Choose two careers. See the difference.
Compare the work, education path, knowledge areas, pay, and outlook side by side.
VS
Software DeveloperBuild the systems people rely on — and solve problems that rarely come with perfect instructions.View career →
PediatricianCombine science, judgment, and trust to care for children and guide families.View career →
Career overview
Software developers design computer applications or programs, analyze users’ needs, plan how system components work together, and maintain and test software after release.
General pediatricians diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries in children, and guide families on health, development, and preventive care.
Typical education
Bachelor's common
MD/DO + residency
Education & licensing path
A bachelor’s degree is typically needed; some employers prefer a master’s degree.
Physicians typically complete a bachelor’s degree, a medical degree, and 3 to 9 years of internship and residency; all states require licensure.
Majors or training programs
Computer and information technology · Engineering · Mathematics
No specific undergraduate major required · Medical degree (M.D. or D.O.)
Knowledge & coursework areas
Computers and Electronics · Customer and Personal Service · Mathematics · English Language
Medicine and Dentistry · Therapy and Counseling · Biology · Psychology · Customer and Personal Service
Pay snapshot*
$132K
$205K
Outlook snapshot*
+17%
+4%
AI direction
High augmentation
Low replacement / high support
Great fit if you enjoy
Problem solving · Systems thinking · Collaboration
Empathy · Science · Communication
*Pay and outlook snapshots are stored with the career record; see each career page for its official BLS and O*NET sources.