do residents get paid?

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this may sound like a dumb question , but i was wondering once you become a resident do you get paid while doing your residency? I would think after 4 long years of med school
you would finally be able to make some money.
if anyone can tell me i would appreciate some info, thanks.

The answer is yes, but its pathetic. National averages are always right around $35,000, and you usually get a small raise each consecutive year. The reason I say that it's pathetic is because interns/residents work so many hours per week, that $35K ends up being about $6 an hour. I made more than that as a nurse's aid!

And don't forget, most of that money will be going toward paying down student loans. Oh well, it's a living, and it's better than nothing!

...but your salary will rise considerably upon completion of said residency. And some programs are better than others in terms of hours worked per week and base salary... important things to check on when trying to find a residency!!!

you dont want to make too much money because if you make over about 40 grand you make too much money to

doh posted too early

anyways if you make too much money you cannot get your loans deferred and interest starts to accumulate/payments start to come due

If like most med students you have about 100 K or so in loans, you have to pay interest on your loans which will end up being about as much as the extra money you earn from making 40 grand as opposed to 35 grand

Keep in mind that after you've completed one year of post-grad training you can get your permanent liscense and start moon-lighting... This is true in most states, not Illinois, however (takes two years there). This will significantly boost your income by about $70-100 per hour for 12 to 24 hour shifts.

It's a little scary at first; i.e: being in a remote ER in the sticks with a 26 week IUP in active labor... and no other docs within a 25 mile radius.

Well, guess what....In Russia residents actually have to pay themselves....from $6-20000 a year))

Many residents average minimum wage (7-8 dollars an hour when all work is considered).

Originally Posted by aprilschild

Well, guess what....In Russia residents actually have to pay themselves....from $6-20000 a year))

I don't think there are many people folks on here that are old enough to get this.

I can't speak for all fields but I know that in some where overall work hours are pretty light you can make a killing moonlighting. I've heard stories of psych and derm residents doubling their income. Can't speak to others.