How Much Doctors Make In Residency: Top 10 Salaries

Becoming a doctor is a dream shared by many, but the journey to achieving this goal is long and arduous. Medical students spend years studying and preparing for their careers, and after completing medical school, they must complete a residency program to gain hands-on experience in their chosen specialty. While the salary for doctors in residency may not be as high as that of fully qualified physicians, it is still a significant amount that reflects their advanced education and training.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 salaries for doctors in residency, based on data from various sources, including the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and online forums where residents share their salary information.

Top 10 Salaries for Doctors in Residency

While salaries for doctors in residency vary depending on factors such as location, specialty, and institution, here are the top 10 salaries for residents in the United States, based on national averages:

Orthopedic Surgery: $60,000 - $70,000 per year Orthopedic surgery residents are among the highest-paid residents, reflecting the complexity and demand of their specialty.
General Surgery: $58,000 - $68,000 per year General surgery residents are also highly paid, as their specialty requires a broad range of skills and knowledge.
Anesthesiology: $56,000 - $66,000 per year Anesthesiology residents are responsible for administering anesthesia and managing patient care during surgery, making their role critical and highly compensated.
Radiology: $55,000 - $65,000 per year Radiology residents interpret imaging studies and diagnose diseases, requiring a high level of expertise and attention to detail.
Dermatology: $54,000 - $64,000 per year Dermatology residents diagnose and treat skin conditions, and their salaries reflect the demand for their services.
Emergency Medicine: $53,000 - $63,000 per year Emergency medicine residents work in fast-paced environments, making life-or-death decisions and earning a salary that reflects their expertise.
Obstetrics and Gynecology: $52,000 - $62,000 per year OB-GYN residents care for women's health and reproductive issues, and their salaries reflect the importance of their role.
Psychiatry: $51,000 - $61,000 per year Psychiatry residents diagnose and treat mental health conditions, requiring a deep understanding of human behavior and psychology.
Internal Medicine: $50,000 - $60,000 per year Internal medicine residents care for adult patients with a wide range of medical conditions, making their role both challenging and rewarding.
Family Medicine: $49,000 - $59,000 per year Family medicine residents care for patients of all ages, from children to adults, and their salaries reflect the breadth of their expertise.

Factors Affecting Resident Salaries

While these figures provide a general idea of the top salaries for doctors in residency, several factors can influence an individual's salary, including:

Location: Salaries can vary significantly depending on the location, with urban areas tend to pay more than rural areas.
Institution: Teaching hospitals and academic institutions may pay more than community hospitals or private practices.
Specialty: Certain specialties, such as orthopedic surgery and anesthesiology, tend to pay more than others.
Year of residency: Salaries often increase with each year of residency, reflecting the resident's growing expertise and experience.

Benefits and Perks

In addition to their salary, residents often receive a range of benefits and perks, including:

Health insurance: Residents typically receive comprehensive health insurance coverage for themselves and their families.
Paid time off: Residents usually receive paid vacation time, sick leave, and holidays.
Meal allowances: Some institutions provide meal allowances or stipends to help residents cover food expenses.
Professional development opportunities: Residents may have access to conferences, workshops, and other professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.

What to Expect After Residency

After completing their residency program, doctors can expect a significant increase in salary, as well as greater autonomy and responsibility in their practice. According to the Medscape Physician Compensation Report, the average annual salary for physicians in the United States is around $300,000, with some specialties earning significantly more.

Conclusion

While the salary for doctors in residency may not be as high as that of fully qualified physicians, it is still a significant amount that reflects their advanced education and training. The top 10 salaries for doctors in residency vary depending on factors such as location, specialty, and institution, but all offer a competitive compensation package that recognizes the importance of their role in the healthcare system.

We hope this article has provided valuable insights into the salaries of doctors in residency. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.

How long does a residency program typically last?

A residency program can last from three to seven years, depending on the specialty and institution.

Do residents receive benefits and perks in addition to their salary?

Yes, residents typically receive a range of benefits and perks, including health insurance, paid time off, and meal allowances.

How much can I expect my salary to increase after completing my residency program?

According to the Medscape Physician Compensation Report, the average annual salary for physicians in the United States is around $300,000, with some specialties earning significantly more.