Pediatrician
Pediatricians specialize in the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth through young adulthood.
Getting Started
How to Become a Pediatrician
At 11 years to get started, this is typical for Doctoral Degree-level careers.
Complete Education
Earn your Doctoral Degree (typically 11 years) at an estimated cost of $250k–$375k.
Get Licensed or Certified
Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for pediatrician practice.
Begin Working
Pediatrician earn a median salary of $222k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.
Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Overview
What Does a Pediatrician Do?
Pediatricians specialize in the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth through young adulthood. They provide preventive care (well-child visits, immunizations), diagnose and treat childhood illnesses and injuries, monitor developmental milestones, and counsel families on nutrition, safety, and behavioral health.
On the Job
Compensation
How Much Does a Pediatrician Make?
At $222k/yr, pediatrician earn less than the $271k/yr average for Doctoral Degree-level careers.
$222k/yr
median annual salary
How It Compares
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Pediatrician | $222k/yr |
| Home Health Aide | $34k/yr |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) | $39k/yr |
| Physician Assistant | $130k/yr |
| General Surgeon | $355k/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
Future-Proofing
Pediatrician Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Employment Growth
The BLS projects 3% growth over the next decade, roughly in line with the 4.8% average for Doctoral Degree-level careers.
10-Year Growth
3%
About as fast as average
Current Employment
35k
jobs nationwide
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate Exposure
Pediatrician roles have moderate exposure to AI automation — roughly average among Doctoral Degree-level careers. While some administrative tasks may be augmented by AI, core duties still require human expertise. Core responsibilities like state licensing requirements require human presence and judgment that AI cannot replicate.
Why It's Safe
- +Assisting and caring for others
- +Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
- +Developing and building teams
- +Coaching and developing others
- +Resolving conflicts and negotiating with others
What Could Be Automated
- −Making decisions and solving problems
- −Documenting/recording information
- −Getting information
- −Performing for or working directly with the public
- −Working with computers
Based on Pew Research + O*NET methodology and Bureau of Labor Statistics projections
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Sources
Data Freshness
BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12