How much does a neurologist make?
The median neurologist in the United States earns $248,560 per year, about $119.50 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all neurologists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 29-1217.
Neurologist salary range
Pay for neurologists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $83,370 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $450,780. The average (mean) wage of $267,630 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $83,370 | $40.08 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $155,990 | $75.00 | |
| Median (50th) | $248,560 | $119.50 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $357,990 | $172.11 | |
| 90th percentile | $450,780 | $216.72 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for neurologists (SOC 29-1217), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Neurologist salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Neurologists earn the most in Vermont at $434,730 a year, and the least in West Virginia at $63,500. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $434,730 | 40 |
| Arizona | $409,610 | 80 |
| Minnesota | $381,670 | 310 |
| Texas | $360,640 | 660 |
| California | $357,080 | 1,090 |
| Colorado | $356,250 | 120 |
| Alaska | $354,760 | 100 |
| South Carolina | $352,680 | 40 |
| Wisconsin | $342,520 | 130 |
| Kentucky | $338,850 | 230 |
| District of Columbia | $332,000 | 50 |
| Washington | $327,140 | 180 |
| North Carolina | $325,550 | 180 |
| Florida | $322,750 | 520 |
| Connecticut | $320,680 | 120 |
| Arkansas | $317,880 | 70 |
| Maryland | $302,840 | N/A |
| Nebraska | $269,270 | 80 |
| Kansas | $239,200+ | 60 |
| Maine | $239,200+ | 50 |
| Oregon | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | $239,200+ | 30 |
| Utah | $239,200+ | 100 |
| Illinois | $237,080 | 240 |
| Tennessee | $229,670 | 220 |
| New Jersey | $222,120 | 140 |
| Indiana | $220,210 | 360 |
| New York | $155,990 | 2,810 |
| West Virginia | $63,500 | 60 |
State median wages for neurologists (SOC 29-1217), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for neurologists
The BLS projects employment of neurologists to grow 6.4% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 11,400 jobs in 2025 moving toward 12,100 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 300 openings a year for neurologists. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a neurologist
The typical entry-level education for neurologists is a doctoral or professional degree, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete an internship or residency to reach full competency.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a neurologist earns
Specialty, work setting, shift differentials, certifications, and region drive the numbers. Hospitals, surgical settings, and high cost metros pay above clinics and rural facilities.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Vermont, $434,730) and the lowest (West Virginia, $63,500) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 10,590 people work as neurologists in the United States. At $248,560 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Neurologist salary FAQ
How much does a neurologist make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a neurologist is $119.50. The middle half of neurologists earn between $75.00 and $172.11 per hour.
What is the highest neurologist salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of neurologists earn more than $450,780 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a neurologist make a year?
The median annual salary for a neurologist is $248,560. The average (mean) wage of $267,630 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a neurologist a well paid job?
At $248,560 a year, a neurologist earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 10,590 people work as neurologists in the United States.
Which state pays neurologists the most?
Vermont has the highest median salary for neurologists at $434,730 a year. Arizona ($409,610) and Minnesota ($381,670) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a neurologist a good career?
Employment of neurologists is projected to grow 6.4% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 300 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a neurologist?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for neurologists as a doctoral or professional degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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