Overview
Paediatrics is a rewarding specialty in Australia, with paediatricians working in hospitals, community clinics, and private practice caring for children from birth through adolescence. There is solid demand for paediatricians, particularly in regional areas and in sub-specialty paediatric fields.
Paediatrics and child health falls under the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), which assesses overseas-trained paediatricians through its specialist assessment process.
Assessment Process
The RACP Paediatrics & Child Health Division specialist assessment process involves the following steps:
- Apply to RACP for specialist assessment in paediatrics and child health.
- Submit qualifications, training evidence, and clinical experience.
- RACP assesses comparability.
- Complete any required supervised practice or additional assessment.
- Apply for specialist registration through AHPRA.
For more detail on how the specialist pathway works, see our Specialist Pathway page.
Sub-specialties
Paediatrics in Australia encompasses a range of sub-specialty fields, including:
- Neonatology
- Paediatric cardiology
- Paediatric neurology
- Paediatric oncology
- Paediatric emergency medicine
- Developmental paediatrics
- Paediatric respiratory medicine
- Paediatric gastroenterology
Workforce Demand
There is good demand for paediatricians across Australia, especially in regional hospitals and for specific sub-specialties. General paediatricians are sought in smaller hospitals that do not have sub-specialty cover.
Salary Expectations
Paediatricians in public hospitals typically earn AUD 300,000–450,000+. Sub-specialists and those in private practice can earn more. For a broader overview of doctor salaries, see our Salary Guide.