Resident Salary in 2025 - Salary Solver

In 2025, the healthcare and medical job market continues to evolve rapidly, and resident salaries reflect these ongoing changes. Whether you’re a medical student preparing for residency, a current resident evaluating your options, or simply curious about the earning potential in this field, understanding the average salary, influencing factors, and future trends is essential.

Average Resident Salary in 2025

The average resident salary in the United States in 2025 ranges between $63,000 and $75,000 per year, depending on specialty, location, and institution.

Median Salary: Around $70,000
Entry-Level PGY-1: Typically earns $63,000–$65,000
Senior Residents (PGY-4 to PGY-6): Can earn up to $75,000 or more

These figures are slightly up from previous years, reflecting annual cost-of-living adjustments and increased demand in healthcare services.

Factors That Influence Resident Salary

Several key factors can influence how much a medical resident earns:

Specialty: Surgical and procedural-based specialties may offer slightly higher stipends.
Location: Salaries tend to be higher in urban and high-cost-of-living areas (e.g., New York, California).
Institution Type: Large academic hospitals often have higher funding than community hospitals.
Unionization: Programs with active resident unions often secure better wages and benefits.
Funding Source: Federal versus private or hospital-funded programs can impact stipend amounts.

Take-Home Pay for a $103,000 Salary

For residents who pursue additional roles like moonlighting, administrative work, or positions such as senior lead navigator, their total earnings could exceed $100,000 annually.

Assuming a $103,000 gross salary:

Federal and State Taxes: Approximately 25%–30% depending on the state
Take-Home Pay Estimate: $72,000–$77,000 per year or about $6,000–$6,400 per month

Note that additional deductions such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and loan repayments may further affect take-home earnings.

Salary by Experience Level

Residency Year	Average Salary (2025)
PGY-1	$63,000–$65,000
PGY-2	$66,000–$68,000
PGY-3	$69,000–$71,000
PGY-4+	$72,000–$75,000+

These increases are modest, but they help offset growing living expenses and training costs.

Job Market Trends in 2025

The demand for healthcare professionals, especially in underserved and rural areas, remains high. Here’s what to expect:

Increased Demand: Especially for primary care, emergency medicine, and psychiatry
Remote & Hybrid Care Models: Telemedicine roles provide new moonlighting opportunities
Higher Stipends in Competitive Areas: Some institutions are offering signing bonuses or housing stipends
Residency Slot Expansion: New federal funding initiatives are gradually increasing the number of GME positions

Benefits Offered to Residents

While salaries might not be high, most programs offer substantial non-cash benefits:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off and vacation
Meal allowances or on-call meal stipends
Education fund for books, exams, and conferences
Access to mental health and wellness programs

Certifications and Education That Impact Salary

Certain certifications or additional education can boost earnings, even during residency:

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Basic Life Support (BLS)
ATLS or PALS for emergency/pediatric residents
Public health or MBA dual degrees
Leadership programs or administrative fellowships

These can pave the way for leadership roles or side-income opportunities, including research coordination and medical consulting.

Final Thoughts

Resident salaries in 2025 are gradually improving, yet they remain modest compared to the responsibilities shouldered. However, with additional certifications, moonlighting opportunities, and strategic planning, residents can increase their earnings and set themselves up for a rewarding long-term career.

As the medical landscape shifts, keeping informed about pay trends, benefits, and growth opportunities can help residents make empowered career decisions.