Hiring guide · Healthcare
How to Hire a Podiatrist
Pay benchmarks, qualifications, sourcing, screening and interview questions for hiring podiatrists, plus a plan to get them productive fast.
Write a clear job description, offer competitive pay (the national median is $160,300), recruit through community college and vocational program career centers, verify APMLE exams where applicable, run a structured interview with a practical skills check, and onboard with a 30-60-90 day plan.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
The hiring market for podiatrists
There are about 10,000 podiatrists employed in the U.S., with roughly 200 openings each year. Employment is projected to change +2.0% from 2025–35 (slower than average). Most openings come from replacing workers who retire or change careers, so a steady pipeline matters.
Pay benchmarks for offers
| Candidate level | Annual | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th–25th percentile) | $66,010–$103,730 | $31.74–$49.87 |
| Typical / mid-career (median) | $160,300 | $77.07 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $225,910 | $108.61 |
| Top of market (90th percentile) | $309,670 | $148.88 |
*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.
What to look for
Must-haves
- Doctoral or professional degree (typical entry level)
- Licensing or certification required in your state
- Foot and ankle exam
- Communication
Nice-to-haves
- APMLE exams
- State podiatry license
- ABFAS board certification
- Experience with surgical instruments
Where to find podiatrists
- Community college and vocational program career centers
- Clinical externship and student-placement partnerships
- State nurse aide registries and healthcare job boards
- Employee referral programs
- Job postings that use common alternate titles: DPM, Foot Doctor, Podiatric Surgeon, Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Screening checklist
- Verify certifications and state registry or license status with the issuing body
- Background checks and federal exclusion-list (OIG LEIE) screening as required for your organization
- Immunization records, TB testing and drug screening according to policy and law
- Current BLS/CPR certification
Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.
1. “Why podiatry?”
What a strong answer includes: Share motivation.
2. “How do you handle diabetic wounds?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
3. “Describe your surgical training.”
What a strong answer includes: Be specific.
4. “How do you teach prevention?”
What a strong answer includes: Give examples.
5. “What settings interest you?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
Practical skills checks
A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:
- Perform a Diabetic Foot Exam (see the steps)
- Debride a Wound (see the steps)
- Treat Plantar Fasciitis (see the steps)
Red flags
- Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
- Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
- Unfamiliar with core terms such as DPM, Plantar fasciitis, Bunion
- Negative talk about every past employer or coworker
Onboard for retention
The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Podiatrist 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Podiatrist training. Show them the path forward: Podiatry Resident → Podiatrist → Practice Partner → Department Chief.
Hiring podiatrists: FAQ
How much should I pay a podiatrist?
The U.S. median wage for podiatrists is $160,300 per year ($77.07/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($103,730), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($225,910). Adjust for your local market.
What qualifications should a podiatrist have?
BLS lists “doctoral or professional degree” as the typical entry-level education. Look for APMLE exams and State podiatry license where relevant, plus skills such as foot and ankle exam, wound care, and foot surgery.
How long does it take to train a new podiatrist?
Becoming qualified typically takes 11 years after high school. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “internship/residency.”