Neurologist Salary 2025: Median $248,560 – State Pay, Job Growth & How to Become One
Neurologists in the U.S. earn a median salary of $248,560 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage is $267,630, or roughly $120 an hour. Pay ranges widely: the lowest 10% make around $83,370, while the top 10% exceed $450,780. These figures come from 2024 BLS estimates.
How much Neurologists earn
The median annual wage for neurologists is $248,560, with a mean of $267,630. Hourly, that's about $120. The typical range spans from $83,370 at the 10th percentile to $450,780 at the 90th percentile. Experience, subspecialty, and practice setting all affect pay.
Highest earners often work in private practice or specialize in interventional neurology. Hospital-employed neurologists may have lower base pay but receive benefits like loan repayment or bonuses. Geographic location is a major factor, as shown in state-by-state data.
Pay by state
Where you practice dramatically changes your paycheck. The highest-paying states for neurologists are Vermont ($434,730), Arizona ($409,610), Minnesota ($381,670), Texas ($360,640), and California ($357,080).
On the lower end, Indiana pays $220,210, New York $155,990, and West Virginia $63,500. These are BLS mean annual wages. Rural areas and states with fewer specialists often pay more to attract talent.
How to become a Neurologist
Becoming a neurologist requires about 12 years of education and training after high school. The path is demanding but well-defined. Here are the typical steps:
- 1. Earn a bachelor's degree (4 years) with pre-med coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics.
- 2. Graduate from medical school (4 years) – either an MD or DO program.
- 3. Complete an internal medicine or transitional year internship (1 year).
- 4. Finish a neurology residency (3 years) – ACGME-accredited training in adult or child neurology.
- 5. Obtain a state medical license and pass the USMLE or COMLEX exams.
- 6. Optional: complete a fellowship (1–2 years) in a subspecialty like stroke, epilepsy, or movement disorders.
- 7. Become board-certified through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).
Job outlook
Employment of neurologists is projected to grow 5.4% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 300 new openings each year, driven by an aging population and increased diagnosis of neurological conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Currently, 10,590 neurologists work in the U.S. Demand is especially high in rural and underserved areas. Telemedicine also expands opportunities, allowing neurologists to reach more patients remotely.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a neurologist in 2025?
Based on the latest BLS data, the average (mean) salary for neurologists is $267,630 per year, with a median of $248,560. The top 10% earn over $450,780.
Which state pays neurologists the most?
Vermont is the highest-paying state for neurologists, with a mean annual wage of $434,730. Other top states include Arizona ($409,610), Minnesota ($381,670), Texas ($360,640), and California ($357,080).
How long does it take to become a neurologist?
Typically, it takes 12 years after high school: 4 years of undergraduate, 4 years of medical school, 1 year of internship, and 3 years of neurology residency. A fellowship adds another 1–2 years.
What is the job growth outlook for neurologists?
The BLS projects 5.4% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, faster than average, creating about 300 new positions annually.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Neurologists data.