Jonathan Preminger, MD, Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine, reviewing medical residency information
Medical residency is renowned for its demanding nature. Aspiring doctors often face grueling schedules, dedicating up to 80 hours per week to intensive patient care. A common question among medical students and those considering this career path is: How Much Do Doctors In Residency Make for their dedication and hard work?
The question of resident compensation has been a subject of ongoing discussion. The absence of clear legal classifications defining residents as either students or employees contributes to the complexity surrounding their remuneration.
This article delves into the current landscape of medical resident salaries in the United States, providing an overview of what residents can expect to earn. It’s important to note that the figures discussed are based on national averages and may vary. For precise salary details, it is always recommended to consult directly with the specific residency program.
What is a Medical Residency?
A medical residency represents a crucial phase in a physician’s training. It is a graduate medical education (GME) program where medical school graduates, now doctors in training, gain hands-on experience. Under the guidance of experienced, senior physicians in clinical or hospital settings, residents refine their medical skills and deepen their knowledge. This period is also pivotal for specialization, allowing graduates to choose their desired medical field and enter a corresponding residency program.
Residency durations typically range from three to seven years, depending on the chosen specialty. Completion of a medical residency is a prerequisite for independent medical practice in most states.
The transition from resident to fully licensed physician marks a significant career advancement, accompanied by a considerable increase in salary and the autonomy to practice medicine across the state where their license is valid. Understanding the financial aspect of this training phase is crucial, so let’s explore the question: how much do residents get paid?
How Much Do Residents Make? Understanding Average Medical Resident Salaries
| Resident Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Resident PGY-1 | $63,009 |
| Resident PGY-2 | $66,092 |
| Resident PGY-3 | $69,136 |
| Resident PGY-4 | $71,979 |
| Resident PGY-5 | $74,786 |
| Resident PGY-6 | $77,276 |
| Resident PGY-7 | $79,938 |
| Resident PGY-8 | $83,918 |
| Fellow Job Titles | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Fellow PGY-4 | $71,979 |
| Fellow PGY-5 | $74,786 |
| Fellow PGY-6 | $77,276 |
| Fellow PGY-7 | $79,938 |
| Fellow PGY-8 | $83,918 |
According to the Residents Salary and Debt Report, the national average medical resident salary in the US is approximately $63,009 per year. A key characteristic of medical residency salaries is their progressive increase. Typically, residents start around $63,000 annually and receive an increment of $2,000 to $5,000 each year as they advance through their residency.
Beyond the base salary, residency programs commonly include a range of benefits, which can significantly enhance the overall compensation package. These often include:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Dental Insurance
- Vision insurance
- Staff meals
However, pinpointing a single average salary for all residents is challenging due to several influencing factors beyond just the year of residency. These factors include:
- Geography: Location plays a significant role. Areas with higher costs of living or those in states with more funding for medical education may offer higher salaries.
- Employer: The type of institution, whether it’s a large university hospital, a community hospital, or a private clinic, can affect pay scales.
- Specialty: Some medical specialties, particularly those that are longer or more demanding, may correlate with slightly higher resident salaries.
For instance, resident salaries in the United States generally exceed those in countries like Europe and Canada, where healthcare systems are often more centralized and publicly funded.
Are Medical Residents Compensated Fairly? Examining the Debate
The question of whether medical residents are paid enough is complex and evokes varied perspectives.
On one side, medical residents are highly educated individuals who have completed years of rigorous study and training. They work demanding hours, often exceeding 80 hours a week, and carry substantial responsibility in patient care.
Conversely, it’s important to remember that residency is still a training phase. Residents are not yet fully licensed, independent physicians. From this viewpoint, their compensation is seen as a stipend during their advanced education, rather than a full professional salary.
Many residents grapple with significant student loan debt accumulated during medical school. Managing these financial obligations on a resident’s salary can be challenging. Reports indicate that many residents feel undercompensated, especially considering their workloads and financial pressures. Furthermore, the intense demands of residency often leave little time for supplemental income opportunities.
Despite being in training, residents are integral to the healthcare system. They often serve as the primary point of contact for patients and are crucial in delivering high-quality care under the supervision of attending physicians. They also contribute significantly to the medical field through teaching and mentoring medical students and junior trainees. This level of responsibility and contribution fuels the argument for increased resident pay and better recognition of their role in healthcare.
Medical Resident Salary by Specialty: How Does Your Field Affect Your Pay?
As a medical resident, the chosen specialty not only defines your training focus but also significantly influences your earning potential, both during and after residency. Understanding the salary variations across different specialties is crucial for making informed career decisions.
While numerous factors like location, institution type, and even individual negotiation can influence compensation, some general salary trends are evident across specialties.
| Specialty | Salary |
|---|---|
| Plastic Surgery | $69,500 |
| Specialized Surgery | $69,500 |
| Pathology | $66,500 |
| Orthopaedics | $64,800 |
| Radiology | $64,600 |
| Neurology | $64,600 |
| Urology | $64,600 |
| Otolaryngology | $64,600 |
| Anesthesiology | $63,300 |
| Dermatology | $63,300 |
| Pediatrics | $63,300 |
| Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation | $63,300 |
| Psychiatry | $61,500 |
| OB/GYN | $61,500 |
| General Surgery | $61,500 |
| Ophthalmology | $61,500 |
| Internal Medicine | $61,500 |
| Emergency Medicine | $61,500 |
| Family Medicine | $58,500 |
Salary differences among specialties can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. Generally, specialties requiring longer and more complex training periods tend to offer higher salaries, both during residency and in subsequent practice. This reflects the increased demand for specialized skills and the longer time investment in training.
Medical Residency Salary by Year: The Pay Progression
| Residency Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $56,150 |
| Year 2 | $58,290 |
| Year 3 | $60,634 |
| Year 4 | $63,634 |
| Year 5 | $66,277 |
| Year 6 | $69,043 |
| Year 7 | $71,339 |
| Year 8 | $75,841 |
Typically, medical residency salaries begin around $60,000 per year, increasing by approximately $5,000 annually throughout the program. While these figures are averages and can fluctuate, they provide a general expectation for salary progression. It’s reasonable to anticipate starting salaries to be in the vicinity of $60,000.
The incremental salary increases during residency reflect growing experience and responsibility. The consistent $3,000-$5,000 annual pay raise is a common trend across residency programs in the U.S. and Canada, acknowledging the increasing value and expertise of residents as they progress.
By the culmination of a residency program, residents can earn salaries approaching those of established physicians, depending on their specialty and location. Finishing resident salaries can range from $70,000 to $125,000 annually, marking a significant step towards full professional compensation.
U.S. vs. Canada Medical Resident Salary: A Geographic Comparison
Geographic location is a major determinant of medical resident salaries. In Canada, resident salaries also increase with each year of training, mirroring the U.S. system, but starting salaries generally hover around $60,000 CAD.
However, significant provincial variations exist within Canada. Quebec has the lowest starting resident salaries, around $49,258 CAD per year, while Nova Scotia offers the highest, starting at over $69,867 CAD. These differences often reflect provincial healthcare funding models and cost of living variations.
In the U.S., state-by-state salary data is less readily available and exhibits greater variability due to factors like diverse healthcare systems and cost of living. However, starting salaries for U.S. residents are generally higher than in Canada, with a perceived floor around $57,000 USD, regardless of specialty.
The more privatized healthcare system in the U.S., compared to Canada’s centralized system, leads to more pronounced pay disparities. While a precise national average is harder to define in the U.S., some residency programs, particularly in high-cost areas or well-funded institutions, have been reported to offer starting salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. Therefore, resident pay in the U.S. is highly dependent on the specific institution, geographic location, and medical specialty.
U.S. vs. Europe Medical Resident Salary: Global Perspectives
Most European countries operate under universal healthcare systems, characterized by more centralized, government-funded healthcare. Similar to Canada, this often translates to more uniform resident salaries across different regions within a country.
In the U.K., average starting resident salaries are approximately £33,340 per year, which converts to roughly $41,873 USD or $57,239 CAD. Germany, at the higher end of European resident compensation, sees starting salaries around €59,630 annually, depending on the specialty and specific hospital. Each European nation typically has its own distinct national average salary range for medical residents, reflecting their respective healthcare economies and cost of living.
What Other Benefits Do Medical Residents Receive? Beyond the Salary
Beyond the base salary, benefits packages form a crucial component of total resident compensation. Benefit offerings can vary significantly between institutions and are not always standardized. However, most residency programs provide healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as life insurance and often maternity/paternity leave.
Additional benefits may include:
- Meal cards or stipends for food
- On-site parking or transportation allowances
- Lockers and call room facilities
- Professional liability (malpractice) insurance
- Disability insurance
- Retirement plan options
Paid time off is also a standard benefit, encompassing vacation days and sick leave. Many programs offer on-call stipends to compensate for extended or irregular work hours. Increasingly, parental leave policies are becoming more common in both Canada and the US, recognizing the importance of family and work-life balance for residents.
Examples of Medical Residency Salary and Benefits Packages
To illustrate the diversity in resident compensation, here are examples of salary and benefit offerings from different U.S. medical centers. Note that not all institutions publicly disclose this information, but it’s advisable to check program websites or directly inquire about salary and benefits when considering a residency.
The following examples highlight publicly available data for the first three years (PGY-1 to PGY-3) of residency programs. Salaries generally increase in subsequent years for longer residencies.
| Medical Center | Maine Medical Center | Concord Hospital | UTSouthwestern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Maine | New Hampshire | Texas |
| Year 1 (PGY-1) Salary | $68,036 | $64,595 | $61,323 |
| Year 2 (PGY-2) Salary | $71,308 | $67,276 | $64,256 |
| Year 3 (PGY-3) Salary | $74,239 | $69,854 | $66,661 |
| Key Benefits Highlights | Comprehensive health, dental, vision, retirement, tuition assistance | Family medicine focus, lunch/meal cards, childcare, gym membership | State-of-the-art simulation training, pharmacy, accident insurance, cell phone discounts |
Example #1: Maine Medical Center, ME
Maine Medical Center, part of MaineHealth, located in Maine, provides a wide array of medical specialties. Residents here are treated as regular employees in terms of benefits.
Salary (Annual)
- PGY-1: $68,036
- PGY-2: $71,308
- PGY-3: $74,239
Benefits Highlights
- Health & Dental coverage
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Malpractice insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Pension/Retirement plan
- Tuition Assistance
- Prescription discounts
- Employee assistance programs
Vacation & Leave
- Up to 21 vacation days annually
- Sick leave and leaves of absence, including maternity/paternity leave.
*For a complete list of benefits, refer to the MaineHealth website.
Example #2: Concord Hospital, NH
Concord Hospital in New Hampshire specializes in family medicine, which typically involves shorter residency durations and tends to be on the lower end of the physician salary spectrum.
Salary (Annual)
- PGY-1: $64,595
- PGY-2: $67,276
- PGY-3: $69,854
Benefits Highlights
- Health & Dental coverage
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Malpractice insurance
- Lunch & Meal Cards
- Parking
- Childcare assistance
- Gym Membership discounts
- Prescription discounts
- Employee assistance programs
Vacation & Leave
- 20 days combined for vacation, sick, and personal time
- Maternity/paternity/parental leave policies (specifics not detailed online)
*For a comprehensive list of benefits, consult the Concord Hospital website.
Example #3: UTSouthwestern, TX
UTSouthwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, offers advanced simulation training across numerous specialties alongside standard benefits.
Salary (Annual)
- PGY-1: $61,323
- PGY-2: $64,256
- PGY-3: $66,661
Benefits Highlights
- Health & Dental coverage
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Pharmacy Insurance
- Accident Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Lunch & Meal Cards
- Parking
- Pension/Retirement plan
- Cellular phone discounts
Vacation & Leave
- Details not specified publicly online.
*For a complete list of benefits, refer to the UTSouthwestern website.
FAQs About Medical Resident Pay
Here are answers to common questions regarding medical resident compensation:
1. Do Medical Residents Earn a Salary?
Yes, medical residents are paid for their work at hospitals and clinics. Despite ongoing discussions about their classification as students or employees, the consensus is that residents are compensated for the services they provide.
2. Are Medical Students Paid During Medical School?
No, medical students do not receive payment during medical school. They are responsible for tuition and educational expenses, similar to other university programs. Payment begins only after graduating from medical school and entering a paid residency (GME) program.
3. What Taxes Do Medical Residents Pay?
The amount of tax paid by medical residents is variable, depending on their income level and location. Tax regulations and deductions can vary significantly by state and jurisdiction. It’s advisable for residents to explore available exemptions and tax breaks to potentially reduce their tax burden.
4. How Much Does Pay Increase From the First to Last Year of Residency?
The total pay increase from the first to the final year of residency depends on the program’s length. However, annual pay raises are typically around $5,000 for each year of residency training.
5. Are Benefits Provided to Medical Residents?
Yes, most residency programs offer benefits packages to their residents. While specific benefits vary, common offerings include vacation time, parking, life insurance, and health insurance. Some programs also extend benefits like meal plans, dental coverage, and flexible spending accounts.
6. Is Undertaking a Medical Residency Worth It?
Yes, completing a medical residency is generally considered essential for a medical career in the U.S. and Canada. For almost all career paths in medicine, except perhaps teaching or nursing, residency is a necessary paid training phase, required for licensure in most states and offering doctors a wide range of practice opportunities post-training.
7. Do Residents Live at the Hospital?
No, modern medical residents typically do not live at the hospital. While the term “residency” originates from a time when trainees resided in hospitals, current practice involves residents working long shifts but usually living off-site. Hospitals usually provide break rooms for rest during shifts.
8. Which Residencies Offer the Highest Pay?
In the U.S., the highest-paying residencies tend to be in Plastic Surgery, Specialized Surgery, and Pathology. These are often longer and more specialized fields.
9. Which Residencies Have the Lowest Pay?
Lower-paying residencies often include Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Internal Medicine. These fields may be shorter in duration or have different compensation structures.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Resident Compensation
The starting salary for a medical resident generally begins around $60,000 annually and increases by approximately $5,000 each subsequent year of training. The initial salary level is primarily influenced by geographic location, although the annual increment tends to be relatively consistent.
Residencies in more specialized and lengthy fields like surgery often correlate with higher pay both during training and afterward. Conversely, shorter residencies like family medicine may have lower compensation levels.
The debate about whether resident pay adequately compensates for their demanding work and contributions is ongoing. For residents seeking support and resources, various HR and advocacy avenues exist to ensure fair treatment and working conditions. Understanding how much do doctors in residency make is a crucial aspect of career planning for aspiring physicians.
