Career profile Β· live from the Careermash careers engine
Career profile

Paediatrician

Becoming a paediatrician in the United States is a rewarding journey that allows you to make a significant impact on the lives of children and their families. The healthcare system here is vast and diverse, offering numerous opportunities for specialisation and advancement. With a growing emphasis on child health and wellness, the demand for skilled paediatricians continues to rise, making it an exciting time to enter this field.
Degree usually required
AI impact: low££££ payUni route
0
AI impact
how much AI is reshaping it
Ottalie Β· your guide
Curious about being a paediatrician? Here's the honest picture - what you'd really do, what you'd earn, and every way in. No need to decide anything yet.

What you'd actually do

As a paediatrician in the US, you will be responsible for diagnosing and treating a wide range of childhood illnesses and conditions, from minor ailments to serious diseases. Your role will involve conducting regular check-ups, administering vaccinations, and providing guidance on nutrition and health education to parents. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals is crucial, as you will often work alongside nurses, specialists, and social workers to ensure comprehensive care for your patients. The focus on preventive care and early intervention is a key aspect of paediatrics, making your role vital in promoting long-term health outcomes for children.
1Conducting physical examinations and health assessments of children.
2Diagnosing and treating common childhood illnesses and injuries.
3Advising parents on health, nutrition, and development.

Career progression & pay

01
Getting in

Junior Paediatrician

$60,000
MD or DO degree
As a junior paediatrician, you will begin your career in a clinical setting, working under the supervision of experienced doctors. Your focus will be on gaining practical experience and developing your clinical skills.
02
Building up

Mid-Level Paediatrician

$120,000
3-5 years of experience
At this stage, you will have more autonomy in your practice, managing your own patient load and possibly specialising in a specific area of paediatrics.
03
At the top

Senior Paediatrician

$200,000+
Extensive experience and possibly board certification
As a senior paediatrician, you will lead clinical teams, mentor junior doctors, and may also engage in research or teaching roles.

Degrees that lead here via Medicine and Dentistry

Apprenticeships that lead here

No apprenticeship standard maps directly yet - the university or college route is the main way in.

Organisations in this field

NHS
The National Health Service provides comprehensive healthcare services across the UK.
Great Ormond Street Hospital
A leading children's hospital known for its specialist care.
Barts Health NHS Trust
One of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, offering a range of paediatric services.

How to get in - your routes

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Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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