Career Profile

Pediatric Surgeons

What they do:

Diagnose and perform surgery to treat fetal abnormalities and birth defects, diseases, and injuries in fetuses, premature and newborn infants, children, and adolescents. Includes all pediatric surgical specialties and subspecialties.

Also Called:

Cardiovascular Surgeon, General Surgeon, Hand Surgeon, Physician, Plastic Surgeon, Surgeon, Thoracic Surgeon, Vascular Surgeon, Cardiovascular Surgeon, General Surgeon, Hand Surgeon, Physician, Plastic Surgeon, Surgeon, Thoracic Surgeon, Vascular Surgeon
$215,410
Starting Salary (2025)
$559,030
Median Salary (2025)
1.5%
Projected Job Growth
1,190
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Analyze patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.
Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes.
Consult with patient's other medical care specialists, such as cardiologist and endocrinologist, to determine if surgery is necessary.
Describe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures, such as sedatives, diets, antibiotics, or preparation and treatment of the patient's operative area, to parents or guardians of the patient.
Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Social
Working with people
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Only a subset of this occupation's profile is available. Data collection is currently underway to populate other parts of the profile.

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

There is no data available.

What key skills are needed for this job?

There is no data available.

Expected Knowledge

There is no data available.

Common Activities

There is no data available.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 5

Extensive Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

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