How much does a pediatric surgeon make?
The median pediatric surgeon in the United States earns $559,030 per year, about $268.76 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all pediatric surgeons earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 29-1243.
Pediatric surgeon salary range
Pay for pediatric surgeons spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $215,410 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $726,660. The average (mean) wage is $502,050, close to the median.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $215,410 | $103.56 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $336,380 | $161.72 | |
| Median (50th) | $559,030 | $268.76 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $583,200 | $280.38 | |
| 90th percentile | $726,660 | $349.35 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for pediatric surgeons (SOC 29-1243), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Pediatric surgeon salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Pediatric surgeons earn the most in Ohio at $488,160 a year, and the least in Texas at $239,200+. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $488,160 | N/A |
| New York | $378,110 | 90 |
| New Jersey | $288,930 | N/A |
| Texas | $239,200+ | 300 |
State median wages for pediatric surgeons (SOC 29-1243), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for pediatric surgeons
The BLS projects employment of pediatric surgeons to grow 2% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 1,300 jobs in 2025 moving toward 1,300 by 2035.
0Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a pediatric surgeon
The typical entry-level education for pediatric surgeons is a doctoral or professional degree, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete an internship or residency to reach full competency.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a pediatric surgeon earns
Specialty, work setting, shift differentials, certifications, and region drive the numbers. Hospitals, surgical settings, and high cost metros pay above clinics and rural facilities.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Ohio, $488,160) and the lowest (Texas, $239,200+) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 1,190 people work as pediatric surgeons in the United States. At $559,030 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Pediatric surgeon salary FAQ
How much does a pediatric surgeon make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a pediatric surgeon is $268.76. The middle half of pediatric surgeons earn between $161.72 and $280.38 per hour.
What is the highest pediatric surgeon salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of pediatric surgeons earn more than $726,660 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a pediatric surgeon make a year?
The median annual salary for a pediatric surgeon is $559,030. The average (mean) wage is $502,050, close to the median.
Is being a pediatric surgeon a well paid job?
At $559,030 a year, a pediatric surgeon earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 1,190 people work as pediatric surgeons in the United States.
Which state pays pediatric surgeons the most?
Ohio has the highest median salary for pediatric surgeons at $488,160 a year. New York ($378,110) and New Jersey ($288,930) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a pediatric surgeon a good career?
Employment of pediatric surgeons is projected to grow 2% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations.
Do you need a degree to become a pediatric surgeon?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for pediatric surgeons as a doctoral or professional degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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