Pediatricians, General
Pediatricians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in children from infancy through adolescence. They work in hospitals, private practices, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Pediatricians perform physical exams, order tests, prescribe medications, and manage both acute illnesses and chronic conditions, referring patients to specialists when needed.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pediatricians, general and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves scheduled patient appointments for well-child checkups, vaccinations, and illness visits. Pediatricians examine patients, review medical histories, order diagnostic tests, and discuss findings with parents. They also spend time reviewing lab results, consulting with other specialists, completing medical records, and addressing phone calls from patients or other providers. Emergency care and hospital rounds may occur depending on the practice setting.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIR. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're drawn to this work if you enjoy problem-solving through investigation and are motivated by helping others, especially children and families. You thrive in roles requiring scientific thinking combined with interpersonal skills, where you can both diagnose medical issues and communicate clearly with young patients and their caregivers.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $203,880 | $502,720 | $502,720 | 40 |
| Idaho | $221,610 | $297,680 | $323,820 | 60 |
| New Hampshire | $221,240 | $273,410 | $331,170 | 210 |
| Montana | $197,940 | $273,260 | $375,310 | 50 |
| Wisconsin | $185,440 | $269,790 | $312,180 | 350 |
| Alaska | $230,210 | $267,390 | $322,420 | 60 |
| Iowa | $81,680 | $262,440 | $303,990 | 230 |
| South Dakota | $229,250 | $257,610 | $366,330 | 80 |
| Maine | $215,990 | $245,920 | $287,100 | 130 |
| Oklahoma | $207,790 | $236,780 | $302,540 | 280 |
| North Dakota | $232,300 | $234,950 | $286,600 | 90 |
| Arizona | $184,900 | $233,950 | $263,750 | 1,230 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Clinical Molecular Genetics — American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics
- Clinical Biochemical Genetics — American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics
- Clinical Cytogenetics and Genomics — American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics
- Primary Certification in Pediatrics — American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) — National Association for Healthcare Quality
- Assessment-Based Certificate Program in Pediatrics (ABC-P) — American Association of Medical Assistants
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pediatricians, general and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1221.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.