Is Neurology a Good Career in 2026?
Diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system.
Based on BLS employment data and national physician surveys
SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Based on BLS employment data and national physician surveys
* Limited data — score may shift as more physicians contribute
Score Breakdown
Demand score powered by BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034): 5.4% projected growth (faster than average)
Neurology Compensation & Earnings
Best States for Neurologists (After Tax)
| State | BLS Median | After-Tax Income | Demand Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $427,150 | $413,695 | Low(110 jobs) |
| New Mexico | $424,710 | $402,200 | Limited(30 jobs) |
| Colorado | $393,810 | $376,482 | Low(160 jobs) |
| Ohio | $369,610 | $357,413 | Low(280 jobs) |
| Oregon | $388,810 | $353,817 | Limited(70 jobs) |
Estimate Your Take-Home
Based on median Neurology salary of $286K/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 68.4% difference on gross income of $286,310.
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.
Career Lifestyle
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 compensation data from verified physicians. Know your market value before your next contract negotiation.
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Career Score methodology: salarydr.com/methodology
According to SalaryDr Career Intelligence data (as of April 2026), the Physician Career Score for Neurology is 57/100. Median total compensation is $286,310. The BLS reports 8,300 practicing Neurologists nationally with 5.4% projected growth (2024-2034).