Choosing an Emergency Medicine (EM) residency at the University of Virginia (UVA) is a significant career step for aspiring physicians. Alongside rigorous training, understanding the salary and benefits of UVA EM residents in 2026 is essential for financial planning. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of salary ranges, experience-based pay, influencing factors, job trends, benefits, and comparisons with other residency programs.
Overview of UVA EM Residency Salary in 2026
Residency salaries are set according to national and institutional guidelines, and UVA follows a competitive compensation model. Emergency Medicine residents typically earn slightly above the national average for residents, reflecting the program’s prestige and location.
Average Salary Range
| Year of Residency | Estimated Annual Salary (2026) |
|---|---|
| PGY-1 (Intern) | $63,000 – $67,000 |
| PGY-2 | $65,000 – $70,000 |
| PGY-3 | $67,000 – $72,000 |
| PGY-4 | $70,000 – $75,000 |
Note: Salaries may vary slightly depending on departmental adjustments and additional stipends.
Factors That Influence Residency Earnings
While residency salaries are largely standardized, several factors can affect total compensation:
- Postgraduate Year (PGY) Level: Higher PGY levels earn higher salaries.
- Location: UVA is in Charlottesville, VA, where cost-of-living adjustments are moderate.
- Moonlighting Opportunities: Many residents supplement income by working extra shifts in emergency departments.
- Overtime and Call Pay: Extra duty shifts may include additional stipends.
- Bonuses or Merit Awards: Occasionally, programs offer small financial incentives for exceptional performance or research contributions.
Benefits for UVA EM Residents
Beyond salary, benefits make residency financially viable and attractive:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- CME (Continuing Medical Education) allowances
- Retirement savings plans (401k/403b options)
- Disability and life insurance
- Housing or housing stipends (optional in some cases)
- Meal allowances during on-call shifts
These benefits can significantly increase the effective value of residency compensation.
Salary by Experience and Responsibilities
Emergency Medicine residents gain experience each year, often resulting in incremental pay increases and added responsibilities.
| PGY Level | Typical Responsibility | Monthly Stipend | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGY-1 | Supervised patient care | ~$5,250 | ~$63,000 |
| PGY-2 | Increased clinical responsibility | ~$5,600 | ~$67,200 |
| PGY-3 | Leading teams, supervising juniors | ~$5,900 | ~$70,800 |
| PGY-4 | Chief or senior responsibilities | ~$6,200 | ~$74,400 |
Higher PGY levels often allow for leadership roles and mentoring responsibilities, which may also open avenues for supplemental pay or administrative stipends.
Education, Certifications, and Additional Earnings
While residency salary is standardized, certain certifications or additional qualifications can enhance income opportunities:
Relevant Certifications
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
- Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) certification
Education Impact
- Prior research experience or advanced degrees (MPH, PhD) may improve chances of leadership roles or fellowship opportunities, indirectly boosting long-term earnings.
- Subspecialty interest during residency (e.g., toxicology, critical care) can increase post-residency earning potential.
Job Market Trends in Emergency Medicine
Emergency Medicine remains a highly sought-after specialty with consistent demand. Key trends for 2026 include:
- High demand for emergency physicians nationwide, especially in underserved areas.
- Increased emphasis on telemedicine and urgent care integration.
- Growing opportunities for moonlighting during residency, particularly in urban areas.
- Stable long-term job outlook due to rising emergency care needs and an aging population.
Comparison: UVA EM Residency vs Other Residency Programs
| Residency Program | PGY-1 Salary (2026) | PGY-4 Salary (2026) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| UVA EM | $63,000 – $67,000 | $70,000 – $75,000 | Standard + CME allowance, insurance |
| Johns Hopkins EM | $62,000 – $66,000 | $69,000 – $73,000 | Standard + relocation bonus |
| University of Michigan EM | $61,500 – $65,500 | $70,000 – $74,000 | Standard + wellness stipend |
| National Average EM | $60,000 – $64,000 | $68,000 – $72,000 | Standard benefits |
UVA offers a slightly higher-than-average salary and competitive benefits, making it an attractive choice for EM residents.
Is UVA EM Residency Salary Competitive?
While residency salaries are modest compared to practicing physicians, they are consistent with national averages and are supplemented by robust benefits. Moonlighting and leadership roles during residency can further increase total earnings.
Considering UVA’s program reputation, networking opportunities, and research exposure, residents also gain long-term career advantages that can lead to higher post-residency compensation.
Conclusion
The UVA EM Residency salary in 2026 provides a solid foundation for early-career physicians, with steady annual increases, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for supplemental income. With a strong job market, leadership exposure, and access to certifications, UVA Emergency Medicine residents are well-positioned for both financial stability and professional growth.
Residency may not match attending-level salaries immediately, but it offers an excellent balance of training, experience, and financial support, ensuring a successful launch into a rewarding Emergency Medicine career.