I agree with this statement 100%. Although it is tempting to simply go for the highest paying position, since we are in debt (alot of debt), but your training is the priority at this point in time - period. I think for the most part if you're scanning through the residency profiles on the CASPR CRIP website, you'll see that the average is typically a starting salary of low-mid 40's with increases and benefits (health plan, CME $, etc.). Some programs in NYC for example pay higher because of the cost of living while others will pay less than the range I mentioned.
I also agree with what Feli wrote. When I reviewed the CASPR pages I estimated program pay as such:
10% less than fair salary
50% fair salary
30% better than fair salary
10% exceptional salary
But other things need to be considered. Will you get free meals? What is your CME stipend? What is the cost of living in the program's city?
My last year of residency in 2005-06 in NYC I made $66,000, which was one of the highest in the US, however, it is probably equivalent to $40,000 in Indiana, for example.
But, as Feli and PMSIII mentioned above, you should choose the best program in spite of the salary. Because, consider finishing a great program that you get an offer for $140,000 out of residency, versus a not so good program where your offer is $105,000. That's a $35,000 difference
in your first year! That makes up for a $5,000 or $10,000 difference in residency salary. And if you compound the income difference over your lifetime, it could be considerable.