Pediatric surgeons perform surgical operations on infants and children to treat a variety of conditions and health issues. In the US, pediatric surgeons earn more than $376,000 per year compared to about AU$503,00 ($402,017 USD) in Australia and NZ$423,000 ($305,007 USD) in New Zealand. In Canada, annual earnings can reach nearly C$365,000 ($299,167 USD), followed by the UK at £193,000 ($230,004 USD), South Africa at R2,198,000 ($167,280 USD) and India at Rs2,194,000 ($34,171 USD). Income potential for pediatric surgeons varies by geographic region, professional experience, and work setting with additional explanation provided in this guide.
How Much Does a Pediatric Surgeon Make per Year?
Annual incomes, hourly wages, and US dollar equivalencies are provided for select countries worldwide in the chart below.
| Pediatric Surgeon Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $181 | C$175 | £93 | AU$242 | NZ$203 | Rs1,055 | R1,057 |
| Annual Wage | $376,266 | C$364,741 ($299,167 USD) |
£193,030 ($230,004 USD) |
AU$503,214 ($402,017 USD) |
NZ$422,800 ($305,007 USD) |
Rs2,193,973 ($34,171 USD) |
R2,197,884 ($167,280 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Pediatric Surgeon Salary
Geographic region plays a strong role in pediatric surgeon salaries, while professional experience and work setting also influence overall earnings. Additional details on a career in pediatric surgery are provided in this guide.
1. Geographic Area
Pediatric Surgeon Salary in US
Pediatric surgeons in the US earn, on average, more than $376,000 per year. The average bonus amount is about $35,300 in additional income. While entry level pediatric surgeons earn about $255,000 per year, senior level professionals bring home more than $461,000 annually. Entry level positions garner an annual salary of about $48,500 compared to senior level pay that is just under $89,000 per year. An additional $1,100 in bonus pay may be received.
Pediatric surgeon Salary in Canada
In Canada, pediatric surgeons earn between more than C$247,000 for entry level positions and C$447,000 per year for those at the senior level. The average annual salary is about C$365,000 per year with an additional C$34,000 in average bonus pay opportunities.
Pediatric Surgeon Salary in UK
The average starting salary for entry level pediatric surgeons in the UK is about £131,000 per year, while senior professionals earn and an average annual salary of about £237,000. Overall, pediatric surgeons at all professional levels earn about £193,000 per year plus an additional £18,000 in bonus income potential.
Pediatric Surgeon Salary in Australia
Pediatric surgeons in Australia earn more than AU$503,000 per year with an additional AU$47,000 in bonus pay opportunities. Entry level pediatric surgeons earn an average starting salary of about AU$341,500 per year, increasing to about AU$618,000 annually for those in senior level positions.
Pediatric Surgeon Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, pediatric surgeons earn nearly NZ$423,000 per year. New pediatric surgeons can expect a starting salary of about NZ$287,000 per year compared to those at the senior level who earn about NZ$519,000 per year. The average annual bonus can add another NZ$40,000 to overall earnings.
Pediatric Surgeon Salary in India
Pediatric surgeons in India earn about Rs2,194,000 per year and bonus potential can further boost overall earnings another Rs206,000. Entry level pediatric surgeons earn more than Rs1,509,000 annually, increasing with experience to about Rs2,731,000 per year for those at the senior level.
Pediatric surgeon Salary in South Africa
Entry level pediatric surgeons in South Africa earn, on average, an annual salary of about R1,502,000 with earning potential increasing to about R2,718,000 per year. The average annual salary for pediatric surgeons at all levels is about R2,198,000 per year plus an additional R206,000 in bonus pay.
2. Experience
While pediatric surgeons are among the highest income earners worldwide with starting salaries in many countries well over six figures, additional experience potentially adds even greater earnings. On average, senior level positions garner annual salaries that are about 81% more than those for entry level positons. In the countries with the highest incomes, this equates to about $206,000 per year in the US, AU276,500 ($220,899 USD) in Australia, NZ$232,000 ($167,000 USD) in New Zealand, and C$200,00 ($164,000 USD) in Canada. In the UK, senior level professionals earn about £106,000 ($126,000 USD) per year more than entry level employees compared to R1,216,000 ($92,641 USD) in South Africa and Rs1,222,000 ($19,032 USD) in India.
3. Industry
Due to the nature of their work, pediatric surgeons are most often employed in hospital settings, though some may be in academic or teaching medical facilities. Those employed in for-profit facilities may receive higher income potential through larger salaries and greater bonus pay opportunities compared to their colleagues working in nonprofit facilities or those funded through public resources.
Working Hours
Most pediatric surgeons work full-time hours that may span any day of week or time of day due to the 24-houir care and emergency situations they are often faced with. Additionally, on-call hours are typical and there may be a need for evening, weekend, and holiday work.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
As members of the healthcare community, pediatric surgeons typically receive healthcare packages that include medical, dental, and vision coverage. Paid time off for vacations, sick time, and holidays are also common. Many employers offer bonus potential that can significantly increase overall earnings, and some employers offer hiring bonuses to fill positions in underserved communities. Allowances for meals, housing, and continuing medical education that is required to maintain licensure may also be provided by some employers.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a growth rate of 14% among surgeons, including those specializing in pediatrics, between 2014 and 2024. This growth rate is partially due to a greater access to healthcare as well as advancements in medical technology that have resulted in successful procedures in recent years that may not have been possible in the past. To practice as a pediatric surgeon, a medical degree following an undergraduate four-year degree is required, in addition to between three and seven years of internships and residency. Successful completion of an exam is also required to obtain a medical license and ongoing continued medical education is necessary to maintain license qualifications.
Conclusion
Pediatric surgeons are among some of the highest paid professionals worldwide. They also enjoy strong benefits packages and bonus income opportunities. Future employment growth is expected to be higher than average of all occupations, which should help support income levels and provide sufficient supply in positions for those entering this career field.
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