Neurologists

SOC code 29-1217 · O*NET-SOC 29-1217.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Neurologists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$248,560

a year

Hourly

$119.50

per hour

10th$83,370Median$248,56090th$450,780

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$267,630

$128.67 per hour

Middle 50%

$155,990 – $357,990

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$83,370 – $450,780

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

10,590

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $83,370; $40.08/hr
25th percentile: $155,990; $75.00/hr
Median percentile: $248,560; $119.50/hr
75th percentile: $357,990; $172.11/hr
90th percentile: $450,780; $216.72/hr

What does a neurologist do?

Diagnose, manage, and treat disorders and diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, with a primarily nonsurgical focus.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Interview patients to obtain information, such as complaints, symptoms, medical histories, and family histories.
Examine patients to obtain information about functional status of areas, such as vision, physical strength, coordination, reflexes, sensations, language skills, cognitive abilities, and mental status.
Perform or interpret the outcomes of procedures or diagnostic tests, such as lumbar punctures, electroencephalography, electromyography, and nerve conduction velocity tests.
Order or interpret results of laboratory analyses of patients' blood or cerebrospinal fluid.
Diagnose neurological conditions based on interpretation of examination findings, histories, or test results.
Prescribe or administer medications, such as anti-epileptic drugs, and monitor patients for behavioral and cognitive side effects.
Identify and treat major neurological system diseases and disorders, such as central nervous system infection, cranio spinal trauma, dementia, and stroke.
Develop treatment plans based on diagnoses and on evaluation of factors, such as age and general health, or procedural risks and costs.

How to become a neurologist

Most people in this role hold post-doctoral training — 64% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Doctoral Training64%
Doctoral Degree29%
Master's Degree5%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)2%

Common questions

How much does a neurologist earn?

The national median is $248,560 a year. The full range runs from $83,370 at the 10th percentile to $450,780 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a neurologist without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening4.3/5
Reading Comprehension4.1/5
Speaking4.1/5
Critical Thinking4.1/5
Writing4.0/5
Monitoring4.0/5
Science3.8/5

Knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry4.8/5
English Language4.2/5
Psychology4.1/5
Biology4.1/5
Therapy and Counseling4.0/5
Education and Training3.7/5
Computers and Electronics3.7/5
Chemistry3.6/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.