Internist
Diagnose and manage illnesses in adults, in clinics and hospitals.
- $256,560
- 11 years after high school
Healthcare career
Neurologist
Also called: Brain and Nerve Doctor · Stroke Neurologist · Epileptologist · Neurology Physician
What neurologists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a neurologist do?
Neurologists are physicians who diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system, including stroke, epilepsy, migraines, multiple sclerosis and dementia. The median pay is $248,560 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 12 years after high school, and employment is projected to grow +6.4% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$248,560$119.50/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+6.4%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year300Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train12 years after high schoolTypical program length
- U.S. jobs11,400Employment, 2025
What neurologists do
Neurologists care for the brain and nerves. They examine patients with headaches, seizures, weakness, numbness, memory loss and movement disorders, read brain imaging and EEGs, run nerve studies and manage long-term conditions like Parkinson’s and MS. Stroke neurologists treat emergencies where minutes matter.
Neurologists complete medical school, a one-year internship and a three-year neurology residency, often followed by a fellowship.
Typical duties
- Examine patients with neurologic symptoms
- Diagnose brain and nerve disorders
- Read brain imaging and EEGs
- Treat strokes
- Manage epilepsy, MS and Parkinson’s
- Treat migraines
- Coordinate rehab and care
Work environment and schedule
Neurologists work in hospitals, clinics and academic medical centers.
Schedule: Clinic hours are regular; hospital neurologists take call for strokes and emergencies.
A day in the life
- See a patient with migraines.
- Adjust seizure medications.
- Respond to a stroke alert.
- Review an MRI with a radiologist.
See a full day in the life of a neurologist →
Neurologist salary
Half of neurologists earned more than $248,560 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $83,370 for the lowest 10% to $450,780 for the top 10%.
Full neurologist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a neurologist
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Complete medical school
- Complete internship
- Complete neurology residency
- Pass boards
Medical school, a one-year internship and a three-year neurology residency are required, plus a license and board certification.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a neurologist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Neurologic examination
- Neuroimaging interpretation
- EEG reading
- Stroke treatment
- Neuropharmacology
People skills
- Analytical thinking
- Communication
- Patience
- Empathy
All neurologist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fascinating field
- High pay
- Growing need with an aging population
- Many subspecialties
Cons
- Long training
- Some conditions have no cure
- Stroke call
- Complex cases
Certifications and licenses
- ABPN neurology certification: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
- State medical license: Required.
- Vascular neurology certification: Stroke subspecialty.
- Clinical neurophysiology certification: EEG and EMG.
Career path
- Neurology Resident: Train.
- Neurologist: Practice.
- Subspecialist: Stroke, epilepsy or MS.
- Department Chair: Lead neurology.
Learn the job before day one
Our Neurologist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as respond to a stroke alert and perform a neurologic exam, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Psychiatrist
Diagnose and treat mental illness with medication and therapy.
- $281,870
- 12 years after high school
Radiologist
Read X-rays, CT and MRI scans to diagnose disease.
- $420,860
- 13 years after high school
Speech-Language Pathologist
Help people with speech, language, voice and swallowing problems.
- $97,870
- 6–7 years
Compare: Neurologist vs. Internist · Neurologist vs. Psychiatrist · Neurologist vs. Radiologist · Neurologist vs. Speech Therapist
Neurologist FAQ
How long does it take to become a neurologist?
About 12 years after high school.
Do neurologists do surgery?
No, neurosurgeons operate; neurologists diagnose and treat medically.
Is neurology in demand?
Yes, especially for stroke, dementia and epilepsy care.
How much does a neurologist make?
The median annual wage for neurologists was $248,560 ($119.50 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $83,370 and the highest 10% earned more than $450,780.
How long does it take to become a neurologist?
Most people need about 12 years after high school of training. Medical school, a one-year internship and a three-year neurology residency are required, plus a license and board certification.
Do you need a degree to be a neurologist?
Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1217 (Neurologists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Neurologists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.