CFChooseField
Healthcare

Neurologists

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

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Neurologists
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Median pay

≥$239,200
Median annual pay for Neurologists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

5.4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

8,300
Estimated U.S. employment for Neurologists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Doctoral or professional degree
Typical additional preparation: Internship/residency.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Medicine and Dentistry
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Psychology
  4. 4Biology
  5. 5Therapy and Counseling
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Inductive Reasoning
  2. 2Deductive Reasoning
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Written Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Social
  3. 3Realistic
  4. 4Conventional
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Intellectual Curiosity
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Cautiousness
  5. 5Self-Control
  6. 6Empathy

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  3. 3Assisting and Caring for Others
  4. 4Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  5. 5Documenting/Recording Information
  6. 6Analyzing Data or Information

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  3. 3Freedom to Make Decisions
  4. 4Contact With Others
  5. 5Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  6. 6Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

Representative tasks

  • Interview patients to obtain information, such as complaints, symptoms, medical histories, and family histories.
  • Examine patients to obtain information about functional status of areas, such as vision, physical strength, coordination, reflexes, sensations, language skills, cognitive abilities, and mental status.
  • Perform or interpret the outcomes of procedures or diagnostic tests, such as lumbar punctures, electroencephalography, electromyography, and nerve conduction velocity tests.
  • Order or interpret results of laboratory analyses of patients' blood or cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Diagnose neurological conditions based on interpretation of examination findings, histories, or test results.
  • Prescribe or administer medications, such as anti-epileptic drugs, and monitor patients for behavioral and cognitive side effects.
  • Identify and treat major neurological system diseases and disorders, such as central nervous system infection, cranio spinal trauma, dementia, and stroke.
  • Develop treatment plans based on diagnoses and on evaluation of factors, such as age and general health, or procedural risks and costs.

Software and tools

Epic Systems · in demandMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyeClinicalWorks EHR software · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyAllscripts PMsimplifyMDNuesoft Technologies NueMDNextGen Healthcare NextGen Practice ManagementModernizing Medicine Practice ManagementMcKesson Practice Plus

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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