Should I Choose Pediatrics? Real Physician Decision Guide (2026) | SalaryDr
salaryDr
Salary Explorer
BlogFeedbackNegotiationsFor Dentists
My Account
Add a Salary
salaryDr
Salary ExplorerBlogFeedbackNegotiationsFor Dentists
Sign In
Add a Salary
  1. Home
  2. Lifestyle Insights
  3. Pediatrics
  4. Should I Choose?

Should I Choose Pediatrics?

Real decision-making data from 9 verified Pediatrics physicians. Here is what they actually think.

4.7/5
Avg Satisfaction
100%
Would Choose Again
38
Avg Hours/Week
$357K
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

38
average hours per week reported by Pediatrics physicians
“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
“4 days per week. 7 hour days. Some additional administrative work as partner ”
— Pediatrics Physician

How Pediatrics Compares

See how Pediatrics stacks up against other popular specialties.

PediatricsCurrent
Satisfaction:4.7/5
Choose Again:100%
Hours:38
Comp:$357K
General Dentist
Satisfaction:3.5/5
Choose Again:83%
Family Medicine
Satisfaction:3.6/5
Choose Again:76%
Cardiology
Satisfaction:3.9/5
Choose Again:90%
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 9 verified physician responses, Pediatrics physicians report 4.7/5 average satisfaction and 100% say they would choose the specialty again. Average total compensation is $357K. 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 38 hours per week. One physician shared: "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. "

How much do Pediatrics physicians make?

Based on SalaryDr data, Pediatrics physicians earn an average total compensation of $357K. With an average of 38 hours per week, that translates to roughly $181/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
  • Take Home Calculator
  • Offer Analyzer
  • Compare Specialties
  • Salary Negotiation

Salary Data

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

Community

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

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • About
  • Methodology
  • Contact
  • More Policies
    • Community Guidelines
    • DMCA Policy
    • Data Retention
    • Cookie Policy
    • Safe Harbor
    • Data Requests

Follow SalaryDr

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

Follow SalaryDr

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

© 2026 SalaryDr. All rights reserved.

Avg Hours
Avg Comp
PediatricsCurrent4.7/5100%38$357K
General Dentist3.5/583%36$364K
Family Medicine3.6/576%44$315K
Cardiology3.9/590%52$761K