Career Profile: Pediatricians, General

Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 36,800 people employed as pediatricians, general in the United States. The median annual salary is $170,480. Entry level employees earn approximately $75,670 per year and senior employees earn approximately $208,000 (or more) per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• 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.
• Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, students, assistants, specialists, therapists, and other medical staff.
• Plan and execute medical care programs to aid in the mental and physical growth and development of children and adolescents.
• Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioner when necessary.
• Teach residents or medical students about pediatric topics.
• Provide consulting services to other physicians.
• Operate on patients to remove, repair, or improve functioning of diseased or injured body parts and systems.
• Plan, implement, or administer health programs or standards in hospitals, businesses, or communities for prevention or treatment of injury or illness.
• Conduct research to study anatomy and develop or test medications, treatments, or procedures to prevent or control disease or injury.
• Prepare government or organizational reports of birth, death, and disease statistics, workforce evaluations, or medical status of individuals.
• Prescribe or administer treatment, therapy, medication, vaccination, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury in infants and children.

Career Explorer