Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Pediatric Surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in performing surgery on infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. They handle a wide range of surgical procedures, from minor outpatient operations to complex surgeries.
Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Internship/residency
Projected Growth: 1.0% (below average)
Annual job openings: 0
Direct AI exposure: 6% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 39% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $559K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $215K per year | $336K per year | $559K per year | $583K per year | $727K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $508K above the national average. | ||||
Pediatric Surgeons work in children's hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and specialized surgical centers. Their environment is fast-paced and requires collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff.
Pediatric Surgeons are experts in treating surgical conditions in children, whose developing bodies require specialized surgical care. They must consider the unique physiological responses and medical needs of children and young adults, ranging from newborns to teenagers. This requires not only surgical expertise but also a deep understanding of pediatric medicine and the ability to communicate effectively with young patients and their families.
The role of a Pediatric Surgeon is demanding and requires precision, patience, and a high level of emotional resilience. Surgeons in this field must be capable of making quick decisions in high-stress situations, particularly in emergency and trauma cases. They also play a crucial role in educating families about medical conditions, surgical procedures, and post-operative care, ensuring that they understand and are comfortable with the treatment plan.
A career in pediatric surgery is challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a significant positive impact on the lives of children and their families. Pediatric Surgeons not only improve the health of their patients but also contribute to the advancement of surgical techniques and treatments in pediatric care.
Becoming a Pediatric Surgeon typically involves completing 4 years of undergraduate education, 4 years of medical school, a 5-year general surgery residency, and a 2-year pediatric surgery fellowship. This totals approximately 15 years of post-secondary education and training.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
