Neurologists are medical doctors specialized in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. They address a range of conditions from headaches and sleep disorders to more complex issues like stroke, epilepsy, or multiple sclerosis.
Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Internship/residency
Projected Growth: 3.2% (average)
Annual job openings: 300
Direct AI exposure: 13% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 61% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $249K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $83K per year | $156K per year | $249K per year | $358K per year | $451K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $198K above the national average. | ||||
Neurologists typically work in hospitals, private clinics, and academic medical centers. They may also be involved in research at universities or pharmaceutical companies. The work often involves collaboration with other healthcare professionals and may include on-call duties for emergency situations.
Neurologists play a vital role in healthcare, often dealing with some of the most complex and challenging medical conditions. Their work is both diagnostic and therapeutic, requiring a deep understanding of the nervous system's structure, function, and disorders. Neurologists must keep up with rapid advancements in their field, as new technologies and treatments are continually developed.
The role demands strong analytical skills, as neurologists interpret various test results and clinical findings to make diagnoses. They must also be adept in patient care, offering not only medical treatment but also emotional support to patients and families dealing with potentially life-altering diagnoses.
Neurologists often work in a team environment, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. This can include working with primary care doctors, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, and others. The profession is also well-suited for those interested in research, as there are many opportunities to contribute to the understanding of neurological disorders and their treatments.
Becoming a neurologist usually requires 4 years of undergraduate education, 4 years of medical school, and a residency in neurology, which typically lasts 3-4 years. Many neurologists also complete a fellowship in a subspecialty area, which can take an additional 1-2 years.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.