Neonatologist Salary, Job Description and Training

By Patmos Zen •  Updated: 05/17/16 •  4 min read

Pediatric Neonatologist salary average yearly pay is between $126,203 – $284,405, this include bonuses and benefits packages. Neonatology is a sub-specialty in pediatrics, which specifically deals with new born, with more new births rising daily; this profession is one of the most sought out for.

There are more than 300,000 Neonatologist employed in the United States, with a median hourly wage of $100.23 according to estimates using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Neonatologists provide specialized care for newborns who are suffering from a pre-existing illness or have experienced birth difficulties. This can include care for children who are born extremely pre-mature or who are suffering from congenital conditions that can threaten quality of life and survival.

The Neonatologist job description evolves round the new-born, however they also conduct research on how to improve the quality of the lives of newborns. Though their wage may vary and some might report lower salaries like $51,000, this is usually found in the academics.

Other factors the neonatologist salary include employee credentials, years of experience, employer’s capacity, population of the city, general competitiveness in the market, and type and size of the organization, etc.

Neonatologist Salary

On average the Neonatologist earn between $126,203 – $284,405, this is the group most Neonatologist fall into, however those in private practice may earn more than $300,000 and up to $600,000, while their counterparts in the academia may earn lower than $80,000.

The neonatologist salary usually include the bonus, allowances, and other benefits accrued to such position, most top-earners in the industry work in private practice, rural and mid-sized towns, or are top professionals in the field. The work hours of a neonatologist is usually longer than most physicians due to emergencies and high patient calls.

Neonatologist can get good offers from job agencies, referrals, and can be retained to work in the hospital where they did their residence. However getting work offers is a thing of joy, especially when the salary and benefits are encouraging.

Neonatologist Job Description

The neonatologist job description can be found below, the most important one is the care for new born.

Neonatologist Schools and Training

To train as a Neonatologist, you would have to complete a pediatric training before branching out to neonatal as a sub-specialty. The training of a neonatologist is usually between 13-16 years of training, they first have to complete a 4 years bachelors degree with courses in chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics.

You must sit for and pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to qualify for medical school. Once accepted to medical school, students spend the first two years focusing on general medicine and principles. The last two years is for clinical and specialty training.

After medical school, students apply for residency in hospitals and clinics where they spend another 3- 6 years of training under the guidance of experience doctors. Residency is done in approved and accredited hospitals. Doctors wishing to qualify as neonatologists must then complete a three-year fellowship in that specialty. A Neonatologist will also do board certified exams to become a fellow, Neonatologists are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

A Neonatologist can also continue education by gaining more and relevant board certifications.