How Much Do Surgical Residents Make? A Complete Salary Guide
If you’re considering a career in surgery or are currently in medical school, you’re probably wondering: how much do surgical residents make? Surgical residency is a demanding but rewarding path, and understanding the financial compensation is crucial for planning your future. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down surgical resident salaries by year, location, specialty, and other key factors that influence earnings during this critical training period.
Table of Contents
- Average Surgical Resident Salary
- Salary by Residency Year
- Salary by Surgical Specialty
- Salary by Geographic Location
- Additional Benefits and Compensation
- How Surgical Resident Pay Compares to Other Specialties
- Factors That Affect Surgical Resident Salaries
- Frequently Asked Questions
Average Surgical Resident Salary in the United States
The average surgical resident salary in the United States typically ranges between $60,000 and $80,000 annually. According to recent data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and various hospital reports:
- First-year surgical residents (PGY-1) average around $60,000
- Mid-level residents (PGY-3 to PGY-5) average $65,000-$75,000
- Chief residents (PGY-6+) can earn $75,000-$85,000
It’s important to note that these figures represent base salaries and don’t include potential bonuses, overtime pay, or other benefits that some programs offer.
Surgical Resident Salary by Year
Surgical residency programs typically last 5-7 years, with salaries increasing modestly each year. Here’s a breakdown of how much surgical residents make by postgraduate year (PGY):
General Surgery Residency Salary Progression
- PGY-1 (Intern): $58,000 – $62,000
- PGY-2: $60,000 – $65,000
- PGY-3: $63,000 – $68,000
- PGY-4: $66,000 – $72,000
- PGY-5 (Chief Resident): $70,000 – $78,000
For residents in longer surgical subspecialties (like neurosurgery or cardiothoracic surgery), salaries continue to increase through PGY-7 or beyond, often reaching $80,000+ for senior residents.
Surgical Resident Salary by Specialty
While all surgical residents fall under the general range mentioned above, some specialties command slightly higher salaries due to longer training periods or more demanding call schedules:
- General Surgery: $60,000 – $78,000
- Orthopedic Surgery: $62,000 – $82,000
- Neurosurgery: $65,000 – $85,000
- Cardiothoracic Surgery: $63,000 – $83,000
- Plastic Surgery: $61,000 – $80,000
- Vascular Surgery: $62,000 – $79,000
How Location Affects Surgical Resident Salaries
Geographic location significantly impacts how much surgical residents make. Salaries tend to be higher in:
Highest Paying Regions for Surgical Residents
- Northeast: Higher salaries but also higher cost of living
- West Coast: Particularly California and Washington
- Urban Academic Centers: Major cities with large teaching hospitals
Lowest Paying Regions
- Southeast: Generally lower salaries but lower cost of living
- Rural Programs: Though some offer housing stipends
For example, surgical residents in New York City might earn $70,000 but face high living expenses, while those in Alabama might earn $58,000 with much lower costs.
Additional Benefits and Compensation
Beyond base salary, many surgical residency programs offer valuable benefits:
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement Plans: 401(k) or 403(b) with employer matching
- Housing Stipends: Some programs provide $5,000-$10,000 annually
- Meal Allowances: $1,000-$3,000 per year for hospital meals
- Education Funds: $1,000-$3,000 for conferences or books
- Malpractice Insurance: Fully covered by the institution
How Surgical Resident Pay Compares to Other Specialties
When considering how much surgical residents make, it’s helpful to compare to other residency specialties:
| Specialty | Average Resident Salary |
|---|---|
| Surgical Specialties | $60,000 – $85,000 |
| Internal Medicine | $58,000 – $70,000 |
| Pediatrics | $55,000 – $68,000 |
| Radiology | $62,000 – $80,000 |
| Emergency Medicine | $60,000 – $78,000 |
Surgical residents typically earn slightly more than primary care residents but work significantly more hours, resulting in a lower hourly wage.
Key Factors That Affect Surgical Resident Salaries
Several variables influence how much surgical residents make:
Program-Specific Factors
- Hospital funding and resources
- Unionization of residents
- Cost of living adjustments
Individual Factors
- Postgraduate year