2015 to 2019, some of those who moved toward retirement did not follow a straight path. Focusing on just SEH doctorates 55 or older in 2015 who transitioned in or out of the workforce at least one time from 2015 to 2019, the data show 28.1% of them were already retired in 2015 increasing to 76.3% retired by 2019. During this same period, smaller proportions resumed work after first retiring or left the workforce for reasons other than retirement.

Retirement patterns for U.S.-trained SEH doctorate holders: LSDR 2015-2019

NOTES: The population shown in the diagram includes about 68,000 U.S.-trained SEH doctorate holders age 55 or older in 2015 and experienced transition of labor force status. Those age 55 or older working at all three time points (2015, 2017 and 2019) are excluded (n=191,800)."Other" includes all other non-working labor force statuses besides retirement including those seeking work. SEH = science, engineering, or health.
SOURCE: National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Doctorate Recipients longitudinal panel 2015–25 (LSDR 2015–19 data file).