Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Doctoral or professional degree
None
Internship/residency
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
General pediatricians focus on medical care for children and adolescents and show a solid overall career profile. Nationally, this occupation has a median annual salary of $210,130 and employment of about 46,000. Projected employment growth of 0.8% and 1,000 annual openings suggest a stable flow of opportunities, driven by a mix of new positions and replacement needs. The field draws on a broad mix of skills, including interpersonal communication, problem solving and decision making, science, critical and analytical thinking, and strong speaking and listening abilities. Detail orientation, writing and reading, adaptability, customer service, and leadership also play important roles. For people interested in child-focused medical practice with a strong emphasis on communication and analytical skills, this path offers a structured professional route. The typical education requirement of a doctoral or professional degree sets a clear, advanced training pathway that aligns with the complexity and responsibility of pediatric care.
Pediatricians, general, earn a national median annual salary of $210,130, reflecting strong income potential for those who complete the required education and training. Salaries vary by location. Among top states by opportunity score, median pay ranges from $169,540 in Washington to $221,170 in Massachusetts. California ($214,140) and New York ($212,150) also offer median salaries above the national median, while Colorado stands at $196,440. At the metro level, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH has a median salary of $221,170, and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ offers $216,040. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA reports $207,450, with Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA at $176,900 and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV at $172,520. These differences mean earnings can be significantly shaped by state and metro choice.
Nationally, pediatricians, general, have employment of about 46,000 and a projected employment growth rate of 0.8%. This indicates modest expansion rather than rapid change. With an estimated 1,000 annual openings, people entering the field can expect a consistent, if competitive, job market. The number of openings reflects both new positions and the need to replace pediatricians who retire or leave the occupation. The 0.8% projected growth rate appears consistently across the highlighted states and metro areas, suggesting a similar growth outlook in those regions. When combined with the advanced education requirement, these employment figures point to a career where planning, persistence, and long-term commitment are important. For students and career changers willing to complete a doctoral or professional degree, the combination of steady growth, defined openings, and specialized skills can support a long-range career strategy.
Location plays a sizable role in opportunity for general pediatricians. Among states, California and New York stand out for both employment volume and strong opportunity scores. California has a median salary of $214,140, employment of 6,680, and an opportunity score of 67.38. New York offers a median salary of $212,150, employment of 4,570, and an opportunity score of 65.78. Massachusetts combines a median salary of $221,170 with employment of 2,310 and an opportunity score of 65.87. Colorado and Washington show smaller employment bases—570 and 480, respectively—with median salaries of $196,440 and $169,540 and opportunity scores in the mid-50s. At the metro level, New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ leads with an opportunity score of 77.27 and median salary of $216,040. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA also offer high salaries and strong scores, while Washington-Arlington-Alexandria and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim present somewhat lower median pay but solid opportunity scores.
The typical education requirement for general pediatricians is a doctoral or professional degree. This advanced level of education reflects the complexity of medical decision-making and responsibility for children’s health. Success in the field is closely tied to a diverse skill set. Strong interpersonal skills, speaking and listening, and customer service abilities support effective interactions with patients and families. Science knowledge, critical and analytical thinking, and problem solving and decision making are central to evaluating information and determining appropriate care. Detail orientation and solid writing and reading skills help with accurate documentation and understanding medical information. Adaptability enables pediatricians to respond to changing circumstances, while leadership skills support coordination with other professionals and taking responsibility in clinical settings. Together, the education requirement and key skills point toward a career that combines rigorous academic preparation with highly developed cognitive and people-centered abilities.
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