Pediatricians play a vital role in healthcare, focusing on the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children. If you’re considering a career as a pediatrician, understanding the salary, career path, and job prospects is essential. This guide provides detailed insights into pediatrician salaries, how to become one, and what the future holds for this rewarding profession.
Pediatrician Salary in the US
Annual Salary
Pediatricians in the United States earn an average annual salary of $192,507. However, salaries can vary widely based on experience, location, and work setting.
- Range: Salaries range from $37,000 to $273,500 per year.
- 25th Percentile: Pediatricians in this group earn around $170,000/year.
- 75th Percentile: Professionals in this category earn up to $220,000/year.
- Top Earners (90th Percentile): Pediatricians with extensive experience or specialization can make as much as $250,500/year.
Monthly Pay
When broken down monthly, pediatricians earn an average of $16,042/month.
- Range: Salaries range from $3,083 to $22,792/month.
- 25th Percentile: Pediatricians in this group earn around $14,166/month.
- 75th Percentile: Professionals in this category earn up to $18,333/month.
- Top Earners (90th Percentile): Pediatricians can earn up to $20,875/month.
Weekly Pay
Weekly earnings average $3,702/week, with top earners making over $4,817/week.
- Range: Salaries range from $712 to $5,260/week.
- 25th Percentile: Pediatricians earn around $3,269/week.
- 75th Percentile: Professionals in this category earn up to $4,230/week.
Hourly Wage
For those paid hourly, pediatricians make an average of $92.55/hour.
- Range: Hourly wages range from $17.79 to $131.49/hour.
- 25th Percentile: Pediatricians earn $81.73/hour.
- 75th Percentile: Professionals in this group earn up to $105.77/hour.
- Top Earners (90th Percentile): Pediatricians can make up to $120/hour.
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Pediatricians
Location plays a significant role in determining salaries. Here are the top-paying cities for pediatricians in the United States:
- Soledad, CA: $287,972/year ($138.45/hour)
- Portola Valley, CA: $268,317/year ($129.00/hour)
- Barrow, AK: $239,820/year ($115.30/hour)
- Corte Madera, CA: $239,146/year ($114.97/hour)
- Nome, AK: $238,804/year ($114.81/hour)
- Hettinger, ND: $237,945/year ($114.40/hour)
- Berkeley, CA: $235,714/year ($113.32/hour)
- Redwood City, CA: $235,697/year ($113.32/hour)
- Berlin Corners, VT: $235,284/year ($113.12/hour)
- Atherton, CA: $233,316/year ($112.17/hour)
Top 5 Best Paying Related Pediatrician Jobs
If you’re interested in related roles within pediatrics, here are some of the highest-paying positions:
- Pediatric Residency: $251,599/year ($120.96/hour)
- Pediatric Resident Physician: $170,904/year ($82.17/hour)
- Pediatric Physician: $168,882/year ($81.19/hour)
- J1 Teacher: $53,476/year ($25.71/hour)
- Pediatric Coder: $46,638/year ($22.42/hour)
How to Become a Pediatrician in the US
Becoming a pediatrician requires dedication, years of education, and hands-on training. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree
Start with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as biology, chemistry, or pre-med. Focus on courses like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry.
2. Attend Medical School
After earning your bachelor’s degree, enroll in a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Medical school typically takes 4 years to complete.
- First Two Years: Classroom-based learning covering subjects like pathology, pharmacology, and medical ethics.
- Last Two Years: Clinical rotations in various specialties, including pediatrics.
3. Complete a Pediatric Residency
After graduating from medical school, you’ll need to complete a 3-year pediatric residency program. This training focuses on diagnosing and treating illnesses in children.
4. Obtain Licensure
To practice medicine, you must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). This exam is divided into three steps and tests your medical knowledge and clinical skills.
5. Get Board Certified
While optional, board certification from the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the field.
6. Optional Fellowship
For those interested in specializing, fellowships in areas like pediatric cardiology or neonatology can add 2-3 years of additional training.
Pediatrician Career Prospects
1. Job Outlook
The demand for pediatricians remains steady, with a projected growth rate of 4% from 2022 to 2032 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Pediatricians are essential as populations grow and families prioritize child health.
2. Work Environments
Pediatricians can work in various settings, including:
- Private Practices: Many pediatricians run their own clinics, offering personalized care.
- Hospitals: Opportunities to work in pediatric wards or emergency departments.
- Clinics: Community-based care for underserved populations.
- Research and Academia: Contributing to advancements in child healthcare or teaching medical students.
3. Advancement Opportunities
Pediatricians can advance their careers in several ways:
- Specializing in fields like pediatric surgery or oncology.
- Taking leadership roles in healthcare organizations.
- Transitioning into research or academic positions.
4. Challenges in the Profession
While rewarding, pediatricians face challenges such as:
- Long Hours: Balancing patient care with administrative duties.
- Emotional Stress: Treating critically ill children can be emotionally taxing.
- Competition: Securing residency spots and high-paying roles can be competitive.
Pediatrician Job Description Overview
A Pediatrician is a medical doctor specializing in the care and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Their primary role includes diagnosing and treating illnesses, monitoring growth and development, providing preventative care, and educating parents on various aspects of child health.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
- Diagnosing and Treating Illnesses
- Assess and treat conditions ranging from common childhood ailments (e.g., colds, infections) to chronic diseases and developmental disorders.
- Preventive Care
- Conduct routine checkups, administer vaccinations, and provide guidance on nutrition, safety, and disease prevention.
- Health Education
- Educate parents and caregivers on development milestones, parenting skills, and disease prevention strategies.
- Referrals
- Refer patients to specialists for advanced care when necessary.
- Monitoring Growth and Development
- Track physical and developmental progress, ensuring children meet age-appropriate milestones.
- Record Keeping
- Maintain detailed medical records of patients’ health history, diagnoses, treatments, and progress.
- Collaboration
- Work with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, therapists, and specialists, to provide comprehensive care.
- Staying Updated
- Keep abreast of advancements in pediatric medicine and public health.
Essential Skills and Qualities
- Medical Expertise: Strong knowledge of pediatric medicine, including diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care.
- Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate with children and their parents to build trust and explain medical information clearly.
- Compassion and Empathy: Understanding the needs of young patients and their families.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Analyze information, diagnose conditions, and develop treatment plans.
- Attention to Detail: Accurate record-keeping and medication administration.
- Physical Stamina: Ability to handle long hours and emergencies.
Educational Requirements
- Medical Degree
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
- Residency
- A three-year residency in pediatrics for specialized training.
- Licensure
- Must be licensed to practice medicine in the respective state.
- Board Certification
- Board certification in pediatrics is often required or expected.
Pediatrician Resume Sample
Here’s a professional pediatrician resume template designed to highlight your qualifications, experience, and skills effectively. Use this as a guide to create or refine your own resume.
[Your Name]
[Your Address] | [City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile]
Objective
Dedicated and compassionate pediatrician with over [X years] of experience providing comprehensive medical care to children from infancy through adolescence. Skilled in diagnosing and treating childhood illnesses, managing chronic conditions, and promoting preventive care. Seeking to leverage expertise in [specific skill/area] to contribute to [clinic name or organization] and improve patient outcomes.
Professional Experience
Pediatrician
[Clinic Name/Organization] – [City, State]
[Month, Year] – Present
- Provided primary care services, including wellness exams, vaccinations, and developmental screenings for patients aged 0–18.
- Diagnosed and treated acute and chronic pediatric conditions, including asthma, allergies, and infectious diseases.
- Counseled parents on child nutrition, growth milestones, and preventive care strategies.
- Managed and coordinated care for children with complex medical needs, collaborating with specialists as required.
- Maintained accurate and detailed patient records using electronic health record (EHR) systems.
- Adhered to HIPAA regulations and ensured patient confidentiality at all times.
Pediatric Resident Physician
[Hospital Name] – [City, State]
[Month, Year] – [Month, Year]
- Completed rotations in general pediatrics, neonatal care, and pediatric emergency medicine.
- Assisted in diagnosing and treating a wide range of pediatric conditions under the supervision of attending physicians.
- Performed routine procedures, including suturing, IV placement, and lumbar punctures.
- Conducted patient education sessions on topics such as vaccination schedules and infection prevention.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to develop care plans for pediatric patients.
Medical Intern
[Hospital/Clinic Name] – [City, State]
[Month, Year] – [Month, Year]
- Shadowed experienced pediatricians and assisted in patient examinations and treatments.
- Learned to interpret diagnostic tests, including X-rays, blood tests, and growth charts.
- Provided support in administering vaccinations and performing routine check-ups.
- Developed communication skills by interacting with patients and their families.
Education
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
[Medical School Name] – [City, State]
[Year of Graduation]
Bachelor’s Degree in [Relevant Field]
[University Name] – [City, State]
[Year of Graduation]
Licenses & Certifications
- Licensed Pediatrician – [State Licensing Board], [Year]
- Board Certification in Pediatrics – American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), [Year]
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, [Year]
- Advanced Pediatric Life Support (APLS) Certification, [Year]
Skills
- Comprehensive pediatric care (preventive, diagnostic, and treatment).
- Expertise in managing chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes.
- Proficient in administering vaccinations and conducting developmental screenings.
- Strong communication skills for counseling parents and caregivers.
- Skilled in using EHR systems for patient documentation.
- Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality.
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
- Familiarity with diagnostic tools and procedures (e.g., X-rays, lab tests).
Professional Affiliations
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Member since [Year]
- [State Medical Association] – Member since [Year]
- [Other relevant organizations]
References
Available upon request.
Tips for Customizing Your Resume
- Tailor the Objective: Highlight your passion for pediatrics and your career goals.
- Focus on Experience: Emphasize clinical experience, patient care, and any specialties you have.
- Use Action Words: Start bullet points with action verbs like “diagnosed,” “managed,” or “provided.”
- Keep it Concise: Avoid lengthy paragraphs; use bullet points for clarity.
- Highlight Achievements: Include metrics or accomplishments (e.g., “treated 100+ patients weekly”).
- Professional Formatting: Use a clean, easy-to-read format with consistent fonts and spacing.
Conclusion
Pediatricians are vital to ensuring the health and well-being of children. With an average salary of $192,507/year and top earners making over $250,500/year, the profession offers competitive pay and rewarding career opportunities.
Becoming a pediatrician requires dedication and years of training, but the investment is worth it for those passionate about child healthcare. Whether working in private practice, hospitals, or research, pediatricians have diverse options to build fulfilling careers.
If you’re considering this path, start by researching medical schools and residency programs. The journey may be long, but the impact you’ll make on children’s lives is immeasurable.
FAQs
1. What is the average salary for a pediatrician in the US?
The average salary is $192,507/year, with top earners making over $250,500/year.
2. How long does it take to become a pediatrician?
It typically takes 11-15 years, including undergraduate education, medical school, and residency training.
3. Is pediatrician a good career choice?
Yes, pediatricians enjoy competitive salaries, job security, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on children’s lives.
4. What are the best states to work as a pediatrician?
California, Alaska, and Vermont are among the top-paying states for pediatricians.