Podiatrists

SOC code 29-1081 · O*NET-SOC 29-1081.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Podiatrists pay

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

Median pay

$160,300

a year

Hourly

$77.07

per hour

10th$66,010Median$160,30090th$309,670

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

Average pay

$175,480

$84.37 per hour

Middle 50%

$103,730 – $225,910

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$66,010 – $309,670

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

9,680

nationwide

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

10th percentile: $66,010; $31.74/hr
25th percentile: $103,730; $49.87/hr
Median percentile: $160,300; $77.07/hr
75th percentile: $225,910; $108.61/hr
90th percentile: $309,670; $148.88/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+2%

Growing about as fast as average

9,700

jobs in 2024

9,900

projected for 2034

About 200 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a podiatrist do?

Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Treat bone, muscle, and joint disorders affecting the feet and ankles.
Diagnose diseases and deformities of the foot using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory test results.
Advise patients about treatments and foot care techniques necessary for prevention of future problems.
Prescribe medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery.
Surgically treat conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, or abscesses.
Refer patients to physicians when symptoms indicative of systemic disorders, such as arthritis or diabetes, are observed in feet and legs.
Make and fit prosthetic appliances.
Correct deformities by means of plaster casts and strapping.

How to become a podiatrist

Most people in this role hold doctoral degree — 53% 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

Doctoral Degree53%
Post-Doctoral Training32%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.14%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)1%

Common questions

How much does a podiatrist earn?

The national median is $160,300 a year. The full range runs from $66,010 at the 10th percentile to $309,670 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 podiatrist 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.

Is podiatrist in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 2% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Active Learning4.0/5
Writing3.9/5
Monitoring3.9/5

Knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry5.0/5
Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
English Language4.6/5
Education and Training4.1/5
Computers and Electronics3.8/5
Administration and Management3.8/5
Biology3.8/5
Chemistry3.4/5

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