Is Neurology a Good Career in 2026?
Diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system.
Based on 92 approved physician salary reports + BLS employment projections
SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Based on 92 approved physician salary reports + BLS employment projections
Score Breakdown
Demand score powered by BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034): 5.4% projected growth (faster than average)
Neurology Compensation & Earnings
Neurology Compensation
$400,000
$335,000 – $450,000(P25–P75)
Neurology Salary Progression
From medical school to senior attending — based on 92 approved salary reports
34 submissions
2 submissions
33 submissions
53 submissions
6 submissions
+14% salary growth from early career ($359,000) to mid-career ($410,000)
Best States for Neurologists (After Tax)
| State | Median Salary | After-Tax Income | Demand Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $605,000(2) | $585,943 | Low(110 jobs) |
| Vermont | $500,000(2) | $462,000 | Limited(60 jobs) |
| Texas | $450,000(5) | $450,000 | Moderate(500 jobs) |
| Arizona | $440,000(4) | $429,000 | Low(110 jobs) |
| Florida | $423,500(10) | $423,500 | Limited |
Estimate Your Take-Home
Based on median Neurology salary of $400K/yr
Select a state to see your estimated take-home pay
Take-Home Pay by State
How much a Neurology physician actually keeps after federal, state, and FICA taxes
Highest Take-Home States
Lowest Take-Home States
Tax impact: A Neurology physician keeps $195,938 more per year in Indiana vs. California — a 49.0% difference on gross income of $400,000.
Assumes single filer, standard deduction, W-2 employment. State rates from Tax Foundation 2025. Gross salaries from BLS OEWS May 2024. FICA includes Social Security (6.2% up to $168,600) and Medicare (1.45% + 0.9% above $200K). Actual take-home varies with deductions, filing status, and local taxes.
How does your compensation compare?
Benchmark yourself against 92 approved neurology salary reports — add yours in 2 minutes and see your percentile instantly.
Career Lifestyle
Career Reality: By the Numbers
Real data from 92 Neurology physician reports — not job board estimates.
What Physicians Actually Say
Themes across 5 written answers from Neurology physicians.
About the Lifestyle (5 answers)
Good Work-Life Balance
20%1 answer mention this
Predictable Schedule
20%1 answer mention this
Call Impact
20%1 answer mention this
Job Market & Future Outlook
Job Market Outlook
BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034) for Neurology
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034. Includes wage/salary and self-employed physicians.
AI & Automation Impact
AI excels at pattern recognition in neuro diagnostics (EEG, MRI). The neurologist's value is in synthesizing these findings with the clinical picture.
How Hard Is It to Match Into Neurology?
Neurology has moderate competitiveness with a 93.8% match rate for U.S. MD seniors. There were 0.57 applicants per position (640 applicants for 1,126 spots). Matched applicants had significantly higher Step 2 CK scores (250 vs 236).
Match Rate by Step 2 CK Score
What Differentiates Matched Applicants
| Metric | Matched | Unmatched |
|---|---|---|
| Step 2 CK | 250 | 236 |
| Research Experiences | 3.5 | 2.8 |
| Publications | 9 | 6 |
| AOA Members | 13% | 0% |
| Programs Ranked | 13 | 4 |
Data from Charting Outcomes in the Match, National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), 2024. U.S. MD seniors. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Training & Getting Started
5 years of post-medical-school training, with subspecialty fellowship options
Subspecialty Fellowships
Physicians Also Consider
Explore Neurology
Take the Next Step in Your Neurology Career
Real, physician-reported compensation data. Know your market value before your next contract negotiation.
Powered by SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Career Score methodology: salarydr.com/methodology
According to SalaryDr Career Intelligence data from 92 approved reports by Neurologists (as of November 2026), the Physician Career Score for Neurology is 66/100. Median total compensation is $400,000, career satisfaction is 4.0/5, and 89% would choose the specialty again. The BLS reports 8,300 practicing Neurologists nationally with 5.4% projected growth (2024-2034).