Most residents are compensated by Los Angeles County (LAC) but some are compensated by the University of Southern California. Salaries have historically been identical and individual benefits vary slightly based on employer. The salary and benefits listed below are those for LAC paid residents. For benefits details, please visit LA County Benefits and USC Benefits. For more information about Keck funded salary and benefits, please feel free to contact our program.
Salaries
Salaries compare favorably to other programs in Los Angeles. The SEIU-CIR (Committee of Interns and Residents) is active in bargaining for our competitive salaries. CIR ratified a new contract in 2025 and accordingly, residents are scheduled for a 5% raise in October 2027 and CIR will start renegotiating a new contract in 2028.
Residents receive a $10,000 annual housing stipend every year.
Post Graduate Salary Scale
(Salaries as of October 1st, 2026*)
Year |
Monthly |
Annually |
PGY-1** |
$6,655* | $79,860 ($89,860 with annual housing stipend) |
PGY-2 |
$6,655* | $79,860 ($89,860 with annual housing stipend) |
PGY-3 |
$6,655* | $79,860 ($89,860 with annual housing stipend) |
PGY-4 |
$7,150 | $85,800 ($95,800 with annual housing stipend) |
* Salary for PGY1-3 was recently increased to the same level in accordance with California law. Salary stratification is being addressed via CIR currently.
** All PGY-1 residents receive a $500 welcome bonus. Additionally, all PGY-1 residents promoting to PGY-2 at Los Angeles General Medical Center receive a $2,000 intern bonus at the end of their intern year.
Professional Education Benefit
PGY-1 residents are reimbursed up to $1,900 during their first year for education expenses. PGY-2+ residents are reimbursed up to $1,400 annually for education-related expenses. such as licensing fees, board exams, books, electronics, supplies, etc. (https://www.cirseiu.org/los-angeles-county-usc-medical-center/).
Resident are also reimbursed up to $500 annually for conference costs and publishing, and $150 annually for poster printing.
Meals
Residents are provided free breakfast, lunch, and dinner totaling up to $28/day at LA General cafeterias and $12.50 per meal ($37.50 per day) at Keck Hospital Cafeterias.
Parking
Residents are provided free parking in a secure parking structure immediately adjacent to the hospitals.
Uniforms
White coats and scrubs are furnished and laundered by the hospital without charge.
Malpractice Insurance
As stated in the resident contract, Los Angeles County is self-insured and provides liability coverage while working in a County facility. This coverage during the period of employment continues even after leaving County Service (“tail coverage”). Similar coverage is provided during resident rotations to affiliating institutions that are designated as part of the resident training program.
As per the ACGME Institutional Requirements:
“Interviewees or prospective interviewees can be referred to https://dhs.lacounty.gov/lageneral/graduate-medical-education/applicant-information/ to read through copies of the Los Angeles General Medical Center Appointment Offer (aka contract), Resident Physician Conditions of Appointment Agreement (benefits), Salary Scale, and Visa Information, etc.“
From the Home page, click on “Graduate Medical Education” and then click on “Applicant Information” to access the above documents.