Stipends and Benefits for Duke Residents and Fellows, 2026-2027

Residents 2025-2026

Stipends for FY27 (effective 7/1/2026):

PGY Level FY27 Annual Stipend Monthly Stipend
1 71,052 5,921
2 73,908 6,159
3 76,788 6,399
4 79,908 6,659
5 82,992 6,916
6 86,292 7,191
7 90,036 7,503
8 94,332 7,861

 

Duke and Durham has a lower cost of living than the home cities of most other major academic medical centers.  Therefore, you can afford a higher standard of living with a comparable stipend. To compare COL in Durham with other cities see: Cost of Living Calculator (bestplaces.net). 

Durham/Duke PGY-1 Stipend:    $71,052

Example Cities Stipend required for equivalent standard of living
Nashville $75,133
Philadelphia $76,518
Chicago $78,267
Boston $111,788
Seattle $122,282
New York $122,865
San Francisco $177,812

 

Relocation Benefit

  • $1000 provided to GME trainees who are new employees of Duke University/Health System

Technology Stipend

  • $360 per year, paid in two increments, to offset cell phone plan costs

Health Insurance Coverage

403b Retirement Contribution

  • Eligible after one year of employment and age 21
  • Immediate vesting
  • 4% contribution (no employee contribution required)
  • Find more information on the Duke HR Website here

Back-Up Care for Dependents

  • 10 annual days of backup care at discounted rates using Bright Horizons' network of caregivers who provide care for your dependents when you have a disruption in your regular care.
  • Bright Horizons' center-based care is $15 per child per day or $25 per family.
  • Bright Horizons' in-home care for both children and adults is priced at $6 per hour.

Earned Wage Access Benefit

  • Access portion of already earned wages outside of traditional page cycle
  • Find more information here

Disability and Life Insurance

  • Life Insurance- no cost to trainees
    •  $100K benefit with additional benefit for death/dismemberment—portable upon graduation
    • Supplemental life insurance ($500K) for trainees who are required to do air transport in their training
  • Base Disability Insurance- no cost to trainees
    • 60% of stipend up to $4000 per month 
    • Specialty-specific through retirement age
    • Convertible to individual policy at graduation
  • Supplemental Disability Insurance-optional at discounted rates
    • Underwriting concessions, fully portable
    • Specialty-specific, discounted rates

Professional Liability Insurance

Residents, Fellows and medical trainees enrolled in Duke Health Graduate Medical Education programs are provided professional liability insurance covering their activities within the course and scope of their work at Duke during their time at Duke.  Coverage amounts are reasonable and customary for industry standards and tail coverage is provided through an extended reporting provision.  Coverage confirmations and Claims Histories may be requested at INS-Risk_Management@dm.duke.edu.  Other questions should be directed to DUHS Clinical Risk Management at (919) 684-3277.

Vacation/Leave Benefits

  • Trainees eligible for DUHS parental leave policy (6 weeks paid leave)
  • GME-specific policy for medical illness or caregiver leave
  • 20 paid vacation days per year
  • 8 paid days for acute illness, bereavement
  • 2 paid days to schedule medical/dental appointments

Other Important Benefits

  • Parking permit in premium deck at no cost to trainee ($1545 benefit annually)
  • $15 per night meal benefit when on call
  • Recently renovated on-campus gym for GME trainees only
  • Labcoats for all trainees with annual refresh
  • Financial consulting for insurance and financial planning
  • Rideshare service available for fatigue ride home and return to hospital

Well-Being