Urologists

SOC code 29-1229 · O*NET-SOC 29-1229.03 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Urologists pay

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

Median pay

$265,930

a year

Hourly

$127.85

per hour

10th$69,170Median$265,93090th$452,360

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

Average pay

$262,040

$125.98 per hour

Middle 50%

$102,930 – $378,770

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$69,170 – $452,360

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

342,720

nationwide

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

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Physicians, All Other”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $69,170; $33.26/hr
25th percentile: $102,930; $49.48/hr
Median percentile: $265,930; $127.85/hr
75th percentile: $378,770; $182.10/hr
90th percentile: $452,360; $217.48/hr

What does an urologist do?

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent benign and malignant medical and surgical disorders of the genitourinary system and the renal glands.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Diagnose or treat diseases or disorders of genitourinary organs and tracts including erectile dysfunction (ED), infertility, incontinence, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, urethral stones, or premature ejaculation.
Examine patients using equipment, such as radiograph (x-ray) machines or fluoroscopes, to determine the nature and extent of disorder or injury.
Order and interpret the results of diagnostic tests, such as prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening, to detect prostate cancer.
Document or review patients' histories.
Prescribe or administer antibiotics, antiseptics, or compresses to treat infection or injury.
Treat urologic disorders using alternatives to traditional surgery such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, laparoscopy, or laser techniques.
Provide urology consultation to physicians or other health care professionals.
Treat lower urinary tract dysfunctions using equipment such as diathermy machines, catheters, cystoscopes, or radium emanation tubes.

How to become an urologist

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 Degree33%
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.2%

Common questions

How much does an urologist earn?

The national median is $265,930 a year. The full range runs from $69,170 at the 10th percentile to $452,360 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an urologist 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

Reading Comprehension4.4/5
Critical Thinking4.3/5
Active Listening4.1/5
Writing4.1/5
Speaking4.0/5
Active Learning3.9/5
Monitoring3.9/5

Knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry5.0/5
Biology4.8/5
English Language4.3/5
Education and Training4.0/5
Therapy and Counseling3.9/5
Administration and Management3.9/5
Psychology3.8/5
Customer and Personal Service3.7/5

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