Despite large debts and long hours, most medical residents are satisfied with their compensation, professional relationships and career choices, according to Medscape’s 2015 Residents Salary & Debt Report released today. The majority of respondents report their compensation to be fair, but that debt and earning potential influence their choice of specialty and continued satisfaction.

“This year’s study uncovered a largely optimistic view among residents who consider their jobs rewarding, compensation fair, relationships with senior staff members good, and the amount of hours and tedious work manageable — but also underscored the impact of debt on career choices,” said Leslie Kane, director, business of medicine, at Medscape.

In 2015, the average resident reported a salary of $55,400, little changed from $55,300 in the previous year. Male and female residents averaged nearly the same salary at $56,000 and $55,000 respectively; a slight improvement from 56,000 vs. $54,000 in 2014.

Eighth-year residents made $63,000, approximately 20% more than $52,000 for those newly graduated. The highest paid residents are in critical care at $62,000, oncology at $61,000 and pulmonary medicine at $61,000. The lowest paid are in internal and general/family medicine, each at $53,000. However, after residency is complete, the three top-paying resident specialties — critical care, oncology and pulmonary medicine — were in the middle of the pack of salaries for established physicians.

The Medscape Resident Salary and Debt Survey 2015 was conducted online from May 14 to June 22, 2015, and included 1,745 physicians representing more than 24 specialties. Respondents were required to be a medical resident enrolled in a US program.