Pediatrician salary in the UK typically ranges from £48,000 at entry-level to £89,000+ for senior consultants — a role that is both essential and highly rewarding. With the growing focus on child health and preventive care, skilled pediatricians are in constant demand. Whether providing specialized care for young patients in leading hospitals in London, supporting community health initiatives in Manchester, or delivering personalized care in private practices in Edinburgh, professionals in this field enjoy strong career prospects and the opportunity to make a profound impact on children’s health, development, and overall well-being.
Pediatrician salary
Base pay £48K – £89K/yr
£65K/yr average base pay
The estimated salary for a Pediatrician is £65,331 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The “Most Likely Range” represents values that exist within the 25th and 75th percentile of all pay data available for this role.
What do Pediatrician earn
How much does a Pediatrician make in United Kingdom?
£96,469/yr
Pediatrician Salary by Experience Level
| Entry-level | Average | Senior / Top |
| £48K | £65K | £89K |
How to Become a Pediatrician in the UK
Becoming a pediatrician (paediatrician) in the UK starts with a 5-6 year MBBS medical degree, followed by two years of Foundation Training and then specialty training in paediatrics, which typically takes a further 8 years to reach consultant level. Throughout this pathway, doctors register with the General Medical Council (GMC) and work toward membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH). It’s a long but well-supported route — most training posts are salaried NHS positions from day one.
Highest paying cities for Pediatrician near United Kingdom
- Manchester
£108,469 per year6 salaries reported - Kingston upon Hull
£100,077 per year7 salaries reported
As with most hospital specialties, the entry-to-senior gap reflects years spent in specialty training rather than a single jump at any one point. Neonatal and paediatric intensive care sub-specialisation tends to pay more than general paediatrics, and consultant status is the main structural driver of senior-level pay. Private paediatric consulting is less common than in adult medicine but is growing steadily in major UK cities.
Considering another specialty path? Our Psychiatrist salary guide is a useful comparison point — or use Debut’s Paycheck Calculator to see what this salary looks like after tax.
Career Progression and Specialisation
Pediatrician salary growth follows the standard NHS medical training ladder: from Foundation doctor, through specialty training, to consultant level. Sub-specialising in areas like neonatology or paediatric intensive care tends to open up higher-paying senior roles faster than general paediatrics. Most pediatricians reach consultant-level pay within 13-14 years of starting medical school, with steady increases at each training milestone along the way.
How long does it take to become a pediatrician in the UK?
Around 13-14 years total: 5-6 years of medical school, 2 years of Foundation Training, and roughly 8 years of specialty training to reach consultant level.
Do pediatricians earn more in the NHS or private practice?
Most UK pediatricians work within the NHS, where pay follows a structured consultant pay scale. Private paediatric practice exists but is far less common than in adult medicine.
Is pediatrics a good specialty for medical graduates?
Yes — it offers strong job security, a clear structured career path, and consistently high demand, though it requires a long training commitment like all medical specialties.
