💵 Salary Range (USA, 2025)
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Minimum (10th percentile): ~$57,500/year
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Median: $152,800/year (May 2024 BLS)
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Maximum (Top 10%): > $239,200/year
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Industry Averages:
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PayScale: ~$161,560 average; range $102k - $278k
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Indeed: ~$246,959 average
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MGMA: Single-specialty median $230,357; surgical subspecialists $304,474+
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Experience-based data: Starting ~$109k; 5–10 yrs: $238k; 20+ yrs: $336k+
🔍 What They Do
Podiatrists—also known as Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs)—specialize in diagnosing and treating foot, ankle, and lower leg conditions. Their scope includes:
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Reviewing patient history and physical exams
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Interpreting X-rays and lab tests
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Providing non-surgical treatments like orthotics, medications, and wound care
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Performing foot and ankle surgeries (e.g., bunions, fractures, deformities)
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Managing complications from systemic conditions like diabetes or vascular disease
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Referring to other specialists when needed
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Educating patients on foot care and preventive wellness
🎓 Education & Training
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Undergraduate degree – 3–4 years with science prerequisites & MCAT
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Podiatric medical school (DPM) – 4 years at a CPME-accredited institution
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Residency – 3-year hospital-based Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency (PMSR), often including reconstructive ankle surgery training
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Optional Fellowships – 1–2 years in areas like sports medicine, diabetic foot care, or reconstructive surgery
⏱️ Total training: Approximately 10–11 years post-high school
📜 Certification
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American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE) for licensure in all 50 states
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Board certification (voluntary but highly recommended):
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ABPM – primary podiatric medicine
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ABFAS – foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle
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Maintenance: Continuing education and periodic board recertification
🏛️ Licensing
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A state podiatric license is required in every jurisdiction—must pass APMLE and submit documentation
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Hospital privileges often require board certification and malpractice coverage
📈 Career Outlook & Practice Settings
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Job growth: Projected at 1% from 2023–2033; around 300 job openings annually
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Work settings: Private practices, physician offices, hospitals, urgent care, and VA centers
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Podiatrists play a vital role in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, mobility disorders, and sports injuries
✅ Final Takeaway
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Role: Experts in non-surgical and surgical treatment of lower-extremity conditions
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Salary: $57k starting; median $153k; top-end $239k+, with high-volume surgeons making $300k+
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Education: ~10–11 years including college, DPM program, residency, optional fellowship
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Certification: APMLE licensure; optional ABPM/ABFAS board certification
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Licensing: State podiatric license; often board-certified for hospital privileges
Foot and ankle health is critical across ages and conditions—if you're drawn to surgical care, biomechanics, and lifelong patient relationships, becoming a podiatrist offers both meaning and strong earning potential.