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 Neurologist
Neurologist
Pediatric Neurologist
Physician
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.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate comprehensive treatment plans for complex neurological conditions integrating evidence-based protocols, patient-specific factors, and current research independently.
Advanced
KnowledgeInterpret neuroimaging results from MRI, CT, and ultrasound scanners to identify pathological changes and communicate findings to patients and medical teams.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize current neurological research and clinical guidelines to continuously update practice standards and educate medical trainees, patients, and colleagues.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate patient laboratory results, neuroimaging studies, and electrophysiological data to determine compliance with diagnostic standards and inform treatment decisions in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform neurological examinations using specialized instruments including neurological hammers, ophthalmoscopes, and tuning forks to assess nervous system function.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyograph (EMG), and evoked potential testing equipment to collect and analyze electrophysiological data for diagnostic purposes.
Proficient
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.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for patient needs and treatment preferences within interdisciplinary healthcare teams while balancing clinical evidence and therapeutic constraints.
Proficient
KnowledgeDocument comprehensive patient histories, examination findings, and treatment plans in electronic health record systems including Epic and eClinicalWorks following regulatory standards.
Proficient
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
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $83,500. 25th percentile: U.S. $140,970. 50th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 75th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 90th percentile: U.S. $239,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
