Pediatrician Salary in California
Based on 7K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$214,140
$102.95/hr
vs National Average
$215,536
-0.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$103K – $372K
7K employed in California
Pediatrician salary in California averages $214,140 annually, positioning the state as a competitive market for child healthcare specialists. With approximately 6,680 pediatricians currently employed across California, this figure falls just 1% below the national average, reflecting the state's moderate compensation levels despite its high cost of living.
Pediatrician salary in California varies significantly based on several key factors, including geographic location within the state, years of clinical experience, and practice setting. Specialists working in major metropolitan areas or underserved regions typically command higher salaries, while those in private practice may earn differently than hospital-employed physicians. Additional credentials, board certification status, and patient volume also influence earning potential within the field.
Salary Distribution — Pediatrician in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $102,600 |
| 25th percentile | $125,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $214,140 |
| 75th percentile | $300,500 |
| 90th percentile | $372,460 |
Top-Paying Industries for Pediatrician (U.S.)
Which industries pay Pediatricians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Pediatricians in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $255,160 | 30 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $211,970 | 37K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $209,850 | 70 |
| Educational Services | $106,080 | 2K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $99,560 | 40 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Pediatrician in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $215,150 |
| 2023 | $204,400 |
| 2025 | $214,140 |
| 2026 (projected) | $224,344 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $215,150 | $189,368 |
| 2023 | $204,400 | $192,720 |
| 2025 | $214,140 | $215,536 |
| 2026 (projected) | $224,344 | $225,807 |
Pediatrician Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $125,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $214,140 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $300,500 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $372,460 |
Pediatrician Salary in Other States
Related Pediatrician Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Pediatrician ($214,140 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pediatrician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +65.1% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +46.6% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +40.7% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +36.6% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +26.3% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +17.7% | $121.16/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | -4.8% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | -6.0% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | -13.3% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | -21.3% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | -22.5% | $79.78/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CA | $165,650 | -22.6% | $79.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pediatricians make in California?
- The median salary for pediatricians in California is $214,140 per year, or approximately $103 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 0.6%, making California competitive with other states for pediatrician compensation.
What is the salary range for pediatricians in California?
- Pediatrician salaries in California range from $102,600 at the lower end to $372,460 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and type of practice.
How many pediatricians are employed in California?
- There are approximately 6,680 pediatricians currently employed in California. This represents a substantial workforce providing pediatric care across the state.
Is the pediatrician salary in California higher than the national average?
- No, California's median pediatrician salary of $214,140 is slightly lower than the national average, representing a -0.6% difference. Despite this small gap, California remains a competitive market for pediatrician positions.