Embarking on a career as a pediatrician is a commitment to the health and well-being of children, a path filled with profound personal rewards. Beyond the fulfillment of nurturing the next generation, it's also a profession with significant financial stability and earning potential. For those considering this demanding yet gratifying journey, a key question arises: what is the average pediatrician salary?
While the path requires years of intensive study and training, the financial outlook is strong. On average, a general pediatrician in the United States can expect to earn an annual salary in the range of $190,000 to $250,000, with numerous factors influencing where one might fall on—or even exceed—this spectrum.
This guide will break down a pediatrician's salary, the factors that shape it, and the overall career outlook to provide a clear picture of your potential future.
What Does a Pediatrician Do?
A pediatrician is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth through adolescence. They are the frontline guardians of childhood health, responsible for a wide range of duties, including:
- Preventative Care: Conducting regular well-child checkups, administering immunizations, and tracking growth and development milestones.
- Diagnosis and Treatment: Identifying and managing a broad spectrum of acute and chronic illnesses, from common colds and infections to conditions like asthma and diabetes.
- Patient and Parent Education: Offering guidance to parents on nutrition, safety, physical activity, and behavioral issues.
- Collaboration: Working with other medical specialists to provide comprehensive care for children with complex health conditions.
In essence, a pediatrician builds long-term relationships with families, serving as a trusted advisor throughout a child's formative years.
Average Pediatrician Salary
The compensation for pediatricians is competitive, reflecting their extensive training and critical responsibilities. Data from various authoritative sources provide a well-rounded view of their earning potential.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for general pediatricians was $203,240 in May 2023. This figure represents the midpoint, meaning half of all pediatricians earned more than this, and half earned less.
Other reputable salary aggregators offer a similar picture, highlighting the typical salary range:
- Salary.com reports the median U.S. salary for a pediatrician is $226,901 as of early 2024, with a typical range falling between $197,801 and $269,701.
- Payscale notes an average base salary of around $190,469, showing a progression where experienced pediatricians can earn significantly more.
- The Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2023 found that pediatricians earned an average of $251,000 annually.
This data illustrates that while a salary near $200,000 is a reasonable starting point, six-figure incomes well above that mark are common, especially as a professional gains experience and specializes.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
A pediatrician's salary is not a single, static number. It is influenced by a combination of professional and environmental factors. Understanding these variables is key to maximizing your earning potential.
###
Level of Education
For all physicians, the foundational education—a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree followed by a residency—is a given. However, further education in the form of a fellowship to sub-specialize dramatically impacts salary. A general pediatrician completes a three-year residency. A pediatric subspecialist, such as a pediatric cardiologist or neonatologist, completes an additional three-year (or longer) fellowship. This advanced training commands higher compensation due to the specialized expertise required.
###
Years of Experience
Experience is a powerful driver of salary growth in medicine. Newly licensed pediatricians just out of residency will start at the lower end of the salary spectrum. With each year of practice, their expertise, efficiency, and reputation grow, leading to increased compensation.
- Entry-Level (0-5 years): Often starts in the $170,000 to $200,000 range.
- Mid-Career (6-15 years): Typically sees salary growth into the $210,000 to $250,000 range.
- Senior/Experienced (15+ years): Can command salaries well over $250,000, especially if they have taken on partnership or administrative roles.
###
Geographic Location
Where you practice has one of the most significant impacts on your salary. Compensation varies widely by state and between urban and rural areas, often due to demand and cost of living. According to BLS data, some of the top-paying states for pediatricians include:
- Montana
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Wisconsin
- Mississippi
Interestingly, higher salaries are often found in states with a greater need for physicians, particularly in rural or underserved communities. While metropolitan areas like New York or San Francisco have high costs of living, the saturated market can sometimes lead to more competitive, but not necessarily the highest, salaries.
###
Company Type
The setting in which a pediatrician works is a major determinant of their income. The Medscape report highlights these differences:
- Private Practice (Partner/Owner): This setting often yields the highest income potential. Physician-owners not only earn a salary but also a share of the practice's profits. However, this comes with the added responsibilities of business management.
- Hospital or Health System Employment: A very common model offering a stable, predictable salary and robust benefits packages. While the ceiling may be lower than for a practice owner, it provides excellent security.
- Outpatient Clinics: These can be single-specialty or multi-specialty groups. Compensation is often competitive and can include productivity bonuses.
- Academic Medical Centers: Pediatricians in academia typically earn less than their counterparts in private practice. This difference is often offset by benefits like teaching opportunities, research support, and a more structured work schedule.
###
Area of Specialization
This is arguably the most impactful factor. While general pediatrics is a rewarding and well-compensated field, subspecializing can lead to substantially higher earnings. After a pediatric residency, a physician can pursue a fellowship in dozens of areas.
Here is a comparison of average annual salaries for pediatric subspecialties, which consistently out-earn general pediatrics:
- Pediatric Cardiology: (Focus on children's heart conditions) - Often earns $300,000+
- Pediatric Gastroenterology: (Focus on digestive system disorders) - Can earn $280,000 - $320,000
- Neonatology: (Focus on newborn infants, especially ill or premature) - Frequently earns $300,000+
- Pediatric Pulmonology: (Focus on children's lung conditions) - Can earn $260,000 - $300,000
Job Outlook
The career outlook for pediatricians is excellent. The BLS projects that employment for physicians and surgeons overall will grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
This steady demand is driven by several factors:
- Population Growth: A growing population naturally requires more healthcare services for children.
- Physician Retirements: A significant portion of the current physician workforce is nearing retirement age, creating openings for new doctors.
- Expanding Healthcare Access: Ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access in underserved and rural areas continue to fuel demand for pediatricians.
This positive outlook ensures that a career in pediatrics offers not just financial stability but also long-term job security.
Conclusion
A career as a pediatrician is a long but immensely rewarding journey. The financial compensation reflects the high level of expertise, dedication, and responsibility required. While the national average salary hovers in the $200,000 to $250,000 range, your individual earning potential is firmly within your control.
By strategically considering your geographic location, practice setting, and the potential for sub-specialization, you can build a career that is not only emotionally fulfilling but also financially prosperous. For those with a passion for science and a deep desire to help children lead healthy lives, pediatrics remains one of the most respected and secure professions in the world.