A pediatric surgeon specializes in surgical care for infants, children, and adolescents. The work is highly specialized, requires extensive education beyond high school, and demands strong investigative and problem-solving skills. Here is what the role involves and how to prepare.
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Pediatric surgeons diagnose and treat surgical conditions in young patients, from newborns through teenagers. You perform operations, manage pre- and post-operative care, and work with families to explain procedures and recovery. The role requires staying current with surgical techniques and medical advances specific to pediatric patients. You collaborate with other specialists, make critical decisions under pressure, and take responsibility for patient outcomes. This is specialized medical work that combines technical skill with compassion for vulnerable patients.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Pediatric Surgeons earn a median of $559,030 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Becoming a pediatric surgeon requires completing high school, then earning a bachelor's degree, attending medical school, and completing a residency in general surgery followed by a fellowship in pediatric surgery. This pathway typically takes many years of rigorous academic and clinical training. You will need to pass licensing exams and meet state requirements to practice medicine. Throughout your education, you will gain hands-on clinical experience working with patients under supervision. This extensive preparation ensures you have the knowledge and skills to handle complex surgical cases safely.
The path to pediatric surgery is long and demanding, so having a clear roadmap helps. Work with your counselor to map out your high school courses, college selection, medical school preparation, and beyond. Use Pathly can map the pediatric surgeon path that fits you to build a step-by-step plan that keeps you on track.
Many pediatric surgeons must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are drawn to investigative work that involves solving complex problems, understanding how systems work, and applying scientific thinking to real-world challenges.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).