Pediatricians, General

SOC code 29-1221 · O*NET-SOC 29-1221.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Pediatricians, General pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$210,040

a year

Hourly

$100.98

per hour

10th$91,470Median$210,04090th$338,500

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$212,110

$101.98 per hour

Middle 50%

$138,290 – $273,700

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$91,470 – $338,500

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

39,390

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $91,470; $43.98/hr
25th percentile: $138,290; $66.49/hr
Median percentile: $210,040; $100.98/hr
75th percentile: $273,700; $131.59/hr
90th percentile: $338,500; $162.74/hr

What do pediatricians, general do?

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries in children. May refer patients to specialists for further diagnosis or treatment, as needed.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Prescribe or administer treatment, therapy, medication, vaccination, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury in infants and children.
Examine children regularly to assess their growth and development.
Treat children who have minor illnesses, acute and chronic health problems, and growth and development concerns.
Examine patients or order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests to obtain information on medical condition and determine diagnosis.
Advise patients, parents or guardians, and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, and disease prevention.
Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients and parents or guardians.
Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports, or examination results.
Monitor patients' conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold post-doctoral training — 78% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Doctoral Training78%
Doctoral Degree20%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.1%

Common questions

How much does a pediatricians, general earn?

The national median is $210,040 a year. The full range runs from $91,470 at the 10th percentile to $338,500 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a pediatricians, general without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Speaking4.3/5
Critical Thinking4.3/5
Reading Comprehension4.1/5
Active Listening4.1/5
Writing4.0/5
Science4.0/5
Active Learning4.0/5
Monitoring4.0/5

Knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry5.0/5
Therapy and Counseling4.5/5
Biology4.4/5
Psychology4.3/5
Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
English Language3.8/5
Sociology and Anthropology3.4/5
Education and Training3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness.