RVU Targets and Compensation Models for Your First Job
Feb 2, 2026
8 min read
What RVUs Mean (Without the Jargon)
During residency, you get paid the same no matter what shows up on your shift. In your first attending job, things change — the amount and type of work you do can affect your paycheck.
RVUs are simply a way to measure the value of your clinical work. More RVUs → usually more income. They help employers track productivity and figure out how much to pay you.
Compensation Models You’ll See
Every job structures pay differently, and it’s important to understand how each one impacts your income, stress level, and schedule. Here are the most common setups:
1) Straight Salary
You get the same paycheck every month.
👍 Stable and predictable
👎 No reward for doing more or working faster
2) Base Salary + RVU Bonus
You have a guaranteed base, plus extra money if you produce above a certain target.
👍 Best balance for new attendings
👎 Targets can be unrealistic — always ask what current doctors actually hit last month.
3) Pure RVU (Production Only)
No base salary, and your pay depends entirely on your performance.
👍 High earning potential in busy environments
👎 Risky if volume dips or support isn’t strong
4) Hourly Pay + Incentives
Very common for travelers — set hourly rate with bonuses for nights, weekends, etc.
👍Simple and flexible
👎 RVU pressure can still exist behind the scenes
What’s a Normal RVU Target for a New Grad?
Targets vary depending on specialty, location, and hospital volume — but here’s a general starting point:
Specialty | Typical First-Year Target |
|---|---|
Emergency Medicine | 9,000–12,000 RVUs/year |
Radiology | 9,000–11,000 RVUs/year |
These are not hard rules — they’re just a benchmark to compare against.
Tips for success:
Ask how shifts are staffed and how volume is distributed
Confirm whether RVU rates are the same for nights vs. days
Make sure documentation support is solid — bad staffing = fewer RVUs
A “great pay model” can turn into a headache if the workflow doesn’t support it.
Know the Terms of How You'll Actually Get Paid
W2 vs 1099 Pay (can determine taxes at year end)
Are there team RVU goals
How compensation changes if volume drops
What are the non-monetary benefits
When you understand the pay structure, you can focus on what actually matters: becoming a confident,
Your first job should help you grow — not stress you out. New attendinghood has lots of other challenges, most important of all your confidence as a clinical new attending!
