Duke Residents and Fellows, 2025-2026
Stipends for FY26
Effective 7/1/2025
| PGY Level | FY26 Annual Stipend | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $68,976 | $5,748 |
| 2 | $71,748 | $5,979 |
| 3 | $74,544 | $6,212 |
| 4 | $77,580 | $6,465 |
| 5 | $80,568 | $6,714 |
| 6 | $83,772 | $6,981 |
| 7 | $87,408 | $7,284 |
| 8 | $91,584 | $7,632 |
Cost of Living
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).
Duke PGY-1 Stipend: $68,976
| City | Stipend Required for Equivalent Standard of Living |
|---|---|
| Nashville | $72,938 |
| Philadelphia | $74,282 |
| Chicago | $75,980 |
| Boston | $108,522 |
| Seattle | $118,709 |
| New York | $119,275 |
| San Francisco | $172,617 |
Relocation Benefit
$1000 provided to GME trainees who are new employees of Duke University/Health System
Health Insurance
- Choice of four plans, two at no cost to trainee (Duke Basic and Duke Select)
- Discounted premiums for GME trainees
- Dental and vision coverage
- Duke Benefits page
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 at 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 $4,000 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
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 Benefits
- Parking permit in premium deck at no cost to trainee (~$1,400 benefit annually)
- $12 per night meal benefit when on call
- On-campus gym for GME trainees only (renovation in progress)
- Labcoats for all trainees with annual refresh
- Financial consulting for insurance and financial planning
Well-Being
- GME Premium appointments at Personal Assistance Services: 7 am, 5-7 pm appointments for GME trainees only, as well as normal appointment times.
- Concierge service at Duke Primary Care for GME trainees to facilitate establishing care and scheduling appointments
- Live for Life: multiple programs, activities and assessments to help employees and their family achieve health and fitness goals.
- Duke PERQS—discounts for employees at many local businesses and services