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Residency Program Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Residency Program Director make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Residency Program Director in the United States is $132,412 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.

However, a Residency Program Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $158,411
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $116,425 to $146,021
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $101,870
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Residency Program Director Salaries

A Residency Program Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Residency Program Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Residency Program Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Physician Residency Coordinator (2-4 years): $54,436
  • Residency Program Director (4+ years): $132,412
  • Head of Residency Program (4+ years): $269,351
  • Chief Academic Officer - Healthcare (4+ years): $433,547
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Physician Residency Coordinator2-4 years$54,436
Residency Program Director4+ years$132,412
Head of Residency Program4+ years$269,351
Chief Academic Officer - Healthcare4+ years$433,547
View as Graph

How Do Residency Program Director Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Residency Program Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $146,607.
  • California: $146,050.
  • Massachusetts: $144,104.

Top Paying Cities for Residency Program Directors

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $167,011
  • San Francisco: $165,183
  • Oakland: $161,702

Residency Program Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Residency Program Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $140,401. While startup companies pay approximate $119,662.

Residency Program Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $119,662
Growth Stage 51~500 $126,326
Established 501~5000 $135,774
Enterprise 5000+ $140,401

Residency Program Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Residency Program Director roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Residency Program Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Residency Program Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Residency Program Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$145,653$70.010%

Residency Program Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Residency Program Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$116,425
Average $132,412/year
$146,021
$9,702
Average $11,034/month
$12,168
$2,239
Average $2,546/week
$2,808
$56
Average $64/hour
$70
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $146,021 $12,168 $2,808 $70
Average $132,412 $11,034 $2,546 $64
25th Percentile $116,425 $9,702 $2,239 $56

Residency Program Director Salary Growth & Career Path

Residency Program Director

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Residency Program Director, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Professional Services Director - Healthcare $193,632 46%
Head of Residency Program $269,351 103%

Most common benefits for Residency Program Director

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Residency Program Director

Here are companies hiring for Residency Program Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Residency Program Director

1. Where can a Residency Program Director earn the most?

A Residency Program Director's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Residency Program Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Residency Program Director is $167,011.

2. What is the highest pay for Residency Program Director?

The highest pay for Residency Program Director is $158,411.

3. What is the lowest pay for Residency Program Director?

The lowest pay for Residency Program Director is $101,870.

4. What are the responsibilities of Residency Program Director?

Directs the administration of the physician residency program of a healthcare organization. Develops and implements program policies, goals, and objectives that ensure compliance with accreditation standards set by governing bodies such as the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Collaborates with faculty members and other stakeholders to develop and deliver a comprehensive curriculum covering the medical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competencies required for physicians. Implements evaluation mechanisms and processes to conduct regular assessments, provide feedback, monitor performance, and support residents' well-being and academic progress. Participates in the recruitment and selection process of resident physicians. Requires a MD. Requires State License to Practice Medicine. Typically reports to senior management. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Residency Program Director?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Residency Program Director roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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