Neurologists

Diagnose, manage, and treat disorders and diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, with a primarily nonsurgical focus.

SOC: 29-1217.00

Common Job Titles

Adult and Pediatric NeurologistNeurologistPediatric NeurologistPhysician

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeDiagnose disorders and diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves through analysis of clinical presentations, neurological examinations, and diagnostic imaging in hospital and outpatient settings.
  • KnowledgeFormulate comprehensive treatment plans for complex neurological conditions integrating evidence-based protocols, patient-specific factors, and current research independently.
  • KnowledgeInterpret neuroimaging results from MRI, CT, and ultrasound scanners to identify pathological changes and communicate findings to patients and medical teams.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize current neurological research and clinical guidelines to continuously update practice standards and educate medical trainees, patients, and colleagues.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate patient laboratory results, neuroimaging studies, and electrophysiological data to determine compliance with diagnostic standards and inform treatment decisions in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Hands-onPerform neurological examinations using specialized instruments including neurological hammers, ophthalmoscopes, and tuning forks to assess nervous system function.
  • Hands-onOperate electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyograph (EMG), and evoked potential testing equipment to collect and analyze electrophysiological data for diagnostic purposes.
  • MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with evidence-based neurological treatment protocols when managing chronic neurological disorders and navigating complex ethical situations involving quality of life.
  • MindsetAdvocate for patient needs and treatment preferences within interdisciplinary healthcare teams while balancing clinical evidence and therapeutic constraints.
  • KnowledgeDocument comprehensive patient histories, examination findings, and treatment plans in electronic health record systems including Epic and eClinicalWorks following regulatory standards.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Neurologists (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

7,700

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$83,500
10% of workers earn the following or more$239,200+
Workers on average earn$286,310

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Medicine and Dentistry4.8/5
  • English Language4.2/5
  • Psychology4.1/5
  • Biology4.1/5
  • Therapy and Counseling4.0/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Epic SystemsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordeClinicalWorks EHR software

Technology Skills

Allscripts PMAutomatic Data Processing AdvancedMD EHRBenchmark Systems Benchmark Clinical EHRBizmatics PrognoCIS EMRCareCloud CentralCerner PowerWorks Practice ManagementEmail softwareEpic Practice Management

Tools & Equipment

Audio evoked potential testersAudio stimulatorsAuditory function screenersAutomated external defibrillators AEDAutomatic blood pressure cuffsBabinski hammersBiofeedback unitsCerebral oximeters