Pediatricians are primary healthcare providers who care for infants, children, and adolescents, typically up to the age of 18. Salaries in the US are at the top of the scale; here, pediatricians earn about $175,400 per year, compared to the UK where annual pay is about £105,000 ( about US$134,900). Pediatricians in New Zealand earn about NZ$257,377 (about US$171,500), while those working in Canada earn around C$157,975 (about US$120.800). Pediatricians in Australia at AU$99,629 (about US$72,700). Further details like career prospects are provided in this guide.
How Much Does a Pediatrician Make?
The chart below includes salaries and the US dollar equivalency for select countries.
| Pediatrician Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand |
| Annual Salary | $175,400 | C$157,975 (US$120.800) | £105,000 (US$134,900) | AU$99,629 (US$72,700) | NZ$257,377 (US$171,500) |
Pediatrician Salary Determinant Factors
Geographic region, work setting, and professional experience influence incomes for pediatricians. Additional detail from Payscale.com on earnings and bonus potential is provided, as well as information on career outlook are included below.
1. How Much Does a Pediatrician Make by Country?
Pediatrician Salary in the US
Pediatricians in the US earn high salaries, with the median income at $145,956 per year according to PayScale. Starting salaries for new pediatricians are quite high at nearly six figures and increase with experience to more than $200,000 per year. Earnings can increase greatly with bonus and profit sharing incentives that can total over $70,000.
Annual earnings in the South Central region of the US are the highest at $221,000, followed by North Central at $217,000, and the Southwest at $216,000. Lower paying areas include the Northeast at $196,000, followed by the Mid-Atlantic region at $198,000, and the Northwest and Great Lakes at $199,000. Pediatricians who work in surgery earn significantly more at $400,000 to $500,000 per year.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, however, estimates the median pediatrician salary at $175,400 per year and the total salary range between $93,120 and $209,140 depending on experience and industry.
Pediatrician Salary in Canada
In Canada, pediatricians earn a median annual salary of C$157,975, according to Payscale. Salaries for pediatricians in Canada range from about C$55,000 per year for those beginning their careers to more than C$307,000 per year for senior-level professionals. Some employers offer bonus pay that can reach C$10,000. About 55% of pediatricians in Canada work in a hospital setting with 34% being in an academic capacity to train new physicians.
Neuvoo.ca, however, reports the median pediatrician salary at C$209,140 per year and the total salary range between $146,000 and $293,000.
Pediatrician Salary in the UK
In the UK, the average pediatrician salary is £105,000 per year. Pediatricians who are in their final stage of training earn about £15,000 per year, just over the national minimum living wage of £14,000. Upon completion of training and with experience, annual earnings increase to about £80,000 annually. Senior level pediatricians who have reached consultant status earn more than £160,000 per year. Those who work in London or nearby areas may earn more with a high cost of living supplement, while rural areas and small clinics may pay lower salaries.
Pediatrician Salary in Australia
Pediatricians in Australia earn a median annual salary of AU$99,629 according to PayScale. Pediatricians beginning their careers can expect a starting income of a little over AU$50,000 per year, increasing with experience to more than AU$157,000 per year. Salaries increase steadily with ongoing experience over one’s career and peak after 15-20 years of experience.
Pediatrician Salary in New Zealand
Pediatricians in New Zealand earn a median annual salary of NZ$257,377 per year. Junior level pediatricians earn an an average salary of NZ$174,003 per year, while those with the most experience and advancement to the senior level earn more than NZ$300,000 annually. Salaries in Aukland, Dunedin, and Otago are about 19% more than the average pediatrician income in the country. According to enz.org, New Zealand has classified general practitioners, which includes pediatricians, among the occupations on the country’s long-term shortage list.
2. How Much Does a Pediatrician Make According to Experience?
Work experience has a major impact on salary in all of the countries we looked at in this article. In the UK, experience has the greatest impact on salary as the difference between average income for those completing training and those with the most experience is £160,000 annually, which represents an increase of 967%.
The gap between entry-level pay and senior level income in Canada is C$207,000 per year. With experience, incomes increase in New Zealand by NZ$175,000, or 233%, and in Australia by more than AU$106,000, or 177%. In the US where pediatrician earnings are the highest among the countries in this guide, income for the most experienced professionals is about double that of entry-level pediatricians.
3. How Much Does a Pediatrician Make According to Work Environment?
Pediatricians work in private practice, hospitals, and clinics. In the US, those who work in solo private practice earn about 8% less than hospital-based pediatricians. However, those who work in group practice earn about the same as hospital-based pediatricians. On the other hand, office-based single-specialty practices pay about 8% more than hospitals.
In Canada, about 55% of pediatricians work in hospitals. This includes both academic and non-academic hospitals and community hospitals, which pay competitively compared to private practice earnings.
Note: If you are interested in other pediatrics-related healthcare jobs, we also recommend reading our guide to the pediatric anesthesiologist salary, our rundown of the pediatric oncologist salary in English-speaking countries, and our guide to the pediatric nurse salary.
Working Hours
Pediatricians who work in hospital settings are subject to work hours that may fall at any time of the day, seven days a week, due to the 24-hour care provided. Those who work in private practice often hold schedules Monday through Friday during typical business hours. Some on-call, evening, and weekend hours may be required.
Bonuses and Benefits
Pediatricians often earn full healthcare benefits that include medical, dental, and vision insurance. Those who are self-employed in solo or group private practice may be required to cover their own expenses for these benefits. Some employers offer bonus incentives, as well as reimbursement for continuing medical education training fees and associated travel. Those who work in hospital settings may receive meals and overnight accommodations for long shift work.
Career Prospects
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of physicians job openings will grow. This includes including pediatricians. They expect an increase of 14% between 2014 and 2024, a much faster rate compared to other occupations. This growth is expected due to increased awareness of preventative care among children. Demand in New Zealand is likely going to remain strong as the country has placed this profession on its list of occupations with a shortage. This is partially due to a large number of physicians who are over age 50 and will probably retire in the coming years.
Conclusion
Pediatricians earn strong salaries. Starting salaries in the US can reach six figures. In other countries, pediatrics is among the highest paid professions. Future demand for pediatricians is expected to remain strong and support future earning levels. Those who work in pediatric specialties, such as surgery, earn significantly higher amounts compared to general pediatricians. While many pediatricians work full time, there are part-time employment options available in some areas. Most pediatricians enjoy their work and say they would choose it again, meaning job satisfaction is high in this career field.
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