Podiatrist Salary 2025: Median $160,300 — Guide to Pay, Career Outlook, and How to Become One
Podiatrists — doctors specializing in foot and ankle care — earn a median salary of $160,300, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage is $175,480, roughly $77 per hour. Most podiatrists practice in private offices or clinics, but earnings can vary widely: the lowest 10% make around $66,010, while the highest 10% top $309,670. If you're considering this path or researching compensation, here's what the data shows.
How much Podiatrists earn
The typical podiatrist earns $160,300 at the median, meaning half earn more and half earn less. Average pay is $175,480, though this figure can be pulled up by high earners. Entry-level salaries start near $66,010, while experienced practitioners in high-demand settings can exceed $309,670.
- Median annual wage: $160,300
- Mean annual wage: $175,480 ($77 per hour)
- 10th percentile: $66,010
- 90th percentile: $309,670
Pay by state
Where you practice heavily influences your paycheck. The District of Columbia pays the most at $265,740, followed by Minnesota ($261,180), Oklahoma ($253,380), New Hampshire ($250,070), and Washington ($232,970). On the lower end, podiatrists in Idaho earn $124,610, while New York pays $108,460 and Utah $93,270. These state-level figures reflect average annual salaries.
How to become a Podiatrist
Becoming a podiatrist requires a four-year bachelor's degree (often in a science field), followed by four years at an accredited podiatric medical school. After earning a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, graduates complete a three-year surgical residency. All states require a license, which involves passing the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE) and meeting state-specific requirements. Board certification is optional but can improve job prospects.
- Earn a bachelor's degree (pre-med or science focus)
- Graduate from an accredited podiatric medical school (4 years)
- Complete a podiatric surgical residency (3 years)
- Pass the APMLE and obtain state licensure
- Consider board certification for career advancement
Job outlook
Employment of podiatrists is projected to grow 1.8% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 300 new openings per year, mostly due to retirements and the need to replace workers who leave the field. Current employment stands at 9,680 positions nationwide. While demand is steady, competition for jobs in desirable locations may be moderate.
Frequently asked questions
How much do podiatrists make per hour?
The mean hourly wage for podiatrists is $77, according to BLS data.
What is the highest-paying state for podiatrists?
The District of Columbia pays the highest average salary at $265,740, followed by Minnesota, Oklahoma, New Hampshire, and Washington.
Is it hard to become a podiatrist?
It requires about 11 years of education and training after high school (4 years undergrad, 4 years podiatric medical school, 3 years residency) plus licensing exams. It's a demanding path but less competitive than medical school for MD/DO.
What is the job growth for podiatrists?
The BLS projects 1.8% growth from 2024 to 2034, slower than average, with about 300 openings yearly.
Do podiatrists make a lot of money?
With a median of $160,300, podiatrists earn well above the national average for all occupations ($59,540). Top earners exceed $309,670.
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 Podiatrists data.