General Pediatrician Jobs in La Mesa, CA: Salary, Requirements & Career Guide

Introduction

Are you a board-certified pediatrician seeking a rewarding general pediatrician job with a focus on high-quality patient care? A recent job posting from Grossmont Pediatrics in La Mesa, California, highlights an excellent opportunity for general pediatricians. This position offers an annual salary range of $225,000 to $250,000 USD, emphasizing work at a single clinic site to prioritize exceptional pediatric care. Located in the vibrant San Diego area, this role appeals to physicians passionate about child health.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down what it means to work as a general pediatrician, analyze this specific job opening, and provide pedagogical insights into the career path. Whether you’re exploring pediatrician jobs in California or evaluating pediatrician salary expectations, this article equips you with verifiable facts from reliable sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and medical associations.

What Is a General Pediatrician?

A general pediatrician is a primary care physician specializing in the health of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults up to age 21. Unlike pediatric subspecialists (e.g., cardiologists or neurologists), general pediatricians handle routine check-ups, vaccinations, acute illnesses, developmental screenings, and chronic condition management, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Analysis

This job posting, dated September 17, 2025, from Grossmont Pediatrics, underscores key trends in pediatrician careers. The emphasis on “one native clinic” likely means a single-location practice, allowing pediatricians to build deep patient relationships without multi-site travel. This setup supports focused, high-quality care, reducing administrative burdens common in larger hospital systems.

Job Location and Market Context

La Mesa, CA, a suburb of San Diego, benefits from high demand for pediatric services due to California’s growing population and family-friendly communities. The BLS reports California as a top-paying state for pediatricians, with median wages exceeding $200,000 annually. Grossmont Pediatrics, a established practice, aligns with regional needs for accessible child healthcare.

Salary Breakdown

The listed salary of $225,000–$250,000 reflects competitive compensation for experienced general pediatricians. Per Medscape’s 2023 Physician Compensation Report, pediatricians earn a median of $202,000 nationally, but California roles often surpass $240,000 due to cost-of-living adjustments and shortages. Factors influencing pay include board certification, experience (typically 3+ years post-residency), and call duties.

Summary

The Grossmont Pediatrics opening exemplifies ideal general pediatrician jobs: high salary, single-site focus, and community-based care in La Mesa, CA. It requires a medical degree (MD/DO), completed pediatric residency, and active California licensure. This role suits physicians valuing work-life balance while delivering comprehensive child health services, from well-child visits to managing conditions like asthma or ADHD.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Aspiring or current pediatricians should tailor applications to highlight residency training and patient volumes. Update your CV with ABP certification status and any outpatient experience.

How to Apply for Pediatrician Jobs

Visit the LinkedIn link provided in the posting to submit your application. Prepare a cover letter addressing high-quality care commitment. Network via AAP events or Doximity for California opportunities. BLS data shows 3,400 annual pediatrician openings nationwide, with California leading due to retirements.

Career Preparation Steps

1. Complete a 4-year pediatric residency after medical school.
2. Pass ABP exams for certification, renewable every 10 years with MOC.
3. Obtain state licensure; California’s process via the Medical Board takes 12–16 weeks.
4. Gain experience in electronic health records (EHR) like Epic, common in clinics.

For salary negotiation, reference MGMA data: top earners with 5+ years experience command $250,000+ in high-cost areas like San Diego County.

Points of Caution

While attractive, general pediatrician jobs involve challenges. High patient loads can lead to burnout; AAP surveys note 50% of pediatricians experience it. California’s high malpractice premiums (average $20,000–$40,000/year) impact net income. Verify clinic call schedules—overnight duties may apply. Competition is fierce: only 15,000 active general pediatricians serve 73 million U.S. children under 18 (AAP stats).

Work-Life Balance Considerations

Single-clinic models like this reduce travel but may increase on-site hours. Monitor for vaccine hesitancy or social determinants affecting care efficacy.

Comparison

Compared to hospitalist pediatricians ($220,000 median, per BLS), outpatient general roles like Grossmont offer better predictability. Vs. family medicine physicians ($255,000 median), pediatricians specialize deeper in child health but handle narrower age groups. In California, this La Mesa salary exceeds rural postings ($200,000) but trails subspecialists ($300,000+).

National vs. California Pediatrician Salaries

Legal Implications

Employment as a general pediatrician requires compliance with federal and state laws. California’s Medical Board mandates licensure renewal every two years with 50 CME hours. HIPAA governs patient privacy; violations risk fines up to $50,000 per incident. Malpractice insurance is essential—tail coverage for job transitions. The Stark Law prohibits self-referrals, relevant for clinic-based referrals. No employment contract? Negotiate non-compete clauses, limited to 1 year in California per Business & Professions Code §16600.

Licensing and Compliance Essentials

DEA registration for controlled substances is mandatory. Verify NPI numbers for billing. Post-COVID, OSHA vaccine mandates may apply to clinic staff.

Conclusion

The Grossmont Pediatrics general pediatrician job in La Mesa, CA, represents a prime opportunity with $225,000–$250,000 salary and quality-care focus. For physicians dedicated to child wellness, it offers stability amid pediatric shortages. Apply promptly via LinkedIn, armed with certification and experience. This role not only advances your pediatrician career but contributes to healthier communities—start your journey today.

FAQ

Sources

• Grossmont Pediatrics Job Posting: LinkedIn Link (Posted Sep 17, 2025).
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Pediatricians Occupational Outlook (2023 data).
• Medscape Physician Compensation Report: 2023 Edition.
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Workforce Data.
• California Medical Board: Licensure Requirements.
• American Board of Pediatrics: Certification Guidelines.