💵 Annual Salary Range (USA, 2025)
According to national data:
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Minimum/Entry-Level (10th percentile): ≈ $154,000 (~$40/hr)
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Average/Median:
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ZipRecruiter:
$347,715/year ($167/hour) -
Salary.com: ~$291,100/year
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Indeed: ~$281,600/year (range $185k - $428k)
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Maximum/Top Earners: ≈ $400,000 - $450,000+, with interventional or neurocritical care specialists earning $600,000+
Geographic impact: Top-paying locations include parts of California, Alaska, and Washington, with salaries >$400k for entry-level physicians
🎯 What They Do
Neurologists are medical doctors specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system—including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. They treat conditions like migraines, epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, neuropathies, sleep disorders, and neuromuscular conditions. Their work includes neurological exams, ordering/interpreting imaging and electrophysiological studies, performing lumbar punctures, and managing both acute and chronic neurological conditions.
🎓 Education & Training
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Bachelor’s Degree (4 years, pre-med focus)
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Medical School (MD or DO; 4 years)
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Internship/Internal Medicine Year (First year of residency)
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Neurology Residency (3 additional clinical years in neurology)
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Optional Fellowship (1–2 years) in subspecialties like stroke, epilepsy, neurocritical care
🔍 Total training time: ~12–13 years post–high school
📜 Certification
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Board certification through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) or, for DOs, the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology & Psychiatry (AOBNP)
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Requires successful completion of residency and passing written and/or oral exams
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Subspecialty certifications also available in areas like clinical neurophysiology or vascular neurology
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Maintenance of Certification (MOC): Involves CME, self-assessment, and practice improvement activities every few years
🏛️ Licensing Requirements
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Must pass USMLE (for MDs) or COMLEX-USA (for DOs) Steps 1–3
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Apply for a state medical license in the state(s) where they practice
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Board certification, while not legally obligatory, is essential for hospital credentials and insurance provider panels
📈 Career Outlook & Trends
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Strong demand due to an aging population and neurological disease prevalence
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Multiple subspecialty paths (interventional, neurocritical, pediatric neurology) offer varied roles and earning potential
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Work settings: Hospitals, outpatient clinics, academic centers, telemedicine, and research labs
✅ Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Role | Treat disorders of the brain, nerves & muscles |
| Salary Range (2025) | $154k (entry) – $400k+; specialized roles $600k+ |
| Training | ~12–13 years (college → med school → residency → optional fellowship) |
| Certification | ABPN or AOBNP board certification + subspecialties |
| Licensing | USMLE/COMLEX + state license; board certification for credentials |