What is a pediatrician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted Expert
John Colclough

Pediatricians are doctors who provide medical care to children of all ages. They monitor their growth and development and administer immunizations when required. They diagnose and treat illnesses, medical conditions, and injuries. Also, they perform routine checkups and examinations. When necessary, they refer patients to specialists to resolve issues outside their specialization. Furthermore, they advise patients, parents, and guardians on diets, activities, hygiene, and disease prevention. Additionally, they support the health and wellness of their patients by maintaining detailed records. Pediatricians can work independently or in a larger group.

To become a pediatrician, you will undergo extensive training and education. First, you need a medical degree. Then, the successful completion of a residency and fellowship in pediatrics. Likewise, you must have a license and certification to practice pediatrics. You must have decision-making, problem-solving, interpersonal, organization, leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Pediatricians earn a whooping sum of $168,001 per year. Their salary ranges from $107,000 to $265,000.

What general advice would you give to a Pediatrician?

J

John Colclough

Professor, Marshall University

Be patient and stay informed. Many performers think their career is about the work in the rehearsal hall or in performance-not so, the real work is in the management of your business. Being an authority of WHO, WHAT and WHERE is key. WHO are the players in your market? The directors, actors, casting people, producing organizations, etc...these are who you need to know-your network. WHAT opportunities exist in your market? The theatres, video companies, universities (if you have an MFA you may be able to teach a class or two), Improvisation groups, any opportunity that allows you to grow your brand is worth your attention. And finally, WHERE are the opportunities-knowing your community and having a sense of how each company fits into the fabric of the community. Having a sense of where the company resides both geographically and virtually (web sites) and having a solid knowledge base of details of each company can inform your marketing tactics as well as provide you with specific details unique to each organization. Careers develop over time and keeping expectations realistic over the first year can be challenging. Be practical and methodical in your approach: save money (there's never enough), find a place to live (the best you can afford), find a side hustle (you're going to need money and routine), find out the lay of the land (WHO, WHAT, and WHERE), develop your skill set (take a class and meet colleagues), go to productions, screenings, workshops, document your growth (keep a journal or calendar to track your progress), celebrate your successes and be patient with your stumbles-Hard knocks are the best teachers!
ScorePediatricianUS Average
Salary
10.0

Avg. Salary $191,371

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
9.7

Growth Rate 7%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.11%

Asian 18.11%

Black or African American 5.20%

Hispanic or Latino 9.23%

Unknown 2.77%

White 64.59%

Gender

female 72.82%

male 27.18%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48
Stress Level
9.7

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.8

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.6

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Pediatrician career paths

Key steps to become a pediatrician

  1. Explore pediatrician education requirements

    Most common pediatrician degrees

    Doctorate

    34.1 %

    Bachelor's

    26.8 %

    Certificate

    18.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific pediatrician skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Patients30.37%
    Primary Care15.63%
    ADHD8.74%
    Neonatology5.50%
    Internal Medicine4.50%
  3. Complete relevant pediatrician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New pediatricians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a pediatrician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real pediatrician resumes.
  4. Research pediatrician duties and responsibilities

    • Provide exceptional continuity of care and patient satisfaction by managing patients in both outpatient and inpatient pediatric settings.
    • Work as pediatrician in Al-Ain medical district - PHC - M.O.H of the UAE
    • care with splinting, suturing ,
    • Administer vaccines to babies and kids.
  5. Prepare your pediatrician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your pediatrician resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a pediatrician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Pediatrician Resume templates

    Build a professional Pediatrician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Pediatrician resume.
    Pediatrician Resume
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    Pediatrician Resume
    Pediatrician Resume
  6. Apply for pediatrician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a pediatrician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Pediatrician Job

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Average pediatrician salary

The average Pediatrician salary in the United States is $191,371 per year or $92 per hour. Pediatrician salaries range between $124,000 and $293,000 per year.

Average Pediatrician Salary
$191,371 Yearly
$92.01 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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