Spanish MIR doctors have the third-lowest salary in Europe

A FEMS report reveals that medical residents earn 1,202 net euros per month without on-call duties, far below their Swedish counterparts.

A silhouette of a medical resident wearing scrubs, reviewing documents in a hospital corridor.
IA

A silhouette of a medical resident wearing scrubs, reviewing documents in a hospital corridor.

Medical residents (MIR) in Spain receive a net monthly salary of 1,202 euros without on-call duties, making them the third lowest paid in Europe, according to a report published by FEMS in late 2024.

This figure, detailed in the Libro blanco de las condiciones de trabajo de los doctores europeos (White Book on the working conditions of European doctors) by the Federation of European Salaried Doctors (FEMS), contrasts sharply with the 3,212 euros earned by a resident doctor in Sweden or the 2,870 euros in Finland. The Spanish remuneration is only higher than that of Poland (1,050 euros) and Albania (980 euros).

"Given our responsibility, this is unacceptable. Ultimately, doctors, both consultants and residents, are working more hours than allowed by the European directive, and we find this very serious."

Daniel Selva · General Secretary of the Spanish MIR Association (AME)
The low salaries and working days that often exceed the maximum limit of 48 hours per week highlight the “precariousness” of the group, as detailed in the book La formación médica especializada en España: retos presentes y futuros, which includes contributions from specialist Vicente Matas.
In response to this situation, the Collegiate Medical Organization (OMC) and the AME have submitted proposals to the Ministry of Health to modify labor regulations. The OMC suggests replacing the on-call model with effective time control, prohibiting 24-hour shifts, and limiting continuous work to 17 hours. The AME, for its part, demands a 40% salary increase to address the cost of living and the level of responsibility.

"Living in large cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, is impossible with the salary they earn. For the bad part, they have all the duties, but they have no rights."

Ana Galán · President of the MIR and Young Doctors Section of the AMYTS union