Should I Choose Pediatrics? Real Physician Decision Guide (2026) | SalaryDr
SalaryDr
Salary Explorer
CareersBlogSalaryDenNegotiations
My Account
Submit Your Salary
SalaryDr
Salary ExplorerCareersBlogSalaryDenNegotiations
Sign In
Submit Your Salary
  1. Home
  2. Lifestyle Insights
  3. Pediatrics
  4. Should I Choose?

Should I Choose Pediatrics?

Real decision-making data from 21 verified Pediatrics physicians. Here is what they actually think.

4.5/5
Avg Satisfaction
100%
Would Choose Again
51
Avg Hours/Week
$193K
Avg Compensation

The Verdict

100%
of Pediatrics physicians would choose the specialty again

An overwhelming 100% of Pediatrics physicians say they would choose the specialty again -- a strong endorsement.

What Physicians Love About Pediatrics

“I love the pathology and watching children recover. ”
— Pediatrics Physician
“It’s the happiest place in medicine. The best patient population and I enjoy educating parents/answering their questions. ”
— Pediatrics Physician

Work-Life Balance Reality in Pediatrics

51
average hours per week reported by Pediatrics physicians
“Intern at hospital. Work 6 days a week, 12+ hours while in hospital. 5 days a week with 10ish hours when in clinic”
— Pediatrics Resident
“Hours range from 15-75 hours a week. We never go past 80 hour weeks. 4 weeks of PTO and can request weekends off without using PTO. ”
— Pediatrics Resident
“I work 4 days a week, clinic is 9-430pm with an hour lunch. I round on babies and take mommy call 1 week a month but it’s usually 0-5 babies a week and I’ve only been called at home maybe 10 times this last year. Great flexibility, never miss any time with kids. I’m a partner in a new group with will continue to grow. ”
— Pediatrics Physician

How Pediatrics Compares

See how Pediatrics stacks up against other popular specialties.

PediatricsCurrent
Satisfaction:4.5/5
Choose Again:100%
Hours:51
Comp:$193K
Internal Medicine
Satisfaction:3.6/5
Choose Again:77%
General Dentist
Satisfaction:3.5/5
Choose Again:83%
Family Medicine
Satisfaction:3.7/5
Choose Again:78%
SpecialtySatisfactionWould Choose Again

Negotiation Tips From Pediatrics Physicians

“Find a database that gives you access to salary data for your region. Know your value and always ask for more than you’re willing to accept. ”
— Pediatrics Physician

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pediatrics worth it?

Based on 21 verified physician responses, Pediatrics physicians report 4.5/5 average satisfaction and 100% say they would choose the specialty again. Average total compensation is $193K. Whether it is worth it depends on your priorities, but the data suggests most physicians are satisfied with their choice.

What's the work-life balance like in Pediatrics?

Pediatrics physicians work an average of 51 hours per week. One physician shared: "Intern at hospital. Work 6 days a week, 12+ hours while in hospital. 5 days a week with 10ish hours when in clinic"

How much do Pediatrics physicians make?

Based on SalaryDr data, Pediatrics physicians earn an average total compensation of $193K. With an average of 51 hours per week, that translates to roughly $73/hour.

Still deciding? Hear from more Pediatrics physicians

Explore detailed lifestyle insights or contribute your own experience to help others make their decision.

View Full Pediatrics InsightsShare Your Experience

Specialties

  • All Physician Salaries
  • Salaries by City
  • General Surgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Cardiology
  • Salaries by State
  • Residency Salaries

For Dentists

  • All Dentist Salaries
  • Dental Salary Database
  • Dentist Salary by State
  • Submit Dental Salary
  • Dental Calculator

Tools

  • Salary Comparison
  • Financial Calculators
  • Take Home Calculator
  • Offer Analyzer
  • Compare Specialties
  • Salary Negotiation

Salary Data

  • Physician Careers
  • Salary Benchmarks
  • Salary Trends
  • Compensation Analysis
  • Lifestyle Insights
  • Compensation Components
  • Annual Report
  • Benchmark Reports

Community

  • SalaryDen
  • Latest Discussions
  • Submit Your Salary
  • Share Feedback
  • Salary FAQ
  • Physician Resources

Company

  • About
  • Methodology
  • Contact
  • Partner with Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Community Guidelines
  • DMCA Policy
  • Data Retention
  • Cookie Policy
  • Safe Harbor
  • Data Requests

Follow Us

  • TikTok (@salarydr)
  • Instagram (@salarydr_)
  • X (Twitter) (@salarydr)
Specialties
  • All Physician Salaries
  • Salaries by City
  • General Surgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Cardiology
  • Salaries by State
  • Residency Salaries
For Dentists
  • All Dentist Salaries
  • Dental Salary Database
  • Dentist Salary by State
  • Submit Dental Salary
  • Dental Calculator
Tools
  • Salary Comparison
  • Financial Calculators
  • Take Home Calculator
  • Offer Analyzer
  • Compare Specialties
  • Salary Negotiation
Salary Data
  • Physician Careers
  • Salary Benchmarks
  • Salary Trends
  • Compensation Analysis
  • Lifestyle Insights
  • Compensation Components
  • Annual Report
  • Benchmark Reports
Community
  • SalaryDen
  • Latest Discussions
  • Submit Your Salary
  • Share Feedback
  • Salary FAQ
  • Physician Resources
Company
  • About
  • Methodology
  • Contact
  • Partner with Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Community Guidelines
  • DMCA Policy
  • Data Retention
  • Cookie Policy
  • Safe Harbor
  • Data Requests

Follow Us

  • TikTok (@salarydr)
  • Instagram (@salarydr_)
  • X (Twitter) (@salarydr)

© 2026 SalaryDr. All rights reserved.

Avg Hours
Avg Comp
PediatricsCurrent4.5/5100%51$193K
Internal Medicine3.6/577%54$267K
General Dentist3.5/583%37$360K
Family Medicine3.7/578%46$275K