10 Best States to Work in as a Pediatrician

Choosing where to build your career is one of the most significant decisions a pediatrician can make. It’s a careful balance between getting the compensation you deserve and finding a community and a professional environment where you can thrive. 

Using the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on salary, employment levels, and location quotient, alongside insights into the professional opportunities and networks available in each state, we’ve analyzed the top states offering the most promising landscapes for pediatricians. Whether you’re drawn to world-renowned research hospitals, seeking a high-impact role in a growing community, or prioritizing a balanced lifestyle, this guide will help you discover the perfect place to grow your practice and make a difference.

A note on data: Employment rates, salary information, and location quotients come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Best States to Work in as a Pediatrician

1. California
2. Pennsylvania
3. Massachusetts
4. Ohio
5. Texas
6. Connecticut
7. Illinois
8. Virginia
9. North Carolina
10. New York
11. How We Chose the Best States for Pediatricians
12. Find a Role That Fits Your Lifestyle 

1. California

California stands as a premier destination for pediatricians, offering the highest average salary in the nation alongside the largest employment level. This financial advantage is a significant draw, helping to offset the state's higher cost of living. The professional landscape is defined by its elite academic medical centers, including the Stanford University School of Medicine and its affiliated Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, a leader in pediatric research and patient care. Southern California is anchored by the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the Keck School of Medicine of USC, both affiliated with top-tier children's hospitals, Mattel Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), respectively. 

These institutions, along with other major systems like UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland, create unparalleled opportunities for pediatricians to engage in groundbreaking research, subspecialty training, and collaborative care within a vast and diverse patient population. The state's varied geography offers a lifestyle to match any preference, making it an ideal place for both unparalleled professional growth and personal fulfillment.

• Best for: Earning top-tier compensation in a diverse and dynamic healthcare environment.
• Current employment: 6,960
• Average pediatrician salary: $283,620
• Average hourly wage: $136.36
• Location quotient: 1.38

2. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania presents a compelling case for pediatricians seeking a robust and established healthcare market anchored by some of the nation's most prestigious institutions. The state's eastern hub is dominated by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), consistently ranked among the top children's hospitals in the world and a primary teaching hospital for the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. In the west, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, is another national leader renowned for its innovative care and research, particularly in areas like transplantation and genetics. 

This powerful dual-hub system, supplemented by other strong networks like Penn State Health Children's Hospital, creates a rich ecosystem for pediatricians passionate about evidence-based medicine, teaching, and collaborative, high-acuity care. The blend of historic, family-friendly communities and major urban centers provides a range of practice settings, from large academic multidisciplinary groups to essential community practices.

• Best for: A strong job market anchored by renowned academic medical centers.
• Current employment: 2,010
• Average pediatrician salary: $243,450
• Average hourly wage: $117.04 
• Location quotient: 1.2

3. Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a global epicenter for medical innovation and pediatric care, boasting the highest location quotient in the nation, which signifies an immense concentration of pediatrician jobs relative to other states. This demand is fueled by an ecosystem anchored by Harvard Medical School and its affiliated institutions, including the world-renowned Boston Children's Hospital (consistently ranked among the top pediatric hospitals globally) which serves as a major employer and a hub for cutting-edge research and complex specialty care. The state is also home to other elite academic powerhouses like the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the Tufts University School of Medicine, creating a dense network of teaching and research opportunities. 

Pediatricians here are at the forefront of medical breakthroughs, with ample chances to participate in clinical trials at biomedical research giants in Cambridge's Kendall Square and beyond. This environment is ideal for those dedicated to advancing the field through research, subspecialty training, and practicing evidence-based medicine at the highest level.

• Best for: Those seeking an unparalleled academic, research, and innovation-driven environment.
• Current employment: 2,980
• Average pediatrician salary: $235,000
• Average hourly wage: $112.98
• Location quotient: 2.93

4. Ohio

Ohio offers a surprisingly dense and robust pediatric healthcare landscape, evidenced by its nearly double the national average location quotient for pediatricians. The state is a powerhouse in child health, anchored by not one, but three nationally-ranked pediatric systems: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, and University Hospital’s Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital in Cleveland. This creates a wealth of opportunities for pediatricians to engage in high-level clinical care, teaching, and research without the extreme cost of living found on the coasts. 

The presence of these major institutions, coupled with strong medical schools like The Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve University, ensures a collaborative and innovative environment. For a pediatrician, this means the chance to build a rewarding career in a variety of settings while enjoying greater affordability and a central Midwest location.

• Best for: High-impact careers in affordable communities with leading children's hospitals.
• Current employment: 3,070
• Average pediatrician salary: $225,450
• Average hourly wage: $103.39
• Location quotient: 1.99

5. Texas

While Texas's location quotient indicates a lower concentration of pediatricians relative to its total population, this statistic reveals its greatest professional opportunity: immense potential for growth and impact. The state's major metropolitan areas are experiencing significant population booms, creating a strong demand for pediatric services in both bustling urban centers and underserved communities. Pediatricians can build thriving practices within large, renowned systems like the Texas Medical Center in Houston (home to one of the largest children’s hospitals in the country, Texas Children's Hospital) and the Children's Health system in Dallas. 

The state's no-income-tax policy also enhances the attractive salary, offering greater take-home pay. For a pediatrician motivated by community need, entrepreneurial spirit, and the chance to grow with a dynamic and young population, Texas presents a landscape of nearly limitless possibility.

• Best for: Pediatricians seeking vast opportunity and growth in a state with a rapidly expanding and diverse patient population.
• Current employment: 2,690
• Average pediatrician salary: $213,400
• Average hourly wage: $102.59  
• Location quotient: 0.7

6. Connecticut

Connecticut boasts one of the highest location quotients in the nation (2.77), signaling an exceptionally high demand for pediatricians relative to its size. This is driven by its affluent, family-oriented communities and its status as a hub for elite medical care. The state is deeply integrated into the Ivy League medical ecosystem, being the home of Yale University and its prestigious Yale School of Medicine and Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, a national leader in pediatric specialty care and research. 

Furthermore, its prime New England location offers easy access to the professional networks of both New York City and Boston while allowing for a practice focused on a defined and thriving community. This combination makes Connecticut ideal for those seeking a prestigious, intellectually stimulating career in a sophisticated and manageable setting.

• Best for: Pediatricians desiring a high-concentration, academically-affiliated practice with proximity to major urban centers.
• Employment: 1,300
• Average pediatrician salary: $219,440
• Average hourly wage: $105.50
• Location quotient: 2.77

7. Illinois

Illinois offers a tale of two practice environments, dominated by the world-class medical hub of Chicago. The city is home to the nationally ranked Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, a principal teaching hospital for the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, providing immense opportunities for sub-specialization, academic research, and treating complex cases. 

While the state's overall location quotient is below average, this reflects the vast geographic size of Illinois beyond Chicago; within the city and its suburbs, the concentration of pediatric jobs is very high. This creates a dynamic market where pediatricians can choose between cutting-edge academic medicine and addressing critical community health needs in diverse urban and rural populations across the state. The vibrant cultural landscape of Chicago provides a world-class urban lifestyle, making Illinois a compelling choice for those seeking a high-energy professional environment.

• Best for: Pediatricians who want a major urban academic center paired with diverse community health opportunities.
• Current employment: 1,340
• Average pediatrician salary: $216,290
• Average hourly wage: $173.98 
• Location quotient: 0.79

8. Virginia

Virginia offers a stable and robust market for pediatricians, with a location quotient indicating a slightly higher-than-average concentration of jobs. The state’s strength lies in its diverse practice settings, ranging from the affluent, family-focused suburbs of Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., to major academic centers like the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU and the UVA Children's Hospital in Charlottesville. Its proximity to the nation's capital also creates unique opportunities in public health policy and research, with institutions like the Inova Health System and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) just across the border. 

This environment is ideal for pediatricians who want a career that could potentially blend high-quality clinical care in prosperous communities with engagement in broader health initiatives, all within a state that offers a high quality of life and varied geography from beaches to mountains.

• Best for: Pediatricians seeking a balanced mix of affluent suburban practices, academic research, and public health innovation.
• Current employment: 1,220
• Average pediatrician salary: $200,990
• Average hourly wage: $96.63
• Location quotient: 1.08

9. North Carolina

North Carolina presents a compelling opportunity for pediatricians to join a thriving healthcare market fueled by both significant population growth and a legacy of medical excellence. While the location quotient is slightly below the national average, this is a factor of the state's rapid expansion, indicating a strong need for more pediatricians. The state is anchored by the Research Triangle Park area, home to Duke University Medical Center and the UNC Children's Hospital in Chapel Hill, offering unparalleled opportunities in academia, research, and specialty care. 

Additionally, Charlotte-based Atrium Health and Winston-Salem’s Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center provide other major hubs for pediatric care. This combination of world-class institutions, a growing family population, and a moderate cost of living makes North Carolina an attractive destination for building a long-term, impactful career.

• Best for: Pediatricians drawn to renowned research triangles and major health systems in a state with a rapidly growing population.
• Current employment: 1,110
• Average pediatrician salary: $201,610
• Average hourly wage: $96.93
• Location quotient: 0.81

10. New York

New York State offers the second-highest level of pediatrician employment in the U.S., providing an immense number of opportunities despite a lower average salary that is offset by the high demand and vast range of practice options. The state is a global leader in pediatric medicine, featuring a dense network of elite institutions including NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital (affiliated with Columbia and Cornell), the Children's Hospital at Montefiore in the Bronx, and the University of Rochester's Golisano Children's Hospital. 

This concentration, especially in New York City, creates an environment unrivaled for sub-specialization, academic collaboration, and treating an incredibly diverse spectrum of cases and populations. For a pediatrician, New York is the ultimate place to pursue niche expertise, engage in groundbreaking research, and experience the fast-paced intensity of medicine in a world cultural capital.

• Best for: Pediatricians aiming for the highest employment level and specialty diversity.
• Current employment: 5,680
• Average pediatrician salary: $178,950
• Average hourly wage: $86.04
• Location quotient: 2.14

How We Chose the Best States for Pediatricians

Selecting the top states for pediatricians required balancing objective data with qualitative factors that impact career satisfaction and quality of life. Our methodology focused on four key pillars:

1. Compensation & Job Market: We analyzed average salaries, hourly wages, and employment data to identify states where pediatricians are competitively compensated. Location quotients helped determine market saturation—whether a state has higher demand (quotient >1) or fewer opportunities (quotient <1) relative to national averages.
2. Hospital Systems & Academic Opportunities: States with nationally ranked pediatric programs scored higher, as these institutions offer career growth, research opportunities, and cutting-edge practice environments.
3. Quality of Life & Cost of Living: We considered taxes, housing affordability, and lifestyle perks (e.g., outdoor recreation, urban amenities). States with no income tax (Texas, Florida) or high salary-to-cost-of-living ratios (Georgia, Ohio) gained an edge.
4. Legislation & Practice Environment: Malpractice climates, physician-friendly tort reforms, and state healthcare policies were factored in. For example, Texas’s malpractice caps and California’s strong physician protections make these states more appealing for long-term practice.

While salary and employment numbers provided the foundation, we also incorporated insights from physician recruiters and regional trends (e.g., aging populations in Florida, tech-driven innovation in California) to ensure our recommendations reflect real-world desirability. 

Let Us Help You Find Your Next Pediatric Role

Ready to Explore Your Next Opportunity? Whether you're seeking a change of scenery, higher earning potential, or a better work-life balance, Era Locums connects top pediatricians with premier locum tenens positions across the nation—from bustling academic medical centers to high-demand community hospitals. Browse open pediatrician jobs today and find the perfect fit for your skills and lifestyle, with competitive pay, flexible schedules, and personalized placement support. Your ideal practice setting awaits!