How much does a brain doctor make?

In the U.S., neurologists’ pay can differ with experience, workplace, region, subspecialty, workload, and on-call duties. Credentials may matter too, but a license or board certification alone does not set someone’s pay.

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

What's a typical day like?

They hear patients’ concerns, check strength, reflexes, speech and balance, and look for clues to brain or nerve problems. They review scans and tests, plan care, and may visit hospital patients or stroke emergencies when on call.

U.S. neurologists complete college, take the MCAT, then do four years each of medical school and neurology residency. They pass licensing exams and get a state license; board certification and optional fellowship mean many start around age 30 or later.

Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)

Good for people who like figuring things out and helping and teaching.

In 2021, over 180 million people in the U.S.—about one in two—had a condition affecting the brain, spinal cord, or nerves.