Source: SalaryDr salary data for Pediatrics (N=261 verified submissions, updated March 19, 2026, data as of 2026-03-19). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
Becoming a pediatrician requires 10 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 3 years of residency, and 3 years (optional subspecialty). The median attending salary is $310,000/year based on 261 verified submissions.
4 years
Average medical school debt: $200,000 (AAMC). No physician income during this period.
3 years
Residency salary data not yet available. Typical resident salaries range from $63,000-$88,000/year.(1 submissions)
3 years (optional subspecialty)
Optional fellowship. Fellows typically earn $70,000-$95,000/year.
0-5 years experience
Based on 75 verified submissions(75 submissions)
6-15 years experience
Based on 154 verified submissions(154 submissions)
16+ years experience
Based on 32 verified submissions(32 submissions)
Pediatrician salaries typically increase significantly with experience. Mid-career pediatricians earn approximately $40,000 more per year than early career physicians — a 14% increase. Senior pediatricians earn a median of $325,000/year, reflecting peak earning potential.
| Career Stage | Median Salary | vs. Early Career | Submissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career (0-5 yrs) | $280,000 | Baseline | 75 |
| Mid-Career (6-15 yrs) | $320,000 | +$40,000 | 154 |
| Senior (16+ yrs) | $325,000 | +$45,000 | 32 |
It takes 10 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 3 years of residency, and 3 years (optional subspecialty). Most physicians begin independent practice in their early 30s.
Pediatricians earn a full attending salary after completing all required training (10 years post-college). During residency and fellowship, physicians earn a training salary that is significantly less than attending pay.
With average medical school debt of $200,000 and a median attending salary of $310,000, pediatricians can typically expect to reach a financial break-even point approximately 1 years after starting attending practice. Actual timelines vary based on loan terms, living expenses, and repayment strategy.
Yes. Pediatrics attending salaries generally increase with experience. Our data shows mid-career pediatricians (6-15 years) earn approximately 14% more than early career physicians (0-5 years).
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