In 2025, medical doctor residents continue to play a pivotal role in healthcare systems, providing essential patient care while completing their postgraduate training. Despite their intense workloads and responsibilities, resident doctors earn less than fully licensed physicians. However, their salaries have been gradually increasing due to changing market dynamics, policy updates, and rising living costs.
This article explores the average resident doctor salary in 2025, factors that influence earnings, salary by experience level, take-home expectations, and how the job market is evolving. We also cover benefits, certifications, and education factors that can affect a resident doctor’s income.
🩺 Average Salary for Medical Doctor Residents in 2025
As of 2025, the average salary for medical residents in the United States is approximately $66,300 per year, according to aggregated data from teaching hospitals and residency programs.
Salary Range:
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Low end: $58,000 (typically first-year residents or those in lower-cost regions)
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High end: $75,000+ (senior residents or those in metropolitan areas with high living costs)
📊 Factors That Influence Resident Salary
Several key factors influence how much a resident doctor earns:
1. Location
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Residents in urban centers like New York, San Francisco, and Boston often earn more to offset higher living expenses.
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Rural programs may offer lower salaries but include benefits like housing assistance or loan repayment incentives.
2. Specialty
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Salaries can vary depending on the residency specialty:
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Internal Medicine: ~$64,000
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Surgery: ~$68,000
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Anesthesiology: ~$70,000
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Psychiatry: ~$65,500
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Emergency Medicine: ~$67,000
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3. Post-Graduate Year (PGY)
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Salaries increase with each year of residency:
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PGY-1: ~$61,000
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PGY-2: ~$63,000
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PGY-3: ~$66,000
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PGY-4+: Up to $75,000 depending on specialty and program
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4. Hospital Funding & Unionization
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Unionized residency programs often secure higher base pay and better working conditions.
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Academic and well-funded hospitals generally offer more competitive compensation.
💰 Take-Home Pay from a $103,000 Salary
While not typical for residents, some roles (e.g., chief residents or those in fellowships) can approach or exceed $100K in total compensation. For a gross salary of $103,000, the estimated take-home pay after taxes, benefits, and deductions is about $70,000–$75,000, depending on location and tax bracket.
📈 Job Market Trends in 2025
The job outlook for residents remains strong and stable, supported by a growing demand for physicians:
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Physician shortage continues, especially in primary care and rural medicine.
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Fellowships in high-demand fields (e.g., cardiology, oncology) are increasingly competitive and come with slightly higher stipends.
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Work-hour reforms and wellness programs are becoming more common, potentially improving job satisfaction.
🎓 Education and Certifications That Affect Salary
While all residents are in training, certain achievements and qualifications can boost compensation:
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Board Exam Performance: High scores may lead to prestigious program placements with better pay.
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Dual Degrees (MD/PhD, MD/MBA): May command higher stipends or qualify for leadership roles.
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Certifications: ACLS, BLS, and ATLS are often required and may be reimbursed, but don’t typically increase base pay.
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Moonlighting: Eligible residents can supplement income with extra clinical shifts, especially in senior years.
🎁 Benefits and Perks of Residency
Besides salary, residents often receive comprehensive benefit packages:
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Health, dental, and vision insurance
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Malpractice coverage
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Paid time off and sick leave
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Continuing medical education (CME) allowances
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Access to housing or transportation stipends
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Retirement contribution plans (401k or 403b)
✅ Conclusion
Although residency isn’t the highest-paying phase of a medical career, it’s a crucial stepping stone toward becoming a licensed, practicing physician. In 2025, with salaries averaging around $66,300 and rising slowly, residents can expect incremental financial growth, especially in well-funded programs or high-demand specialties.
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