How Much Do Medical Residents Make? Salary Guide 2025

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How Much Do Medical Residents Make? Salary Guide 2025

Residency is one of the most demanding phases of a medical career. Residents often work up to 80 hours per week, balancing long shifts, high-stakes patient care, and continued learning. With such heavy responsibility, one common question arises: how much are residents actually paid?

This guide explores residency salaries in the U.S., including average pay by year, specialty, and location, as well as common benefits and global comparisons.


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What Is a Medical Residency?

A medical residency is a postgraduate training program where medical school graduates practice medicine under supervision in hospitals or clinics. Residency usually lasts 3 to 7 years, depending on specialty, and is a requirement for independent practice and board certification.

During this period, residents earn a salary and benefits while honing their skills. After residency, doctors typically see a dramatic pay increase as they transition into fully licensed roles.


 

Average Medical Resident Salary in the U.S.

According to the latest Residents Salary and Debt Report, the average U.S. resident salary is about $63,000 per year. Pay increases annually by $2,000–$5,000 as residents progress through their postgraduate years (PGY).

Resident Salary by Year (PGY):
  • PGY-1: $63,009
  • PGY-2: $66,092
  • PGY-3: $69,136
  • PGY-4: $71,979
  • PGY-5: $74,786
  • PGY-6: $77,276
  • PGY-7: $79,938
  • PGY-8: $83,918

Along with salary, most programs offer health insurance, vision/dental coverage, paid vacation, and meal stipends.


 

Resident Salary by Specialty

Pay can vary significantly depending on specialty. Longer, highly technical fields tend to offer higher compensation during training.

Examples of Average Resident Salaries by Specialty:
  • Plastic Surgery: $69,500
  • Orthopedics: $64,800
  • Radiology: $64,600
  • Anesthesiology: $63,300
  • Pediatrics: $63,300
  • Psychiatry: $61,500
  • Family Medicine: $58,500

Although differences aren’t dramatic compared to fully licensed salaries, high-paying residencies often translate into even greater earnings post-training.


 

Resident Salary Growth by Year

Most programs follow a step-wise increase model, with pay rising about $3,000–$5,000 annually.

Average Salaries Over Time:
  • Year 1: $56,150
  • Year 3: $60,634
  • Year 5: $66,277
  • Year 7: $71,339
  • Year 8: $75,841

By the end of training, senior residents can earn close to $80,000 annually, depending on program length.


 

U.S. vs. Canada vs. Europe

Residency salaries vary worldwide:

United States

Starting at ~$60,000 with annual increases.

Canada

$49,000–$70,000 depending on province. Quebec pays the lowest, Nova Scotia the highest.

Europe

Salaries are lower overall. In the UK, residents start around £33,340 (~$41,800 USD). In Germany, residents can make €59,630 (~$64,000 USD) depending on specialty.

U.S. residents generally earn more but also face higher debt burdens and cost-of-living expenses.


 

Examples of Resident Salaries at U.S. Hospitals

Maine Medical Center (ME):
  • PGY-1: $68,036
  • PGY-3: $74,239
  • Benefits: Full health, vision, dental, malpractice insurance, pension plan, vacation, sick leave.

Concord Hospital (NH):
  • PGY-1: $64,595
  • PGY-3: $69,854
  • Benefits: Health coverage, gym membership, childcare options, vacation leave.

UT Southwestern (TX):
  • PGY-1: $61,323
  • PGY-3: $66,661
  • Benefits: Health/dental/vision, retirement plan, meal cards, accident insurance, phone discounts.

 

Are Residents Paid Enough?

Resident pay remains a heated debate in medicine. On one hand, they are highly trained professionals carrying immense responsibility. On the other, they are still in training, which caps pay levels.

Challenges include:

I. Student debt

Many residents carry six-figure medical school loans.

II. Long hours

Up to 80 hours a week, leaving little time for supplemental income.

III. Stress and burnout

High demands vs. modest pay.

Residents often advocate for higher salaries to reflect their workload and role as frontline caregivers.


 

FAQs: Resident Pay

#1. Do medical residents get paid?

Yes. While not as much as licensed doctors, residents earn salaries with benefits.

#2. How much does pay increase each year?

Typically $3,000–$5,000 per year.

#3. Do residents get benefits?

Yes. Mmost programs include healthcare, vacation, malpractice insurance, and sometimes perks like gym memberships or meal stipends.

#4. What are the highest-paid residencies?

Plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and pathology.

#5. What are the lowest-paid residencies?

Family medicine, emergency medicine, and internal medicine.


 

Final Thoughts

Medical residents typically earn $60,000–$80,000 annually, depending on specialty, year, and location. Salaries rise with seniority, and though debated as insufficient for the workload, residency pay provides crucial financial stability during training.

The tradeoff is clear: long hours and modest pay today lead to substantial earnings and autonomy once residency is complete.

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Article Details


Categories

Recent Articles , Medical Electives, Dental Internships, Nursing Internships, PA Internships, Residency,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad


Date Published: Sep 20, 2025


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