Choosing the right state to practice pediatrics can influence career satisfaction, earning potential, and work–life balance. Whether you’re an early-career pediatrics specialist building a patient base or an experienced provider looking to relocate, location matters.

The list below features the top 10 states that offer the most favorable conditions for pediatricians—blending salary potential, growth opportunities (clinical, stewardship, and public-health roles), and supportive health care and public-health infrastructure.

1. Wisconsin — Ranking 4th nationally with an average salary just over $207,000 and relatively low physician density, paired with competitive physician wages, relatively low malpractice insurance and suit rates, and strong quality-of-care and quality-of-life scores.

2. Alaska — Average earnings around $268,000—well above many states—and consistently ranking near the top of national pediatric salary comparisons.

3. Nevada — Among the highest-paying states for pediatricians, with baseline salary-based averages slightly above $200,000 and strong entry-level salaries, paired with an above-average location quotient reflecting high per-capita need and a solid job count for a smaller state.

4. Minnesota — Has average salaries slightly above $206,000 and a modest number of available positions relative to population size, paired with high marks for affordability, resident satisfaction, and overall health care quality in broader physician rankings.

5. Iowa — Average salaries in the low-$200,000s, paired with strong statewide conditions for physicians—including high-quality health care metrics, low malpractice suit rates, one of the lowest cost-of-living scores in the country, and generous loan-repayment programs for those practicing in underserved areas.

6. North Dakota — Average earnings just over $211,000—one of the top figures in national analyses—paired with strong broader physician metrics, including high median physician salaries, above-average quality-of-life scores, and relatively low burnout rates, despite having a limited number of pediatric positions overall.

7. New Mexico —  Average salaries near $196,000 paired with a location quotient that signals above-average per-capita demand.

8. Oregon — Offers solid pediatrician compensation just under $196,000, paired with a relatively high location quotient that reflects strong demand and a favorable practice environment.

9. Wyoming — Ranks #1 “best states for pediatricians,” with average salaries around $208,000—high for a largely rural state—and very low competition, reflected in a location quotient above 1.5.

10. Louisiana — Averaging in the low-to-mid $200,000s, with top earners significantly higher.

Sources: Physicians Thrive, USAWage, Zippia